The benefits of studying a Foundation Programme

Foundation Programmes are courses specifically developed for International Students who are not native English speakers. They give you a more supportive environment in your first year at University to ensure you get the most from your studies and are well prepared to be successful in your chosen degree programme.

Exciting but daunting

All students going to University face challenges. The study level is more difficult and for many it is the first time they have lived away from home. For International students these challenges are magnified. As well as coping with an increase in study level you will have to adapt to ways of teaching and learning that are very different to what you may have known. You are living away from home but are also experiencing a new culture and way of life. And on top of this many students will be studying in English for the first time.

Achieve more

Foundation Programmes have been specifically developed to help international students to overcome these challenges and get the most from their studies. They offer:

• More contact hours with teachers: This means you have more time to develop the understanding of your subject than you would get in a traditional University setting.
• Additional English support: Alongside your academic studies you get extra support to develop your English skills. These classes are focused on developing the skills you need to succeed in an academic environment.
• Small classes: Small classes tailored to students whose first language is not English means that you get more chance to ask questions and the teachers know your name!
• Expert teachers: Teachers will be specialised in tutoring students whose first language is not English. They will understand what areas are likely to be particularly difficult for you and tailor their classes to meet these needs.
• Personal Tutors: Who meet with students regularly on a one to one basis to help you stay on track with your studies and progress to your chosen degree.
• Lower level English entry: With the extra teaching hours and English classes Foundation programmes are able to accept students with lower levels of English that is required for direct entry to university.
• Guaranteed progression: Many Foundation programmes offer guaranteed progression to degree programmes or will support with university applications

This all means that you will have a much higher chance of passing your first year and completing your degree studies successfully.

Experience more

Studying abroad isn’t only about getting a great degree though, it’s also about experiencing a culture and way of life different to your own. A good Foundation Programme will also offer lots of opportunities to experience local culture and get involved in student organisations. Look for programmes, like ONCAMPUS, where you study on the campus of the university and are part of the university from day 1. This means you will get your own University student card, and with it you will be able to access the University’s facilities, clubs and societies.

This sounds great but does it make a difference?

The students at ONCAMPUS definitely think it does. ‘There are about 20 students in most classes, so the interaction between students and teachers is very good. It provides you with the skills necessary to be successful at university’ said Rhondel Dickson from Jamaica, who studied an International Year 1 course at ONCAMPUS Coventry before progressing onto a BA(hons) Business Management and Chan Ching, from Hong Kong, found her programme at ONCAMPUS London helped her, ‘It has been very useful to learn the academic skills which I can use next year at university. Adjusting to life in London and in the UK has been really important and ONCAMPUS London has helped me do this.’

Related topics

• Pathways to University Programmes
• Study in the UK
• Study in Europe