[UK Foundation Programmes: Changing Perceptions: Do British Students Study Foundation Programmes Too?]

Foundation programmes have been commonly associated with international students in the public's perception. However, in reality, there are also local British students who pursue Foundation programmes as a pathway to UK universities. Surprisingly, these local students make up over 60% of the total enrollment in Foundation programmes, completely overturning the traditional impression that only international students attend these courses!

大部分人對於銜接課程的認知，主要是招收國際學生為主，並分為 Foundation (大學基礎班) 和 International Year One (國際一年級) 課程兩種。國際學生主要在大學內的特設建築物內，與常規課程的同學分開獨立上課。但是以下要介紹的Swansea大學銜接課程，就與上述所講的顯著不同。其銜接課程不但是直屬大學管理，學生更是以「一條龍方式」直接升讀大學，原校升學的成功率也較其他大學的同類課程為高。

銜接課程直屬大學，與常規學生無異

Swansea University 的大學銜接課程，是由直屬於大學旗下的 The College 負責教學及管理，同時接受英國本地及國際學生申請入讀，當中本地學生佔整個課程的全體超過六成。他們同樣擁有 Swansea 大學的學生編號，並有權使用大學的設施，與校園內的所有學生無異。與普遍銜接課程不同，每位學生都設有專屬的tutor (導師)，照顧學生在學術和不同方面的需要。
In terms of International Year One programmes, Swansea University offers a wide range of subjects, including its strong disciplines such as engineering, computer science, business, psychology, sports science, and media studies. Compared to other UK universities offering similar programmes, Swansea covers a broader range of subjects. The key difference lies in the fact that most of these subjects are taught alongside direct Year 1 entry students. Additionally, two extra sessions of academic support and Interactive Learning Skills and Communication are included each week to help international students enhance their English language proficiency and academic skills, facilitating their adaptation to university life.

Unique Single Visa Package and Flexible Admission Requirements

Traditional foundation programmes often issue student visas in two separate stages, corresponding to the foundation programme and the remaining years of the degree programme. Swansea University's foundation programme differs in this aspect. The university issues a single visa encompassing both stages, eliminating the hassle of visa extensions for students. As the Tier 4 student visa issued by the university falls under the NQF Level 6 category, students currently studying A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in the UK can apply for these foundation programs without being bound by certain "advanced conditions" within the student visa.

There is another little-known aspect of Swansea University's foundation programme. It accepts a variety of English proficiency tests, such as TOEFL or internal English exams, whereas most foundation programmes have strict requirements that only accept IELTS for UKVI-Academic. This allows students to have more options and easily meet the English language requirements for admission.

Other Integrated-Visa Foundation Programme Recommendations

Located in the central part of the UK, the University of Leicester excels in teaching subjects such as physics and astronomy, economics, archaeology, and most biology-related disciplines. The university's archaeology team gained international fame in 2012 when they excavated the remains of King Richard III in a parking lot in the county of Leicester and confirmed his identity through DNA testing. The university's foundation programme covers most of the mentioned subjects, including business management, marketing, and human resources management. They also offer an International Year One programme, which will introduce a new Information Technology-related course in 2021. Both programmes have received high praise, with nearly 90% of graduates finding employment in relevant industries after completing their studies, reflecting the university's recognised teaching quality.

As a renowned coastal city in the southern part of the UK, the University of Portsmouth not only boasts rich history and tourism resources but also offers a tranquil living environment for students. The campus is located in the city centre of Portsmouth, just a 15-minute distance from the tourist area, making it convenient for students to purchase daily necessities. The university specialises in subjects such as surveying, fashion design, geography, marine biology and environmental science, and digital media design. Similar to Swansea University, they also provide International Year One programmes in various subjects, with surveying and environmental science being among the few disciplines that offer International Year One courses.