A foundation year might be the perfect first step for you if you’re thinking about university, but not quite ready for a full degree course.
A foundation year gives you an extra year to build your skills, grow your confidence, and get ready for Year 1 of your chosen degree.
It’s also ideal if:
- you don’t yet have the right qualifications
- you’re not quite ready to dive into degree-level study
- or you’re returning to education and want a smooth transition.
We can give you the support you need to adapt to university life, you’ll gain a strong foundation in your subject, and yes — you can still apply for financial support from Student Finance England during your foundation year.
We caught up with Terence Stravens who studied a foundation year before progressing to the BA (Hons) Business Management.
He said, ‘I chose this course because I had a successful business, but I was losing clients or money. I decided university would help me understand what it was that I was doing wrong, and how to change that. It’s been an amazing, life changing journey.
I decided to study a foundation year, as even though I had practical experience running a business, I wanted to start from scratch as though I knew nothing. The foundation year really helped me and supported me into education.
To anybody that wants to come to Teesside, I am living proof that it works. The studying and knowledge I have gained has been instrumental to where I am today. Jump straight in!’
For a flexible, supportive way to start your degree a foundation year could be right for you.
