Thinking of returning to education? Top three reasons to study a foundation course

Returning to education can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you’ve been away for a while. The University of Bristol offers year-long foundation courses as the perfect stepping stone to higher education for individuals without prior qualifications. Here are the top three reasons why a Foundation Year could be for you.

Develop skills and confidence
The Foundation Year is designed to ease your transition and help you adapt to a new environment after a break from education. Jane, a Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences student at the University of Bristol, found that the course helped her rediscover her potential.

‘I have learned lots of new skills, which I will use when I transition to my degree. I feel quite confident, as the foundation year has taught me that I am very capable! I would definitely recommend it to anybody who wants to study for a degree but doesn’t feel like they have the confidence to do so.’

Progress to a degree
Foundation Years allow you to explore your interests before committing to a specific field. The University of Bristol offers two Foundation Year courses—Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences  and Foundation in Science, Engineering and Maths . Both courses offer ‘pathways’ that allow you to tailor your route of study based on your interests.

On satisfactory completion of a Foundation Year, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Bristol in a relevant faculty. Both courses lead to a Certificate in Higher Education that can also be used to apply for relevant degrees or for personal or professional development.

‘It’s like one big family!’, says Jane

Become part of a welcoming and diverse community
There is no typical Foundation Year student. It is the diversity of prior experience, background, interests, and motivations that helps to make the Foundation Years so vibrant and supportive. Callum, a Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences student, says ‘We have incredibly rich discussions. Our ages range from 19 to over 70, so you can imagine the different experiences that each of us brings to an issue.’

The inclusive environment cultivated by fellow students, tutors, and career advisors transforms your learning experience into a supportive community. As Jane shares, ‘It’s like one big family! There is so much support, all the tutors are lovely and will always help you when needed.’

Applications for the foundation courses at the University of Bristol are now open and close on 7 April.

If you want to find out more and connect with the university community, come to the drop-in evening on Monday 26 February or Monday 11 March, 6.30-8 pm, University of Bristol Arts Complex, BS8 1UJ.

No booking needed. Come and discover why a Foundation year could be your gateway to a new, exciting journey.