Is a foundation year equivalent to A levels?

No, a foundation year is not equivalent to A levels. A foundation year is a university-level programme designed to prepare you for an undergraduate degree, while A levels are school or college qualifications typically taken before applying to university. However, a foundation year can provide similar academic preparation if you haven’t completed A levels or don’t meet standard entry requirements.

What is a foundation year equivalent to?

A foundation year is equivalent to a university-level preparation or bridging year. It sits between school qualifications and full undergraduate study, helping you build the academic skills and subject knowledge needed to progress into Year 1 of a Bachelors degree.

It is not equivalent to A levels or other Level 3 qualifications. Instead, a foundation year is often described as a Level 3/Level 4 bridging year, depending on the course structure. Its purpose is to close the gap between your current qualifications and university study, ensuring you’re fully prepared for degree-level learning.

Is a foundation year right for you?

Choose a foundation year if you want a structured, supportive pathway into university and prefer university-level teaching over returning to complete A levels or equivalent qualifications.

Next steps

Find out how a foundation year can support your journey into higher education or explore our degree options to see which ones you can progress onto.