The Student Room Group

Resit or foundation year?

I completely butchered my A levels ended up getting CDD (all stem subjects ) I have got an offer for foundation year At Aston for my course( Civil engineering )but it's not even a russel group uni and I don't know if me retaking will be any help, what if I fail again? I'm not sure on what to do
(edited 2 months ago)
Original post by Sajiewa
I completely butchered my A levels ended up getting CDD (all stem subjects ) I have got an offer for foundation year At Aston for my course but it's not even a russel group uni and I don't know if me retaking will be any help, what if I fail again? I'm not sure on what to do

Hi @Sajiewa

Sorry to hear you didn't get the results you were hoping for.

A Foundation year can be really helpful as you can access your degree course without having to re-sit. And it can be a great introduction year to university life. I would recommend this option if you're unsure about whether you want to retake or not, as it still allows you to access your course.

Was this offer for Aston through Clearing?

It is also possible to retake your subjects and reapply for next September. If you're considering this option, think about whether you are happy to wait a bit longer to go to uni, and if you are happy re-sitting your exams.

There isn't really a wrong option for you to choose, it's about what you'll be happiest doing. From walking through the campus and knowing some students at Aston, they seem to be enjoying their time at university there.

Also consider, would re-applying to another university, like a Russel Group uni, benefit your career/aspirations or is it essential for what you would like to do? This might impact your decision too.

Hope this helps. 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU
A foundation year is expensive £9,250 and there is no guarantee that you will get the 60% needed to get an offer for the degree course so it is a risk.

You can retake your A levels in November as an independent student and get your results back for Jan. Then you can apply via UCAS to your preferred unis knowing you have better grades.

In short, doing a foundation year is a risk.

BTW Aston is a good uni
Reply 3
Original post by BCU Student Rep
Hi @Sajiewa
Sorry to hear you didn't get the results you were hoping for.
A Foundation year can be really helpful as you can access your degree course without having to re-sit. And it can be a great introduction year to university life. I would recommend this option if you're unsure about whether you want to retake or not, as it still allows you to access your course.
Was this offer for Aston through Clearing?
It is also possible to retake your subjects and reapply for next September. If you're considering this option, think about whether you are happy to wait a bit longer to go to uni, and if you are happy re-sitting your exams.
There isn't really a wrong option for you to choose, it's about what you'll be happiest doing. From walking through the campus and knowing some students at Aston, they seem to be enjoying their time at university there.
Also consider, would re-applying to another university, like a Russel Group uni, benefit your career/aspirations or is it essential for what you would like to do? This might impact your decision too.
Hope this helps. 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU

Hi,
Yes this course was through clearing.I can then switch to civil engineering. I don't know if civil is even the right course for me but I'm scared because my parents are not in a good financial situation and i really want to support them but I failed miserably. I don't want to waste another year. I'm not sure
Original post by Sajiewa
Hi,
Yes this course was through clearing.I can then switch to civil engineering. I don't know if civil is even the right course for me but I'm scared because my parents are not in a good financial situation and i really want to support them but I failed miserably. I don't want to waste another year. I'm not sure

Hi @Sajiewa

I don't think it would be a waste to retake, but I know what you mean as it's another year in education you weren't anticipating. If you're able to transfer after your foundation, maybe that could push you towards the foundation as you'll then be able to move on to your degree.
For re-sitting, you'll need to ask yourself whether you can put yourself through the exam season again - which is achievable - it just depends on how it makes you feel and if you feel able to complete it again.

Have you spoken to your parents about your options and do they have any input that might be useful?

Emily 🙂
Original post by mike23mike
A foundation year is expensive £9,250 and there is no guarantee that you will get the 60% needed to get an offer for the degree course so it is a risk.
You can retake your A levels in November as an independent student and get your results back for Jan. Then you can apply via UCAS to your preferred unis knowing you have better grades.
In short, doing a foundation year is a risk.
BTW Aston is a good uni


Do you think it would be less of a risk doing a foundation year at Aston that requires a 40% overall to progress? I am weighing up my options between a foundation year at Aston or 1st year elsewhere for Economics
Do foundation year and do masters after your Bach
Reply 7
Original post by Sajiewa
I completely butchered my A levels ended up getting CDD (all stem subjects ) I have got an offer for foundation year At Aston for my course( Civil engineering )but it's not even a russel group uni and I don't know if me retaking will be any help, what if I fail again? I'm not sure on what to do

Resit your A levels(you could do Edexcel International A-levels as a private candidate and you have three slots per year), foundation years are a huge waste of money. Meanwhile try do have some work experience
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 8
Original post by mike23mike
A foundation year is expensive £9,250 and there is no guarantee that you will get the 60% needed to get an offer for the degree course so it is a risk.
You can retake your A levels in November as an independent student and get your results back for Jan. Then you can apply via UCAS to your preferred unis knowing you have better grades.
In short, doing a foundation year is a risk.
BTW Aston is a good uni

Will Aston be good for engineering then?
Original post by Sajiewa
Will Aston be good for engineering then?

Yes, its a good uni
Original post by Sajiewa
I completely butchered my A levels ended up getting CDD (all stem subjects ) I have got an offer for foundation year At Aston for my course( Civil engineering )but it's not even a russel group uni and I don't know if me retaking will be any help, what if I fail again? I'm not sure on what to do

Hi there!

Foundation courses can be a great option as it makes the courses accessible for those that didn't get the results they were looking for- it'd give you a solid base and the foundations to study that degree to the best of your ability and might be a good option if you're keen to get started at a university.

I know there are lots of spaces at universities for a range of courses currently in clearing so it's worth having a look and assessing your options, even if you didn't previously consider that university or specific course. You can always chat to a clearing advisor too from a university you're interested in which can be helpful in making decisions and knowing if something is right for you.

Best of luck!

-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep
Original post by Labib98
Resit your A levels(you could do Edexcel International A-levels as a private candidate and you have three slots per year), foundation years are a huge waste of money. Meanwhile try do have some work experience


Hi, is this something that anyone can do even if you’re a UK student? I wasn’t sure but NCS said this wasn’t possible but idk

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