Guide to UK Foundation Year

The foundation year is a one-year university preparatory course designed for O-level and equivalent graduates. These programmes are known in the UK as year 0 and gateway programmes. In general, the foundation programme is meant to be a pre-university course that bridges the gap between secondary education (O-levels and equivalent) and the stringent academic requirements of an undergraduate programme. 

These programmes often have basic preparatory modules that prepare students for academic writing, presentation skills, and introductory classes relevant to the discipline. Programmes built for international students may also include a module focused on improving their English language skills. At the same time, foundation programmes also immerse students in university life such as participation in student societies and more.

Upon completion of the foundation year, students may move on to the first year of their undergraduate studies if they have adequate grades. There may be the option to undertake their undergraduate studies in another university, however, the foundation programme may not be as widely accepted as an A-Level qualification.

In the UK, the foundation programme may also refer to a two-year training programme for medical students. Upon the completion of their medical degree, students have to undergo a two-year training period where they would be junior doctors in hospitals. Pre-university foundation programmes also exist for medicine – as the names are similar, be sure to double-check the purpose of the programme before you enrol. Foundation in Medicine programmes are more commonly referred to as a gateway year.