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What is a foundation year?

If you don’t have the grades for your chosen degree, or if you’re not sure what you’d like to study, a foundation year gives you an alternative route into studying an undergraduate degree.

A foundation year is an extra year that gives students the opportunity to learn more about the subject before moving on to the full degree. It’s a direct path on to an undergraduate degree and will provide you with the necessary skills for the course.

Most of Solent’s undergraduate degrees can be accessed through a foundation year.

Take a look at courses with a foundation year

What are the benefits of doing a foundation year?

A foundation year is a great opportunity if:

  • You haven't gained the expected entry requirements for your chosen degree.
  • You're not sure what course you'd like to do within a subject area.
  • You don't have the right combination of subjects for direct entry to the full degree.
  • Your qualifications aren't accepted for the course.
  • You've been out of education for a while.

During your foundation year you’ll cover key areas within the subject, all of which will help you develop the skills you’ll need to progress on to your chosen degree course.

You’ll get the same academic support – normally from the academics who teach on the full degree – and use of the same facilities, as well as access to the same student funding and accommodation as other degrees.

This video 'Why study Foundation Year' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.

Hear from a foundation year course leader

Sport foundation course leader, Rhian Jones talks about how studying a foundation year can help provide you with the skills and knowledge to prepare you to progress on to an undergraduate degree in your chosen subject.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE FOUNDATION YEAR?

If you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll be able to progress directly to a number of related courses.

See which of Solent’s degrees can be accessed through a foundation year