Foundation courses

Your stepping stone to degree success

Are you eager to embark on a degree course but don't quite meet the entry criteria for undergraduate study? A one-year foundation course could be the perfect option for you.

Equivalent to Level 3 study, a foundation year is designed for students who have just missed the entry requirements for a degree programme but are looking for a clear pathway into higher education. Although not a qualification in itself, the foundation course allows you to spend one year learning more about your chosen subject and developing the skills you need to then progress onto a three-year undergraduate course in the same subject – meaning you can achieve a full degree in four years.

University College Birmingham currently offers foundation year course options for a variety of our degree subjects including Health and Social Care, Physiotherapy and Psychology.

View courses

Foundation Year vs Foundation Degree: What's the difference?

Unsure what these two course types are and how they differ? See our guide below or check out our short video explainer on Facebook:

Watch our video

Is a foundation course the same as a foundation degree?

No. They are different, but they both offer great routes to undergraduate qualifications depending on which path is most suitable for you.

A foundation course (or foundation year) is a first step towards starting a full undergraduate degree (e.g. BA, BSc etc.). It acts like a Year 0 which you study to prepare you for moving directly onto Year 1 of your chosen three-year degree course.

By comparison, a foundation degree is a standalone qualification (e.g. FdA, FdSc etc.). It is essentially the same as studying the first two years of a three-year degree course before giving you the option to either start pursuing your career or 'top up' with a third year for a full degree qualification.

For a more detailed explanation, take a look at our blog below:

View blog

Up to £5k Cost of Living Allowance

At University College Birmingham, we believe the cost of living shouldn’t hold you back from achieving your goals. That’s why we’re providing UK full-time undergraduate students starting in February or September 2026 with £5,000 each to support expenses like food, bills, and transport - completely free, with no need to pay it back. Those starting an HNC course get £2,000 during their studies.

Find out more

How to apply

If you aren't sure what you need or how to apply for your undergraduate course at University College Birmingham, you'll find more information here.

Find out more

Discover more

Undergraduate application

Apply directly to University College Birmingham and avoid UCAS charges and personal statements.

Undergraduate open days

Join one of our undergraduate open days and find out all about our wide range of degrees, the exciting topics you will study and the facilities on offer to give you th…

University student support

Whatever help you need, our support teams are committed to giving you the advice, skills and practical tools to discover your full potential.

Facilities

Supported by a £200 million investment in new campuses, equipment and resources, University College Birmingham's facilities are nothing short of world class.

Campuses

Each of our four campuses in Birmingham city centre has its own distinct character, student services and specialist teaching facilities.

Term dates

Check our calendar of key dates for our undergraduate and postgraduate students, including term dates, enrolment, induction and graduation ceremonies.