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Foundation year

An extra first year added to a degree for students who need preparation before starting the main course. Different from a foundation degree.

Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ)
Topic
Higher education

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Foundation degree (FdA / FdSc) England Wales Northern Ireland
A level 5 qualification combining academic and work-based learning, roughly two-thirds of a bachelor's degree.

More terms: Higher education

Doctorate · EdD · Firm choice · Fresher · Gap year · Graduate diploma

More terms starting with F · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.