Why Arden
Find out who we are and why Arden is the choice for students worldwide.
Starting university is exciting, but choosing the right course can sometimes feel like a maze. If you’ve come across Foundation Degrees and Foundation Year Entry Degrees, you might be wondering: what’s the difference, and which one is right for me?
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can make the best decision for your future.
What’s a Foundation Year Entry Degree?
Think of a Foundation Year Entry Degree as a gentle introduction to university life. It’s a four-year course where the first year is all about building your academic confidence. You’ll learn essential skills like writing essays, research, numeracy, and working with others. Basically, everything you need to succeed in your degree ahead.
This route is perfect if you don’t quite meet the usual entry requirements or if you’ve been out of education for a while and want to ease back into study. Once you ace that foundation year, you jump straight into the first year of your chosen degree.
So, what’s a Foundation Degree?
A Foundation Degree is a two-year, practical qualification that blends academic study with real-world skills. It’s like completing the first two years of a bachelor’s degree, but with a strong focus on getting you career-ready.
If you want to fast-track your way into the workforce or plan to top up to a full honours degree later on, this is the route for you. It does have slightly higher entry requirements than the foundation year route, but it’s a great way to get a recognised qualification quicker.
Additionally our foundation degree is built to support students who are currently in work. You’ll only study on campus for one day per week, and some campuses offer weekend and study modes where you will be on campus two days per week but outside of traditional working hours.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Foundation Degree | Foundation Year Entry Degree |
| Length | 2 years | 4 years (foundation + degree) |
| Qualification | Stand-alone or top-up to degree | Foundation year integrated into degree |
| Focus | Career skills and practical work | Academic skills and study confidence |
| Entry Requirements | Slightly higher | Lower, for those needing extra support |
| Who it’s for | Those wanting a quicker, practical qualification | Those needing to build academic skills first |
| Study modes | One day per week: Daytime Two days per week: Evenings, Weekends | Two days per week: Daytime Evenings, Weekends |
Which one fits you?
- If you want a full-on academic prep to build your skills and confidence before starting your degree, go for the Foundation Year Entry Degree.
- If you want to get practical skills fast, work towards a career, and possibly top up to a full degree later, the Foundation Degree is your friend.
Why choose Arden?
We get that everyone’s journey is different. That’s why Arden offers flexible study options with plenty of support. Whether you’re stepping into university for the first time or want to upskill quickly, we’re here to help you succeed every step of the way.
Ready to start your journey?
Explore our Foundation Degree courses or Foundation Year Entry Degrees and find your perfect fit today.
