Five reasons why a Foundation Course can help you build a better future

Heading off to University can be a daunting prospect at the best of times - but if you're offered a different course to what you applied for, it can be even scarier. The thought of a new course is a lot to take in, but not making your grades doesn't have to be the end of the world. 

Clearing students

Today, as students open their A-Level Results around the country, students who don’t get the grades needed may find themselves being offered a place on a Foundation course. If you are still set on studying the course of your choice, this could be the solution you’re looking for.

Although it may seem like a step back, it can be a fantastic opportunity. Our Admissions Officer Dr Chris Shepherd, explains some of the advantages of taking up an offer of a Foundation Course:

“Here at the School of Physical Sciences we offer Foundation Courses –  and some students may have been offered a place on this today if they didn’t get the grades they needed. Opting for one of these instead of re-sitting exams could be a great move, for a number of reasons.

  1. Settle in to life at Kent. Taking a foundation year gives you an extra year to settle in to life at Kent and get to know the beautiful City of Canterbury. You have the chance to make friends, find your way around and become part of an active student community before starting your degree.
  2. Get used to how you will need to study and learn at University. Studying for a degree is very different to life at School of College. You will have to take the lead with extra reading, listen and take notes effectively in large lectures and practise
  3. Learn what you need to know and fill any gaps in your knowledge. While re-sitting an A-Level may help fill one knowledge gap, taking a foundation year will ensure you are as prepared as can be to complete your degree. The course is designed to get you ready for your full degree – so you’ll get a chance to learn more about other areas that you may not be confident in too.
  4. Meet your lecturers. At the School of Physical Sciences, your foundation lecturers will teach you throughout the rest of your degree. This means you’ll get to know each other, build up a rapport and have people to go to for help and advice if you need it at any stage of your degree.
  5. Increase your confidence. This is especially important for Science subjects. You may not have had much practical experience, and our labs and facilities are industry standard. Completing a foundation year gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with a lab and learn more about our lab equipment and how to set-up and carry out experiments.

“Whatever you chose to do when faced with a decision you weren’t expecting, take some time to work out the best option for you. If you take up the opportunity of a Foundation Course, you are still on track to study your dream course; make the most of it and realise your potential.”