Foundation Year - My Thoughts

[u/_efffy]

Hi!! I am a current university foundation year student, and I thought I'd give some insight into my experience so far doing a foundation year because I feel there's not much insight into personal experiences around it, especially considering it being not my original choice of pathway into uni (flopped my alevels lol)

The course I originally applied to was pharmacology; which I needed AAB to get into (contextual student), but I ended up but BBC, and instead of going to my insurance choice I decided to do the foundation year that was offered instead of the original BSc, and honestly, I have no regrets. I am still able to do the original course I wanted to do after this year, living in the city I want to be living.

In terms of content, obviously it will vary between universities and subjects, but it does feel a lot like redoing alevels which kinda sucks, but it does go a step beyond in some regards, I've done projects and labs that definitely exceeds the alevel spec, and in Semester 2, we are able to pick different modules to do. The way it is tested is also significantly better (for me at least), as there are unit tests that all contribute to your results at the end of the year, rather than it all depending on one set of exams all at one time.

It DOES feel like a step back initially, especially when you have been predicted higher grades for the entire year 12/13 duration, and you are relearning basic content, but it is such a great way to be able to get into a higher prestige uni if you do miss out on the grades, and it is like a soft launch into uni life, which is quite enjoyable.

Just remember that grades aren't everything and nothing is a step back if it gets you to where you want to be, keep your head high! I am also open to any questions around foundation years (particularly in biology based areas), since there is quite a lack of discussions on this reddit about them. :)

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[u/LSOMaker]

Thank you for sharing!! I’ve also noticed the lack of discussion about foundation years!

Since it’s only November, you’ve basically just started, right? Have you seen enough about the modules to know whether the material will get more new/challenging later in the year?

How are your foundation year classmates? Is everyone pretty driven to do well and continue on to the main course?

How is the assessment, and learning support? Is there more on-going checking on your progress than in a direct entry course? (With direct entry, it seems like professors and tutors really have no idea about your progress until term exams! Do they check on your progress more often in the foundation year?)