University Foundation courses offer students a fast track, one-year route to a wide range of British and other international university degree courses as an alternative to A Levels.

These courses are specifically designed for overseas students who have a high school certificate or other academic qualifications which may not be recognised by British or other universities.

A Level courses may be inappropriate and time-consuming for such students. These courses not only provide the passport to gain university entry, but also help students to understand any differences in the curriculum, acclimatise to the UK, and improve their English.

Minimum Age: 16

Start Dates: September and January. Other times by arrangement.

Course Length: Normally 3 terms. Possibly 2 terms for January entry.

Hours per week: 16 plus private studies

Number in Class: Maximum 15, though the average is 7.

Course Content: Study Skills, Information Technology, Mathematics and English where necessary, plus subject-specific lessons.

Appropriate for: Students who have completed their secondary education in their own country but have not met the entry requirements for their chosen course or university.

Course Progression: University.

General Science Route

The General Science Route offers a grounding in both pure science degree programmes, and in practical and applied sciences such as Pharmacy and Physiology. For some of those subjects entry standards are extremely high. Students are advised on the requirements of each progression route before they begin their Foundation course at the Abbey College.

Core modules plus Chemistry, Biology, Physics