Trailblazing Foundation Year Students Complete Their First Term

It’s been a busy but rewarding first term for students on the new Foundation Year programme at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) with all three of the new cohorts well on their way to completing the first year of their university journeys.

Already students have completed two of the required eight modules needed to complete the year, ‘Self as Learner’ and ‘Resourcing Learning’ with a further two modules due to be finished in February 2020. The completed modules have focused on underpinning key academic skills that the students may need to hone if they continue with their studies such as: - using library resources effectively, referencing, reading for a purpose and understanding how individuals learn.

Foundation Year courses offer the chance to study almost any undergraduate degree at BGU over four years, rather than the traditional three, providing an extended and intensive induction to Higher Education (HE) that can open the doors to those that may have previously thought university wasn’t an option.

The first year is focused on equipping learners with the necessary tools to excel in Higher Education such as critical thinking and digital skills along with boosting confidence and employability. As the year progresses learners are able to engage with their chosen subject through special sessions and projects and once the first year has been completed they will then move straight onto the rest of the course without having to reapply.

The Foundation Year programme really gives people a taste of university life, raising aspirations in addition to offering different study choices and career opportunities that may not otherwise be considered.

The beauty of the course is how adaptable it is and the amount of support students receive with their learning. There are no set exams and assessments are all project/assignment based and students have both a personal tutor as well as a subject liaison tutor, ensuring they have the best preparation possible to succeed in their chosen path.

While some people might find the idea of an extra year at university daunting, many of the students taking part in the new programme have found it beneficial to their success as current student Pollie Simpson explains:

“I’m really pleased that I decided to enrol on the Foundation Year for my degree course. It has helped me feel confident in returning to education after a gap of more than thirty years. The tutors are so supportive and have helped me to develop my academic skills.”

And Brendan Brown, one of Pollie’s fellow Foundation Year students, shared his views:

“Being a mature student, I was nervous about coming to university but I was well supported by the application office at BGU to go through clearing. After being given a place, I have thrown myself into university life, every single person I have meet so far on my journey has been helpful.”

If you’d like to find out more about the new Foundation Year course options, visit our Foundation Year web page, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team or join us on one of Open Days.