Foundation and pathway programmes are an excellent preparation for students coming to the UK to study in higher education. The programmes are provided by FE colleges, universities and in collaboration with private-sector pathway providers.
Foundation and pathway programmes are designed to prepare students for admission to English taught undergraduate studies, especially students who need to improve their English or other subject levels before their further academic studies.
Foundation and pathway courses for international students usually combine academic content with English language studies, study skills, and cultural adaptation.
The UK is far and away the leading destination for foundation and pathway studies, with many years of experience in preparing students for successful degree study. Other countries around the world are now seeking to emulate this success.
Why choose a foundation programme?
Meeting the entry requirements for higher study - UK Universities have ‘entry criteria’ that all students have to achieve before enrolling on an undergraduate programme
Students should:
- have a minimum of 13 years education;
- have the ability and standard of English to be able to engage with the programme and its teachers;
- have equal academic qualifications, solid foundations for undergraduate study.
Students who do not meet the entry criteria are advised to enrol on and pass a foundation programme. Foundation and pathway courses are designed for students whose school leaving qualifications do not meet the current admission requirements for direct entry to their chosen undergraduate programme.
Making sure their investment for future higher study is right for them - If students are unsure if degree study will suit them, or if they don’t know which area they want to study and qualify in, a foundation programme can provide an introduction to their area of study, a structure and the opportunity to experience student life in a higher/further education setting. They can benefit from the experience of living away from home, improve their English language, learn key academic skills and make new friends.
Features of foundation programmes:
- Foundation programmes are designed to give students the skills and knowledge to be successful and get the most from their higher education experience
- Programmes are structured to help the student gain the confidence and basic skills to succeed in their choice of undergraduate degree programme
- Improve English language skills
- Improve current qualifications to meet academic entry criteria
- They are mostly one academic year in length
- All have core subjects and specialist options
- Provide support and guidance while studying and living away from home
- Study with other international students, getting to know UK students and teachers, gaining inter-cultural skills
- Study in smaller class sizes, typically 10 to 15 students, learning to work in groups and as individuals
- Help students adjust to life in the UK. Learning to live more independently and in a different culture is a milestone in students' lives, and not always easy. If they study the programme in the UK, before they start their degree programmes they will already have experience in, for example, opening a UK bank account, getting around using the local transport system, food, social activities, the university/college campus and city, and self-confidence in university/college teaching and culture.
What do students study?
Foundation programmes are typically 30 - 34 weeks (one academic year). Most run from September to July, and this is the most appropriate route for students needing to learn language and improve their academic skills. For students with lower levels of English language ability some programmes will include an additional term or two of study to improve English skills in advance of the main course's start. Fast track intensive programmes are offered from January – August. Fast track programmes are very intensive and some students may find it difficult to keep up with their studies. There will be less time for cultural visits and trips.
Programmes consist of:
- core subjects
- optional subjects - the different routes, known as ‘Pathways’ lead to specialist undergraduate study programmes
Core subjects:
- English - even if there is previous knowledge of English, students will need to know how to write academic English, for undertaking projects in English, understanding lecturers and taking notes, giving presentations and carrying out academic research.
- Skills for university study or study skills - Specific areas will differ, but in general, students will learn to make presentations, structure and write reports and essays. The `do’s and don’ts`, common problems and acceptable/unacceptable work will be covered. Plagiarism and handing work in on time, resitting examinations and what to do when problems arise will be explained.
- Personal learning and thinking skills will develop how to form arguments and analytical thought, how to discuss various topics in lectures, tutorials and presentations.
Optional subjects include subjects important to the main undergraduate programme students wish to progress to:
- Business foundation - may include mathematics, politics, law, economics and marketing. Business and humanities routes tend towards business/accounting/hospitality management/marketing and law undergraduate programmes with a range of other subjects like transport and logistics. Specific degrees are varied, from accountancy and finance, politics, LLB, sports promotion and management, criminology. This would also be an appropriate choice for students wanting to study languages.
- Humanities foundation - may include geography and history.
- Engineering foundation - may include electrical properties, property of matter and waves, computing.
- Science foundation - may include chemistry, physics, safe use of laboratories.
Science and engineering pathways will have a higher concentration of mathematics, physics and sciences (biology and chemistry). There will be a higher level of ICT and numeracy. Progression from this route will lead to pharmacy, pharmaceutical programmes, physics, biology, chemistry, engineering – civil, electrical, construction, computing, mechanical, aeronautical, maritime, aviation including flight training and ICT programmes.
The skills gained support the intended undergraduate programme and are usually set and monitored by a university.