Foundations of success: Former foundation year students on a health sciences course show equivalent module marks and degree completion rates to peers from more traditional entry routes

Abstract

This article considers success at undergraduate level study amongst former students of a foundation year in health sciences. Data from 50 former foundation year students, with respect to programme completion, academic marks and final degree classifications, was compared to that from 335 students who entered the same six undergraduate programmes via the UCAS main cycle and 74 who entered those courses via UCAS Clearing. Statistical analysis showed that former foundation year students were more likely than students from other entry routes to complete each year of their undergraduate programme, and they received equivalent marks to students from more traditional entry routes, including final degree marks. This is in contrast to recent government reports about undergraduate outcomes of former foundation year students, but in line with some other small studies investigating particular foundation years. The need for future research in this area is discussed, including recommendations for broader and larger cohort studies, alongside qualitative studies that will help us understand the success of former foundation students from their point of view.