By Jakir Hossain
What’s the first step that many medical students take in the journey of becoming doctors? It’s the foundation year programme that is quite popular among international students. It provides students who don’t meet the entry requirements with an opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills required.
Sit tight and relax, as in this blog, you will explore everything relevant to medicine with foundation year, including some top universities for it.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!
What is a medicine with foundation year?
A medicine foundation year is best fitted for those who don’t meet the entry requirements to pursue an undergraduate medicine degree. It’s one of the pathways that will lead you to a medical degree.
A medicine degree takes about 5 years to complete, whereas a foundation medicine course includes an extra year. It is often referred to as a ‘preparatory programme’, ‘pathway programme’, ‘pre-medical course', or a ‘gateway year’.
However, there are some universities that provide just a foundation course. These types of courses take one to three years to complete. If not anything, it will definitely give you a solid foundation in science and boost your medical school application.
Is medicine with foundation year right for me?
A medicine degree with a foundation year is best fitted for those who:
- Don’t meet the entry requirements for direct entry
- Didn’t take the mandatory science subjects at A-Level
- Didn’t get a good grade at A-Level
- Didn’t get into medical school on the first attempt
- Unsure if medicine or dentistry is the right choice
- Thinking of taking an extra year to prepare
Why study medicine with a foundation year course?
There are many reasons to have a foundation-year course in your pocket. Some of the prime reasons are mentioned below:
- You’ll gain A-level science knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics. It will reduce the pressure to study hard since you’ve gathered a lot of knowledge in your foundation year.
- An easy and direct entry into the 1st year of medicine.
- You’ll get to learn from the same teachers as your foundation course teachers. Thus, a good relationship will be built.
- A great chance to socialise, meet people, make friends, and experience the actual student experience.
- You can develop the necessary skills required.
- By pursuing this foundation year, you will open the door to a wide range of medical programmes.
Duration of medicine with foundation year course
Typically, a foundation course in medicine takes about 9 to 12 months to get done, but the duration can vary by institute and country.
Medicine with a foundation year entry requirements
- High School Certificate or equivalent
- English language proficiency
Medicine with a foundation year cost
The cost of pursuing medicine with a foundation year course for international students can lie between £10,750 and £50,750, but the amount can vary by institution and country.
How do I apply for a medicine with foundation year course?
You can always apply for this course through UCAS just like you would apply for any other degree, but if you’re an international student, then it would be better to first seek the International Foundation Year (IFY) in medicine programme from NCUK. But, why?
The reason is that it would cost a great amount of money to carry out a foundation year abroad, but if you study this course in a certified study centre in your country, the cost will come down to a great amount.
Top universities for medicine with a foundation year course
Given below are some of the top universities that offer medicine with foundation year courses. The tuition fees mentioned below are for international students.
| University |
Location |
Tuition fees |
| The University of Central Lancashire |
England, UK |
£31,500 a year |
| Lancaster University |
England, UK |
£47,120 a year |
| University of Leeds |
England, UK |
N/A |
| University of Leicester |
England, UK |
£9,535 a year in UK |
| The University of Manchester |
England, UK |
£38,000 a year |
| University of Reading |
England, UK |
£29,950 a year |
| University of Plymouth |
England, UK |
£18,650 a year |
| University of Sussex |
England, UK |
£42,000 a year |
| University of East Anglia |
England, UK |
£22,700 a year |
| University of Bristol |
England, UK |
N/A |
| University of Dundee |
Scotland |
N/A |
Farewell note
It looks like we are almost at the end, but before saying goodbye, we would like to say that pursuing a foundation year in medicine can be a great step in your medical career. Make sure to carefully research and understand all aspects of each university before making your choice.
Well, that’s about it, and we wish you nothing less than the best in your future endeavours.
FAQs
Which universities offer foundation-year medicine?
Given below is the list of some of the top universities in the UK that offer a foundation year in medicine.
- The University of Central Lancashire
- Lancaster University
- University of Leeds
- University of Leicester
- The University of Manchester
- University of Reading
Which universities in the UK offer Foundation Year in Medicine for international students?
Given below is the list of some of the top universities in the UK that offer a foundation year in medicine for international students.
- The University of Central Lancashire
- Lancaster University
- The University of Manchester
- University of Reading
- University of Plymouth
- University of Sussex
- University of East Anglia
What is medicine with a foundation year?
The Medicine with Foundation Year is a 6-year programme where you will complete a Foundation Year before progressing into a Medicine degree, subject to passing all assessments and meeting course requirements.
Can international students apply for foundation year medicine in the UK?
Any international student can apply for a foundation year in medicine course through UCAS just like you would apply for any other degree, but it would be better to first seek the International Foundation Year (IFY) in medicine programme from NCUK.
How long is pre-med in the UK?
The Pre-Med in the UK is a 9-month unique programme, awarding graduates of this course with a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE).