Degrees with foundation years
An avenue into a wide variety of degrees that have traditionally been out of reach
Choose a foundation year
A foundation year is an alternative way to gain an undergraduate degree. It takes place at the beginning of a programme and extends your studies by a year.
This time at the start of the course gives you the understanding and basis you need to be at your most effective throughout the rest of your studies.
It is an opportunity to grow academically and personally in a university environment, which will ensure you have reached your full potential when you graduate.
Whether you have had a break from education, have qualifications other than those accepted on your chosen programme, or want to experience a seamless move into academia, opting for a foundation year could be your path to a degree.
The University of Plymouth has been running foundation programmes for over 25 years with an outstanding record for retention and success.
Foundation courses step-by-step
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"Step 1: Foundation year – gain the knowledge and skills you will need to complete your programme
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"Step 2: Undergraduate programme – join and complete the degree programme (normally 3+ years)
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"Step 3: Graduation – graduate with a full degree in your chosen subject
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"Step 4: Start your career or continue onto postgraduate studies
The best part of the foundation year for me was the confidence it gave me. It's changed me as a person. I thought getting into university wasn't something I'd ever be able to do. Now I feel more confident, happier – more myself than I was before.
Haralambos Pouliasis, foundation year student
It'd been so long since I'd been in an educational environment that it was very intimidating at first, but my foundation programme didn't take long at all to put me at ease. If learning makes you happy, just take the jump, do it – it's fantastic.
Ruth Vickers, foundation year student
Just being able to express my ideas in a safe environment without feeling judged or pressured or like I'm being laughed at has been absolutely incredible.
Kelly Hides, foundation year student
Foundation programmes for international students
Taking a foundation year or pathway course may allow you to meet the University of Plymouth's entry requirements – you can apply to study these through University of Plymouth International College (UPIC).
UPIC offers a number of prestigious pathways with both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees available to international students. UPIC is located on the main University of Plymouth campus and you can join us in January, May or September.
