Foundation, pre-masters or direct entry: which route is right for you?
Not every student goes straight onto a degree. Here is how foundation and pre-masters programmes work, and how to tell whether you need one.
Universities publish entry requirements for every course, usually broken down by country of study. If your qualifications and English language level meet them, you can apply for direct entry. If they do not yet, a preparatory programme can be the bridge.
Direct entry
Direct entry means starting your bachelor’s or master’s degree straight away. It is the quickest and usually the least expensive route, but you need to meet the academic and English language requirements in full, or receive an offer that is conditional on meeting them by a set date.
Foundation programmes
A foundation programme prepares you for an undergraduate degree. It is often the right choice when your secondary school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to your chosen course, or when you want to build subject knowledge and academic skills before starting a degree abroad.
Many foundation programmes are linked to a university and offer progression onto a named degree when you pass with the required grades.
Pre-masters programmes
A pre-masters programme does the same job at postgraduate level. It suits graduates whose first degree, grades or English level do not yet meet the requirements for a master’s, and it introduces the research and study skills expected in postgraduate study.
How to decide
Start with the course you want to finish on and work backwards:
- Check the entry requirements for your country on the university’s course page.
- Compare them with your qualifications, grades and English test results.
- If there is a gap, look for a foundation or pre-masters programme with progression to that course.
- Ask an advisor to review your documents before you apply, so you choose the route that fits.
Ready to take the next step?
Tell us what and where you want to study, or speak to an advisor about your options.