Every student has the ability to shine in their own way, and sometimes A-levels may not be the best platform to show off academics. Poor A-level results do not mean the end of your academic journey.

After completing O-levels, students have the option to choose different study routes to access higher education at top academic institutions globally. In recent years, a large number of O-level graduates have been considering undertaking a foundation year course, or rather a pathway programme, instead of A-levels.

Many factors have contributed to this shift in mind among progressive students. They now tend to choose shorter subject-related pathway studies to swiftly start their bachelor’s abroad. Here are some of the important factors that are diverting students to consider a pathway programme instead of traditional 2-year methods.

A pathway course can come in the form of a Foundation Year Programme, Year One Programme or Master’s Preparation. So, in short, whatever course prepares you for a university degree is a pathway programme.

Worthy Alternative to A-Levels

A pathway programme, such as the International Foundation Year (IFY) is a pre-university degree that can provide the same acceptance rate as an advanced-level degree. It is a 9-month-long preparation programme with subject-focused and specialised study compared to 2 years of extensive A-level study.

''Most students have found that the pathway examination is easier to undertake, consisting of a combination of coursework and shorter written exam''.

Helps Meet University Entry

Unexpected A-Level results are one of the prime reasons for not being able to meet university entry requirements. This creates the pressure of retaking the examinations again, spending another year or two in studies. A pathway programme, on the other hand, can act as an alternative doorway to get a chance at university level. Modules that are taught in the Foundation Year are accepted on the same basis as an A-level certificate. In addition, you could start learning the basics about the subject you are intending to pursue at a bachelor’s.

Covers English Language Requirements

Even after completing A-levels, Bangladeshi students intending to study abroad need to show language proficiency before receiving an offer letter from the university. This is a mandatory requirement that measures a student’s capability to understand the university’s fast-paced study and communication, mostly accepted in the forms of IELTS, Duolingo or PT.

The Pathways course includes language development study as a compulsory module known as EAP (English for Academic Purposes). So when you start studying a foundation year, you are also taught to improve your English communication and writing skills, removing the need for undertaking an additional IELTS test, which is both time-consuming and costly.

Covers Study Gaps

A pathway programme can help students with study gaps get another chance at higher education. Students with multiple years of study gaps lose the confidence to start their studies again. Universities do not generally accept a student with a long study gap unless he/she is exceptionally brilliant. A foundation year can greatly increase the acceptance rate and even provide guaranteed progression to top foreign universities.

Most ranked universities now accept pathway programmes, allowing direct progression to chosen degrees, and, on top of that, students also become eligible to receive scholarships and waivers on their university tuition.

Pathway programmes in Bangladesh

Students residing in Bangladesh can also benefit from pathway programmes to fast-track to higher education. NCUK (also known as NCUK - University Pathways) is an organisation that provides qualifications for international students wanting to enter leading universities. They have provided academic support to over 50,000 students, covering university admission criteria.

NCUK has study centre partners in 110+ locations across 35+ countries. And now, working in partnership with MIE Pathways, NCUK is offering pathway/preparation programmes to progressive students from Bangladesh.

After completing O-Levels, you have the option to skip A-Levels and choose a Foundation Year instead, giving you the chance to complete your pre-university degree within just 9 months.

Doing a foundation year in the UK can cost you around £15000 to £20000, whereas you could do the same standard study for less than half the price from your home country, saving you a fortune on living, travelling and tuition. Besides, MIE Pathways also helps students with university admission and visa document preparation.

The popularity of A-levels is getting overlooked by the present generation, as we see the emergence of pathway programmes offering students alternative study routes to access higher education abroad.

If you are sure of the subject area you are going to study at a bachelor’s, then do not look elsewhere and enrol in an NCUK International Foundation Year at MIE Pathways today, the most effective foundation degree provider accepted globally by most leading universities.