Institutions throughout the UK offer Access and Foundation courses (not to be confused with Foundation Degrees) for students wishing to enter degree or diploma programmes. Access courses are often designed for adults who have left school some years previously without formal qualifications.

Do I need to take a foundation course?

Foundation courses are suitable for students who have already studied a subject up to A -level standard or international equivalent, or who need to improve their study skills and English to undertake a degree course. Access and foundation courses are sometimes called bridging courses, as they provide a way of bridging the gap between your current academic abilities and those needed to be able to undertake a degree programme.

Pre-sessional courses

If you do not want to do a full years foundation course before beginning a degree programme you could  follow a pre-sessional programme. Many colleges offer these programmes, usually in the period from April to September, for students who need a preparatory course in English, academic study skills, and possibly cultural background studies, before starting a full-time degree programme. Please check with your university or look for a course on www.educationuk.org or on www.englishuk.com