Foundation Diploma in Business: pathway to an undergraduate degree

In recent weeks, high school students have been preparing for exams in an effort to achieve results that meet university standards. However, many are unaware of diploma programmes that provide an introduction to various fields of study. On completion, students are better able to make informed decisions on which Bachelor's degree to pursue.

Worldwide, Foundation Diplomas are growing in popularity, with many universities encouraging students to complete a foundation year before committing to a Bachelor’s programme. So what is a Foundation Diploma?

Foundation Diplomas

Foundation Diplomas are one-year introductory programs that help students explore their interests and abilities before committing to a specialized undergraduate degree.

These courses are designed to help students make the transition from secondary education to higher education. In some cases, it can also be used as preparation for employment.

The Foundation year is also open to students who were unable to complete their high school diploma or Czech equivalent. Yet on completion Foundation graduates qualify for university studies, making it an easier pathway into academia.

Interested in business studies? Sign up for Exploring Business Skills with PCU: an introduction to Business Studies on 28 June at the City Centre Campus.

Foundation Diploma in Business

PCU offers two diplomas, one in Art, Design and Media Practice and the other Foundation Diploma in Business is a Pearson BTEC International level 3 foundation programme developed in the UK and recognized as a valid progression route into undergraduate studies.

The programme offers a practical and comprehensive introduction to business studies over the course of one year with students introduced to a wide range of topics, including management skills, marketing, HR, finance, presentation skills and event management.

Most graduates move into undergraduate business studies in areas such as HR, Marketing, Strategic Management or Finance and Accounting, but some have also crossed into IT.

I’ve always enjoyed playing with numbers so after high school I decided to look at combining this with business. Initially I was interested in International Management but the financial classes in my Foundation year made me realise that I really enjoyed this part. I then chose to study BA (Hons) International Finance and Business Accounting. So slowly I’ve started to grow into a career where I can play with numbers.
Juan Jose Navarro Trujillo
Foundation graduate and BA (Hons) International Finance & Business Accounting student

The teaching methodology is to engage students and encourage interactive learning through problem solving individually and in teams. Students are also given real-life business scenarios which help reinforce learning.

Small class sizes ensure that students receive individual support from experienced lecturers with business and academic backgrounds who encourage and guide them through tasks, presentations, academic writing and assignments.

The Foundation Diploma in Business is also available as an online programme, allowing students to learn from any location.

I studied my Foundation year online from Dubai. The programme allowed a lot of flexibility so I could study when I wanted and from any location. The topics that we learnt made it easy to understand the main concepts and principles behind the world of business.
Juan Jose Navarro Trujillo
Foundation graduate and BA (Hons) International Finance & Business Accounting student

Graduate Pathways

On completion, Foundation students are eligible to apply for undergraduate studies at many international universities. Many continue to undergraduate studies at PCU in BA (Hons) International Management, or if more numerically inclined a BA (Hons) International Finance and Business Accounting or BSc (Hons) in Computing.

Interested in Business Studies?

Sign up for Exploring Business Skills with PCU: an introduction to Business Studies on 28 June at PCU’s City Centre Campus.

Lecturers from the School of Business will be conducting a free workshop for students interested in pursuing Business, Management or Finance and Accounting at university. Throughout the day you’ll have the opportunity to dive deeper into topics, practice teamwork and presentation skills, gain helpful tips and get a taste of what to expect when studying at a university.