The first step of a career in business can feel like a daunting prospect. Many students have an idea of the direction in which they want to take their studies, but find that they lack the initial knowledge base required to build their ambitions. Foundation and bridging courses provide effective entry points into the world of business.
A foundation program and a bridging course are similar in some ways, as they both serve to prepare students for higher education or to bridge the gap between their current level of education and the requirements of a higher-level program. They are both educational programs designed to help students prepare for further studies or fill gaps in their knowledge and skills, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.
Foundation Program:
A foundation program is typically designed to help students who do not meet the entry requirements for direct admission into a bachelor’s degree program. It is often intended for students who have completed their secondary education (high school) but might not have the necessary academic qualifications or background to directly enter a degree program.
Foundation programs often cover fundamental subjects related to the chosen field of study and may include academic skills like research, critical thinking, essay writing and study techniques. Upon successful completion of the foundation course, students are usually eligible to progress to the full degree program.
Bridging Course:
A bridging course, on the other hand, is a program designed to “bridge the gap” between a student’s existing knowledge and skills and the requirements of a specific higher-level program.
Bridging courses can vary widely in duration and content and may not necessarily lead to a degree program. They might be focused on a particular skill set, subject area, or even test preparation. For example, a bridging course might help students improve their mathematics skills before entering a more advanced math-intensive program.
In summary, a foundation degree is usually a preparatory program for entry into an undergraduate degree, while a bridging or foundation course aims to bridge knowledge or skill gaps for a variety of educational contexts.
The terminology and usage of these terms, however, may vary from one educational system or institution to another. EU Business School, for example, offers a one-semester/13-week Business Bridging Program that provides high school students with the knowledge required to succeed in their three-year bachelor’s programs by strengthening their academic, communication and business English skills while studying management and economics. EU Business School also provides a one-semester English Foundation program for those who need to improve their English language proficiency before embarking upon their chosen degree course.
Visit our website if you would like more information on EU Business School’s foundation programs, or get in touch via our contact form.
