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Explore our foundation year subject areas

GBS offers a range of foundation degree courses across exciting fields, including business, health and social care, construction management and digital technologies. Our programmes provide the academic grounding you need while helping you develop the skills and mindset for success. Find out which foundation degree educational path aligns with your aspirations. 

GBS Presence in Other Parts of UK

We have campuses in four of the UK’s biggest and most exciting cities – London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. Wherever you study with us, you will have access to the same range of state-of-the-art facilities and top-quality teaching. 

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Latest from Global Banking School

Stay up to date with what’s happening across our GBS campuses. From student achievements and industry workshops to community events and academic milestones, see how we are changing lives through education at GBS.

Our Partners

Latest blogs from Global Banking School

Discover insights, tips and student stories through our latest blogs. From career guidance to industry trends, explore how GBS supports student journeys during their foundation year. 

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How AI and automation are changing construction management

Discover how AI and automation are changing construction management by improving planning, reducing repetitive tasks and increasing career pathways for future-ready professionals.

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How do computing courses help students tackle real‑world challenges?

From traffic systems to NHS diagnostics, computing courses provide real-life tech skills. Prepare to tackle real-world problems and build rewarding computing careers with GBS.

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How digital marketing is transforming the tourism sector

Explore the impact of digital marketing on tourism. Learn how digital tools and strategies transform travel experiences and how GBS can help you build a career in tourism.

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How is the UK healthcare sector shaping up for the future?

Discover key healthcare sector trends in the UK, from NHS future plans to digital transformation and innovation that are reshaping the future of care and patient experience.

What Our Students Say

At GBS, our students are at the heart of everything we do. We empower learners to balance their ambitions with their commitments. Listen to the stories from our diverse community of students who have transformed their careers and lives as a result of our flexible, industry-focused programmes across the UK.

BSC (HONS) BUSINESS AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Elena Todorova

The campus is very new and comfortable. One of the best I saw. I like because I can work – I have a child and I can study and I can work and be with my family. This is very good for me. Because I have lived in this country only second year and English is a new language for me, when I study here I can teach my child at home new words.

HNC/HND IN BUSSINESS

Manea Bianca

It’s my first year here. I chose this university because it gave me the opportunity to have choice. I study two days per week - it’s very flexible. It makes it easy to study.

Studying foundation year programmes

Enrolling in a degree programme with a foundation year is an important decision.  We offer foundation year programmes that are tailored to meet the needs of recent high school graduates as well as adults who are ready to rekindle their academic ambitions. Our goal is to provide students with the opportunity to improve their academic skills, build their confidence, and adjust to the demands of higher education. 

At GBS, we recognise that many students juggle multiple responsibilities, which is why we offer flexible foundation year degree courses. With supportive lecturers, structured learning and small class sizes, we ensure you are never just a number. From boosting your academic writing and research skills to developing independent thinking, GBS will help you prepare for a seamless transition to a full undergraduate degree of your choice. 

A foundation year is more than just a stepping stone. It is your opportunity to build a strong academic base, discover your strengths and prepare for future success. Listed below are five reasons why enrolling in a degree with a foundation year can set you on the right path: 

  1. Smooth transition into university life: A foundation year will help you adjust to university-level expectations, academic writing styles and independent learning. It will make the transition into undergraduate study a lot smoother and less overwhelming. 
  2. Build essential skills for success: During your foundation year, you will develop key skills such as critical thinking, research techniques and communication, which that will help you beyond the university years. 
  3. Explore your chosen field with confidence: At GBS, foundation year programmes will introduce you to subject-specific knowledge at an early stage. This will allow you to master the basics and feel more confident and prepared when starting your full undergraduate degree. 
  4. Flexible study options for real lives: At GBS, we offer foundation degrees with flexible study options. You can choose from weekday, weekend and evening classes, which allow you to balance your studies with work, family or personal commitments. 
  5. Strengthen your academic and career ambitions: Completing a foundation year can also help you clarify your long-term goals and find motivation to pursue your dreams. After graduation, you can explore exciting career opportunities. 

At GBS, our foundation year courses are designed to support a wide range of academic and career ambitions. Whether you are passionate about business, health and social care, technology or construction, our programmes will help you build the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your chosen field.  At GBS, we offer the following foundation year courses: 

  • Business and management: The four-year degree, including a foundation year, will help you gain a stronger understanding of global business, enterprise and leadership. 
  • Construction management: During your foundation year, apart from university-level academic skills, you will also develop essential industry knowledge and project management skills to prepare you for a dynamic career in construction. 
  • Health and social care: The foundation year will help you build your understanding of healthcare systems and practices while developing leadership and management skills to pursue an impactful career in this consumer-facing sector. 
  • Digital technologies: During the foundation year, you will learn the basics of digital innovation, IT systems and emerging technologies before moving on to advanced knowledge in the coming three years to thrive in the evolving digital economy. 

Completing a foundation year course is the first step in your undergraduate journey. Once you progress to an undergraduate degree, you can discover a wide range of professional roles across industries.  You can explore the following career paths after completing a foundation year and a degree: 

  • Business Development Executive 
  • Project Manager 
  • Construction Project Coordinator 
  • Healthcare Administrator 
  • Digital Marketing Assistant 
  • Software Support Analyst 
  • Social Care Worker 
  • Operations Coordinator 

GBS's Enterprise Hub is designed to ignite entrepreneurial spirit at every stage, including the foundation year. As part of our community, you will have access to professional advice and opportunities where you will learn how to pitch ideas to potential investors and secure funding for your venture. The hub offers an inspiring space to turn your early business ideas into reality and develop practical skills for future ventures. At GBS, ambition is nurtured from day one, empowering you to take bold steps toward a future as an innovator and leader. 

FAQs about foundation year programmes

GBS offers some of the most structured and industry-focused foundation year degree courses in business, health and social care, construction management and digital technologies. Choosing an undergraduate degree with a foundation year at GBS will provide you with the support to achieve your professional ambitions. 

Foundation year programmes help you build essential academic skills such as academic research, writing and critical thinking. You will also develop subject-specific knowledge that will prepare you for undergraduate study. 

As a GBS student, you will have access to a wide range of resources and become part of a supportive learning community that understands real-life commitments. Our foundation year courses will allow you to balance your higher education with flexible weekday, evening and weekend study options. You will also benefit from professional lecturers, student support and industry-focused learning.

After progressing from foundation year programmes to a full degree, some of the top career opportunities expected by 2025 include: 

  • Business Analyst 
  • Healthcare Manager 
  • Project Coordinator 
  • IT Support Specialist 
  • and Construction Site Manager

In 2023, the overall graduate employability rate in the UK remained strong at around 87.7%. Completing a foundation year and moving on to undergraduate study increases your chance of entering the workforce with essential skills and qualifications, positioning you strongly in the competitive job market.

A foundation year course gives you the academic and professional preparation to thrive at higher education levels and beyond. By building essential study habits, communication skills, critical thinking and industry-aligned knowledge, you can prepare for success in your chosen career. GBS’s foundation degree courses are specifically designed to support your long-term goals.

A foundation degree is Level 3. After completing an undergraduate degree with a foundation year, students graduate at Level 6.

Yes, GBS offers flexible foundation year course options through weekday, weekend and evening classes. Whether you choose a regular foundation degree or a more flexible route, at GBS, we ensure that you can balance your education with personal or work commitments.