Many students at the University of Greenwich choose to study Extended undergraduate degrees, meaning their courses come with an additional year of study known as a foundation year. The university offers a broad range of Extended degrees alongside its standard undergraduate degree programmes.
Prepare for degree-level study
Simply put, a foundation year, which is the first year of study in an Extended degree, is designed to prepare students for degree-level study and beyond, particularly where the subject-specific entry requirements have not been met. This has many benefits, as students are able to grasp key and fundamental knowledge in their chosen subjects before embarking upon their full degree programmes.
I started the course with a foundation year, which aided me to get the basics for a more profound knowledge.
Agni Bibo, Pharmacy, MPharm with a Foundation Year, Medway School of Pharmacy.
Different entry requirements
Studying an Extended undergraduate degree also provides an opportunity for students who may not have studied the specific subjects expected in the entry requirements for the course of their choice or may have studied the right subjects but not have received the grades needed as per the entry requirements.
This is because entry requirements for Extended degrees are typically different, as the additional year works to prepare students for the degree path, and so students may be surprised to learn that they can still apply for the subject pathway of their choice through this route.
I liked the idea of studying Forensic Science at Greenwich, but I didn’t think I had the right subjects at A level for it. Then I found out I could apply to study it with a foundation year.
Jessica Greenwood, Forensic Science (Extended), BSc Hons.
Settle back into study
Students may also choose to study with a foundation year to settle back into student life after a period of time out of education after school. Foundation years include modules specifically designed to help students develop transferable professional and personal skills, including team working, which they will be able to take forwards in their lives in their studies and beyond.
The foundation year provided me with a great platform for readjustment back into the education system; I firmly believe that this adjustment period has helped me thrive throughout my degree.
Taylor Cameron, Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Extended) BEng Hons.
