University Foundation courses

Program Overview

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University Foundation Courses

Overview

University Foundation courses offer students a fast-track, one-year route to a wide range of British and other international university degree courses as an alternative to A Levels. These courses are specifically designed for overseas students who have a high school certificate or other academic qualifications which may not be recognised by British or other universities.

Key Facts

• Minimum Age: 16
• Start Dates: September and January. Other times by arrangement.
• Course Length: Normally 3 terms. Possibly 2 terms for January entry.
• Hours per week: 16 plus private studies
• Number in Class: Maximum 15, though the average is 7.
• Course Content: Study Skills, Information Technology, Mathematics and English where necessary, plus subject-specific lessons.

Appropriate for

Students who have completed their secondary education in their own country but have not met the entry requirements for their chosen course or university.

Course Progression

University.

Foundation Programmes

Art/Design

The Art/Design Foundation programme develops the artistic skills and knowledge of the student. The key element of this course is the production of a portfolio, from both work created prior to attending Abbey College and from newly-completed work with us. This portfolio is the main criteria that universities use to judge entry suitability.

• Core Modules plus Art and Design, Business Studies, Economics.

Law

The Law Foundation programme provides students with some of the skills and knowledge which will help them to be accepted on to, and successfully complete, a qualifying law degree at a British University. As well as Law, some Business and Humanities subjects will form part of the course.

• Core modules plus Business Studies, Economics, Law

Computing

The Computing Foundation programme provides a basic foundation for computer understanding and information technology at university. It ensures a full understanding of the key Microsoft packages and includes a framework of programming skills.

• Core modules plus Computing, Physics, Chemistry

Business

Students from Business Foundation programmes have progressed to degrees in Business, Management, Business Computing, Economics, travel & Tourism and degrees in Social Sciences.

• Core modules plus Business Studies, Economics, Accounting, Computing

Engineering Route

The Engineering Route covers the Mathematics and Physics requirements of a range of degree programmes in engineering disciplines – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic. For candidates who plan to study Chemical Engineering, additional Chemistry modules are built into the programme.

• Core modules plus Physics, Chemistry, Computing

General Science Route

The General Science Route offers a grounding in both pure science degree programmes, and in practical and applied sciences such as Pharmacy and Physiology. For some of those subjects entry standards are extremely high. Students are advised on the requirements of each progression route before they begin their Foundation course at the Abbey College.

• Core modules plus Chemistry, Biology, Physics

Medicine/Dentistry Route

The Medicine / Dentistry Route can either be used to access science degrees in the UK or Medical or Dentistry degrees at renowned universities in the European Union. Students focus mostly on the science subjects of Biology, Physics and especially Chemistry.

• Core modules plus Chemistry, Biology, Physics

Medical Revision Course

Want to double your chances of passing the medical entrance exams?

10 Reasons to Join us for a Foundation Course

1. A huge choice – Our Foundation Course students have received offers from 60 UK universities and Higher Education Institutions, studying some of the most popular subjects for international students in the UK.
2. Prestigious universities – Our students have had progression offers from 19 of the top 30 universities in the UK, and 12 of the top 20.
3. The First – Abbey College in Malvern was the first school or college to provide foundation courses in the UK.
4. Excellent success rate – Over the last 10 years, our foundation programmes have had an overall success rate of more than 98%, so you can be very confident of progress.
5. No commission – Unlike most of the major commercial pathway providers, we don’t take commission from the universities we send students to.
6. A personalised pathway – Unlike universities’ own foundation courses, we can provide personalised choice.
7. Flexibility – Haven’t made up your mind? You can change the degree course you go on to, and keep your options open.
8. Money back guarantee – If you join us for a foundation programme, and attend at least 95% of the course’s lessons, then we guarantee that you will be offered a place at university – or we will refund all tuition costs!
9. An average class size of just 7 – You’ll get lots of attention from specialist teachers to make sure you progress well, understand the topics and be ready in every way for university in the UK.
10. Strong support outside the class – Our safe, enclosed boarding school setting ensures we can offer you a great supportive environment, with everything taken care of. All you have to do is study hard!

Program Outline

This program serves as an alternative to A Levels and is specifically designed for international students who possess a high school certificate or other academic qualifications that may not be recognized by UK or other universities.

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Objectives:

• Provide students with the necessary academic foundation and skills to succeed in their chosen university degree program.
• Bridge the gap between international qualifications and UK university entry requirements.
• Improve English language proficiency and acclimatize students to the UK education system.

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Program Description:

The Foundation program consists of two key areas:

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General Core Section:

This forms the foundation of all courses and includes modules in Study Skills, Information Technology, Mathematics, and English (where necessary).

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Subject-Specific Section:

This varies according to the chosen discipline and offers in-depth study in the chosen field.

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Outline:

The program typically spans three terms, with possible two-term options for January entries. Students attend 16 hours of lessons per week, plus additional private study time. Class sizes are kept small, with an average of seven students per class, ensuring personalized attention from experienced teachers. The program's content focuses on:

• Developing essential academic and study skills
• Enhancing English language proficiency
• Providing subject-specific knowledge and understanding
• Preparing students for the demands of university-level study

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. Projects may also form part of the assessment, alongside class participation, tutorials, and independent study.

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Teaching:

Abbey College boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced teachers who are dedicated to supporting students' academic success. They employ diverse teaching methods to cater to individual learning styles and ensure effective knowledge transfer. The College also provides a strong support system outside the classroom, fostering a safe and encouraging environment for students to thrive.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Foundation program have progressed to a wide range of university degree programs and successful careers across various fields. The College offers personalized guidance and support to help students identify their career aspirations and choose the appropriate university pathway.

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Other:

• The program has an exceptional success rate, with over 98% of students progressing to their chosen university.
• Abbey College offers a money-back guarantee if students attend at least 95% of the course and are not offered a university place.
• The College provides a range of student support services, including academic advising, pastoral care, and accommodation assistance.