Opinion and Features
How a Foundation Programme Can Help You Study Abroad
Making the decision to study abroad can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. One way to make the transition to studying in a foreign country smoother is by completing a foundation programme.
A foundation programme is a pre-university course designed to prepare international students for the academic and cultural demands of studying in a different country.
Whether you are a high school graduate or a mature student looking to further your education in another country, this blog will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether a foundation programme is right for you and which one.
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What is a foundation programme?
A foundation course is an educational programme designed to prepare students for university-level studies. It is a pathway for students who have completed their secondary-level education but may not meet the entry requirements for their desired university programme.
Why study a foundation programme?
A foundation programme is a great way to gain the necessary knowledge and skills for university-level studies. It provides students with a strong academic foundation and the opportunity to develop essential study skills such as critical thinking, research, and analysis.
Students who complete a foundation programme are well-prepared for their university studies and often outperform their peers who did not take a foundation programme.
The programme typically lasts one academic year, although some programmes may be longer or shorter. The duration of the programme may depend on the subject studied and the university offering the programme.
What are the benefits of a foundation programme?
A foundation programme involves intensive study in a chosen subject area. Students will be taught the key concepts and theories and develop their practical skills. The programme may involve lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical work.
A foundation programme offers several benefits for students, such as:
- Providing students with a strong academic foundation which will help them succeed at university.
- Developing essential study skills such as critical thinking, research, and analysis.
- Increasing the chances of being accepted into a desired university programme.
- Providing a pathway for students who are unsure about their desired career path, allowing them to explore different subjects and areas of interest.
When choosing a foundation programme, it is important to consider several factors, including the subject area, the reputation of the university, entry requirements, tuition fees, and the duration of the programme.
What are the different types of foundation programmes?
At some point in their academic career, students may find themselves in need of a foundation programme. Here are a few different types of foundation programmes available to students.
- Academic foundation programmes
Academic foundation programmes are designed for students who have completed their high school education but lack the necessary qualifications to enter a degree programme directly. These programmes are usually offered by universities and colleges and cover subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and English.
- International foundation programmes
International foundation programmes are designed for international students who want to study in a foreign country. These programmes are usually offered by universities to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to adapt to a new education system.
- Art and design foundation programmes
Art and design foundation programmes are designed for students who want to pursue a career in the creative arts. These programmes are usually offered by art colleges and prepare students for a university-level degree programme in art and design.
- Medical foundation programmes
Medical foundation programmes are designed for students who want to pursue a career in the medical field. These programmes help students to develop an understanding of the human body and equip them with the knowledge needed to succeed in a medical degree programme.
- Engineering foundation programmes
Engineering foundation programmes are designed for students who want to pursue a career in engineering. These programmes help students to develop an understanding of the principles of engineering so they can succeed at a degree in engineering.
Does GISMA offer any foundation programmes?
Foundation programmes at GISMA are designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation in their chosen field of study. The programmes are designed for students who have recently completed their high school education and are looking to further their education in business, management, or technology.
GISMA offers two pathways in its foundation programme, the Business pathway and the Computer Science pathway. Successfully completing the foundation programme will allow you to progress to the degree programme of your choice.
The Business pathway allows students to cover a range of key business topics. These include financial management, economics and globalisation, and organisational behaviour. Through these modules, students will gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin the business world.
The Computer Science pathway covers key computer science topics such as programming fundamentals, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture and networks, database systems and data management. Through these modules, students will gain a deeper understanding of the essential concepts and principles that govern the field of computer science.
Overall, GISMA's foundation programmes provide a solid understanding of either business or computer science studies and equip students with the essential academic and study skills needed to succeed in their future studies and careers.
Click here to learn more about GISMA’s foundation programmes.
Why should you choose a GISMA foundation programme?
GISMA’s foundation programmes are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen field of study. There are several reasons why you should consider GISMA foundation programmes for your higher education needs.
- Quality Education: GISMA Business School is a highly ranked institution with a powerful reputation for providing quality education. The school has a team of highly qualified faculty members who are experts in their respective fields, committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers.
- International Exposure: GISMA provides its students with an opportunity to study in a diverse and multicultural environment. Their programmes attract students from all over the world, giving students the chance to interact with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- Career Opportunities: GISMA Business School has a powerful reputation in the industry and many employers actively seek out GISMA graduates for job positions. Their programmes provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's competitive job market.
If you are looking for a strong academic foundation to prepare you for a successful career, then the foundation programmes at GISMA are definitely worth considering.
Click here to learn more about GISMA’s placement services.
How can GISMA foundation programmes help you?
GISMA foundation programmes can help a student in several ways:
- Preparing for higher education: GISMA foundation programmes are designed to prepare students for higher education by providing a strong academic foundation. Students are introduced to academic study skills and critical thinking, as well as subject-specific knowledge, which helps them succeed in their future studies.
- Developing language proficiency: These programmes are taught in English which helps students develop their language proficiency. This is especially beneficial for non-native English speakers who wish to study in English-speaking countries.
- Building a global network: Foundation programmes offered by GISMA attract students from all over the world which allows students to build a global network of contacts.
- Providing a pathway to higher education: GISMA foundation programmes provide a pathway to higher education, allowing students to progress to undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. This is especially helpful for students who may not meet the entry requirements for their desired degree programme.
Completing GISMA's Business pathway foundation programme provides entry into BSc Business Management, BSc International Business Management, and BSc Data Science, AI and Digital Business programmes.
Completion of the Computer Science pathway foundation programme allows entry into BSc Computer Science, BEng Software Engineering, and BSc Data Science, AI and Digital Business programmes.
These bachelor’s programmes provide students with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills in their chosen field and prepare them for a successful career in today's global business and technology industries.
Click here to learn more about these undergraduate programmes.
GISMA is one of the few reputable German business schools with English-taught courses and an international student population. You can boost your professional career globally by developing the most crucial leadership competencies and soft skills. You will also benefit from GISMA’s business relationships with top MNCs and extensive placement support.
So, enrol in a foundation programme at GISMA and start learning today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why choose to do a foundation programme?
A foundation programme can provide an alternative route to university for students who do not meet the entry requirements for a degree programme.
- What are the benefits of studying a foundation programme?
Studying a foundation programme can help students develop the necessary academic skills and knowledge required to succeed at university, as well as improve their English language proficiency.
- Why should I study foundation programmes?
If you are an international student or you do not meet the entry requirements for a degree programme, studying a foundation programme can help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to progress to the degree programme of your choice.
- What are the entry requirements for a foundation programme at GISMA?
The entry requirements for GISMA's foundation programme include a minimum age of 18, completion of secondary education with a minimum grade average of C, and evidence of English language proficiency, such as a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent. The applicant must also have a general university entrance qualification.
This article is written by Sushree Saloni Rath.
