What is a Foundation Year?
The decision to take a foundation year is easier said than done. A foundation year is also a preparatory year because it helps you bridge the gap between your current level of education and the level needed to be admitted to a bachelor’s or a master’s program.
Students from overseas, like Asia, Australia, Europe, and Middle Eastern countries, benefit hugely from this. You must be wondering why. This is because different countries have different years of degree or education qualifications. To get themselves enrolled in their dream country, students need to take a foundation year.
Not just this, taking a foundation year opens up new opportunities for you as a student with little knowledge about the future degree you are about to study. The foundation year will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for further education. Students can learn a plethora of subjects during the foundation year. These include biological sciences, business, education, social studies, and sports. However, the foundation year’s subjects usually depend on the university and its programs. There are its own set of disadvantages of foundation year, which we will also look at in this blog.
How does a foundation year function?
In simple terms, a foundation year is essentially a year at the beginning of your course, leading many to wonder, “is foundation year worth it?” That question will be answered soon, but it is important to learn about how it works and what are foundation year courses.
This foundation year leads straight to your degree studies, but what it does is it prepares you for foundation year courses as well as the courses that are to come. A foundation degree is not the same as a foundation year, however.
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What is the Difference Between a Foundation Year and a Foundation Degree?
As is mentioned above, a foundation year usually lasts for 12 months, and it is taken right before you are about to start studying your main degree of interest. Whereas a foundation degree is a full-fledged degree of usually two or three years that prepares you for an even higher degree.
Foundation year is not a qualification that shows up on your curriculum vitae. Whereas a foundation degree does show up on your educational qualifications. After a foundation year, it is important to follow it up with the same course. But after a foundation degree, it is up to you if you want to pursue a higher degree.
Who Can Take a Foundation Year?
A foundation year is a stepping stone in the world of higher education. Students who are nervous about embarking on a new journey of studying in a different country can take up this course. This will be like a warm-up, preparing them for further educational qualifications. Other students who have doubts about taking up a particular subject or degree in a university can also take a foundation year. These doubts can usually arise when you are a mature student and you are worried that you will be the only one taking the course.
Foundation courses usually don’t award students academic degrees upon completion but act like a safety net for them. It’s pretty simple- if you have doubts about your field of study, just take a foundation year.
Why Should I Take a Foundation Year?
Foundation year can be essential for students to take. This additional year of study prior to beginning a formal degree program offers a range of advantages that could greatly contribute to your academic and personal development for the following reasons that will interest you like.
1. Increase your chances of admission
With a foundation year, you will be fully qualified to begin your undergraduate or graduate degree at your dream university. Foundation year usually gives you an advantage over the students who haven’t taken it up. Taking a foundation year is proof for any university that you will be an asset to their institution, too. It is seen that every year, students who take up a foundation year have higher chances of getting into prestigious universities abroad.
2. The presence of diverse cultures won’t surprise you
Any renowned university is a cultural hub for students. Students who come from all corners of the world to realise their dreams. It might not be possible for you to go and socialise with every single one of them because of cultural differences. One year of foundation course helps you ease in and mingle with the people around you. That way, the official beginning of your undergraduate or graduate will be much more comfortable.
3. Knowledge and skills to make future decisions about subjects
Sometimes, students are hesitant about taking up a particular degree or specialisation subject. The insights from the university’s official site, the university counsellor and information from previous students are not enough for them to make a clear decision. Hence, they choose to take the foundation year. Nothing can arm you better with the knowledge to take a specific field of study than taking a foundation year.
4. Ease in the environment of the university
You might have gotten into your dream university and met all the requirements for a bachelor’s or master’s requirements. This doesn’t mean that you can’t take a foundation year. Many students take up foundation years to prepare themselves mentally for what’s in store—knowing what to expect from the faculty and their peers. Moreover, it becomes even better when you already know some of your faculty colleagues and faculty members. Building connections with them always goes a long way. However, the time it takes is what many consider one of the disadvantages of the foundation year.
5. Improve socialisation skills
Some people take a longer time to open up than others. Socialising is not every student’s cup of tea, but they have to do it anyway. Taking up a foundation year also buys you time to slowly make your way into the university environment and socialise with your peers.
Assessment of the Foundation Year Programme
The evaluation of foundation years is very similar to any other study programme. However, it may vary slightly from university to university. The basic pattern consists of-
- Exams
- Presentations
- Projects
- Assignments
- Final Evaluation
The foundation year is generally based on the university’s country or can be taught in the student’s local country by an institution that has an agreement with the university. It works as usual. Complete the various presentations, assignments and projects of the course, earn credit points and evaluate the annual performance of the pupil.