Sometimes, students don't get the qualifications they need to instantly pursue an undergraduate degree at university; other times, students apply to a certain course and later realise they want to study completely different at university. Whilst both these situations can be somewhat confusing, it's important to note that universities are here to support your career goals no matter what and have alternatives available to help you.
This is where Foundation programmes come in. Foundation programmes function as
year-long preparatory courses, allowing you to gain an academic qualification in a certain field which will prepare you to study at undergraduate level. Their
entry requirements are lower than that of a standard undergraduate degree and at Kingston can start anywhere from 32-64 UCAS points.
Kingston University offer a number of different foundation courses, with some including:
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Computing and Mathematics Foundation Year- Engineering Foundation Year - Science Foundation Year - Foundation Year In Business - Foundation Year Humanities and Arts - Foundation Degree Nursing Associate - Special Educational Needs & Inclusive Practice Foundation Degree. Kingston University also offers a
Foundation Diploma in Art & Design. A requirement for several art courses throughout the UK, the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design offers students a one-year course studying topics such as graphic design, bookbinding, architecture, interior and set design, womenswear, fashion photography and painting. This Foundation Diploma is often helpful for students who aren't sure what field of art is right for them, or those who simply want to know what a career in the arts could look like.
Alternatively, if you're an international student who hasn't met the entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate course at Kingston University, you may consider the
International Foundation Year. In this course, you'll get a closer look at the fields of business, law and social sciences and science, technology, engineering and mathematics, whilst also receiving any English Language support you may need to continue your studies on to undergraduate level.
The
International Year One Foundation degree is another option available for international students who know they want to pursue a business degree at undergraduate level. This programme builds your confidence with using the English language and the British education system as a whole, before allowing you to progress onto your second year of a standard undergraduate degree.
Apart from just educational access, Foundation Programmes are a great opportunity for students to spend a year experiencing university life by joining societies and mixing with others before deciding if an undergraduate degree is right for them.
If you've any questions, pop them down below and I'll get back to them as soon as possible!
Eve (
BA Fine Art and Art History).