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Foundation courses

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Your stepping stone to degree success

Are you eager to embark on a degree course but don't quite meet the entry criteria for undergraduate study? A one-year foundation course could be the perfect option for you.

Equivalent to Level 3 study, a foundation year is designed for students who have just missed the entry requirements for a degree programme but are looking for a clear pathway into higher education. Although not a qualification in itself, the foundation course allows you to spend one year learning more about your chosen subject and developing the skills you need to then progress onto a three-year undergraduate course in the same subject – meaning you can achieve a full degree in four years.

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ currently offers foundation year course options for a variety of our degree subjects including Health and Social Care, Physiotherapy and Psychology. 

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Foundation Year vs Foundation Degree: What's the difference?

Unsure what these two course types are and how they differ? See our guide below or check out our short video explainer on Facebook:

Is a foundation course the same as a foundation degree?

No. They are different, but they both offer great routes to undergraduate qualifications depending on which path is most suitable for you.

A foundation course (or foundation year) is a first step towards starting a full undergraduate degree (e.g. BA, BSc etc.). It acts like a Year 0 which you study to prepare you for moving directly onto Year 1 of your chosen three-year degree course.

By comparison, a foundation degree is a standalone qualification (e.g. FdA, FdSc etc.). It is essentially the same as studying the first two years of a three-year degree course before giving you the option to either start pursuing your career or 'top up' with a third year for a full degree qualification.

For a more detailed explanation, take a look at our blog below:

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Up to £6k Cost of Living Allowance

At ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, we believe the cost of living shouldn’t hold you back from achieving your goals. That’s why we’re providing UK full-time undergraduate students starting in February or September 2026 with £6,000 each to support expenses like food, bills, and transport - completely free, with no need to pay it back. Those starting an HNC course get £2,000 during their studies. 

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How to apply

If you aren't sure what you need or how to apply for your undergraduate course at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, you'll find more information here. 

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