Does a Foundation Degree make you a "Graduate" in Universities eyes?

**wishfulthinking** · 04-05-2012, 03:45 AM

I've read a ton about pursuing a career as a doctor, however I haven't found much info on my question, I would really appreciate any advice!

I have completed an arts Foundation degree (2 years, FDA) would that class me as a graduate in the eyes of universities considering an application from me?
I'm worried about this because it also confuses me as to what my options are in terms of which courses I can apply for (graduate or am I eligible for 6-year? or 5-year? ahh!)

Its also a confusing issue because of funding. I have been previously told that the full length of course + 1 year's funding - 2 years (already studied) = amount of tuition loans I can expect to receive. I also read the long thread on here about it, but am still unsure of what applies to me because some people have said that a foundation degree confers me as a graduate, whereas some consider the fact that I do not have a BA hons means I am not a graduate!

Basically I am 24 this year, I have GCSEs with A in English, C in Maths and Double Science and a couple of A* and As. At A-level I got AAC but no science or maths subjects. I am trying to decide currently whether to go back and do Science A-levels or to try and get into an Access to Medicine course.

If anybody has some advice for me I would appreciate it so much. I am aware of the other requirements for med school (work exp, etc) but really want to know whether I am classed as a graduate or not so I can consider what to do next (although I would love some advice on the Access vs A-levels side of things as well.)

Thanks very much in advance for your time.

**Profanius** · 04-05-2012, 01:11 PM

Hi wishful

Every GEM programme I am aware of requires an Honours degree - although some will accept just a Masters (SGUL) or integrated Masters (NCL). None of them will accept you onto a graduate programme with just a foundation degree unless it was in Paramedic science or nursing - in which case you could go through the professional entry route (SGUL, Kings, Leicester). Since yours is in arts then thats another no.

On the plus side graduate funding rules do not apply to you either. A batchelor degree in medicine is regarded as a higher level qualification than a foundation degree - ELQ legislation does not apply and so you should be entitled to full funding from the SLC.

I'm not sure on the situation with regards to prior funding but on a five year medical degree the final years tuition fees are paid by the NHS and you receive a small bursary from the NHS so you should be ok even if the SLC is only willing to fund 6 years of study for you in total. Pretty sure medicine is exempt from this rule anyways.

In short - you're not regarded as a graduate.

**wishfulthinking** · 04-05-2012, 02:08 PM

Hi Profanius,

Thanks for your reply, that really clears things up for me! Good news, its a huge relief particularly about the funding actually.

If you don't mind me asking, what is your opinion on the Access courses vs A-Levels? I'm torn between the two, but if I am eligible for the 6-year course although I know it is more competitive than the 5-year, I am leaning towards doing Access to Medicine and trying my luck with Unis that I meet the criteria for (assuming I can get decent UKCAT and/or GAMSAT scores too of course.) I've seen the threads which caution against unknown Access courses that the Unis don't accept, so I would definitely look only at the ones that are widely accepted.

I suppose I'm just really wondering if I should just suck it up and go for 2-year A-levels now and (eep compete with the school leavers) or try the mature student route via Access.

Thank you very much for clearing up the graduate question for me.

**mrdell** · 25-05-2012, 12:01 AM

Hi Wishfulthinking

I am just completeing my first year at Durham. I completed a foundation degree in Business. Then went onto their foundation year program with direct progression to medicine. Great program I must say.

In regards to funding, you will only lose 1 year of funding and then will be able to obtain full funding throughout.

This is how it works:
5 year medical degree means 5 years of funding, (lets forget about the NHS bursery for a minute), minus the 2 years you took for your foundation degree, plus 1 year student finance will give you for starting another program as you do not have a Bacholars degree. Therefore, you end up with 4 years of funding.

Hope that helps, let me know if you need clarification in regards to that.

I would advise going for a good access to medicine course or trying for one of the 6 year programs.

**wishfulthinking** · 25-05-2012, 04:26 PM

Hi Mrdell,

Thank you very much! Its good to hear as well from someone who has been in the same situation as me. I am currently looking at 6-year foundation programs since I can meet their requirements better or so I hope.

Can I ask if Durham required you to take the UKCAT ?

Many thanks again

**mrdell** · 25-05-2012, 09:25 PM

Durham do require you to take the UKCAT and obtain a score competitive with the year group that you had taken it with.

So you would take it prior to applying for the foundation year and so it is already completed, you then just have to obtain the grades which is 70% in each module.

Feel free to ask any questions you have.

Originally Posted by wishfulthinking

Hi Mrdell,

Thank you very much! Its good to hear as well from someone who has been in the same situation as me. I am currently looking at 6-year foundation programs since I can meet their requirements better or so I hope.

Can I ask if Durham required you to take the UKCAT ?

Many thanks again