Why study a pathway programme?
For students looking to study abroad who do not meet the entry requirements, a pathway programme is a perfect option for you to consider.
Pathway programmes are foundation courses designed to help students prepare for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. These programmes equip you with the basic skills and knowledge relevant to your desired field of study.
Most pathway programmes run for one academic year and do not end in a degree. Successful students get awarded a diploma at best.
Here are some common reasons students looking to study abroad consider choosing a pathway programme:
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To get familiar with the educational curriculum
For most international students, the challenge of adjusting to a new curriculum can be overwhelming. Pathway programmes allow students to adjust to the learning curriculum of their desired study destination before they transition to their university degrees. During this period, students understand the learning culture of their study destination and have an easier time adjusting to the education system.
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To decide a course of study
In most cases, students choose to study a pathway programme to help them decide on a course of study for their undergraduate degree. A student can have a study destination in mind but still be unsure of the course of study. Pathway programmes expose students to different subject areas, giving them adequate time to figure out their interests and choose between them. This helps students have a clearer idea of their interests and decide a course to major in at the university.
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To meet entry requirements of a study programme
International students choose to study pathway programmes to meet the entry requirements for their university degrees. Pathway programmes are designed to prepare students for either an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree. During this phase, students build relevant skills and gain the needed qualification(s) for their study programme.
Pathway programmes also help you develop skills that will be useful to your study programme. These skills include but are not limited to:
- Language skills
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Project management skills
- Communication skills
- Collaboration skills
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To increase the chances of securing admission
Pathway programmes are particularly attractive to students because it increases their chances of getting admitted for a university degree. Pathway programmes serve as a preparatory course for students looking to earn the needed credits for their university degree.
Students are taught based on the curriculum of their respective study destinations and are assessed at the end of the programme to test their knowledge. Many universities and colleges offer admission to students who achieve the required academic credits from a pathway programme.
Pathway Providers
Most countries have pathway providers that specialize in either undergraduate pathway programmes, graduate pathway programmes or a mix of both. Pathway providers are educational institutions set up to offer students alternative paths to entry for a university degree.
Undergraduate pathway programmes are popular in many countries. They help students gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to transition to their desired degree programme.
A common pathway provider for undergraduates is a Sixth form College. Sixth form Colleges are post-secondary school learning institutions that provide students with the foundation knowledge needed for their university degree program.
Sixth form education in Nigeria
In Nigeria, Sixth form Colleges are rising in popularity and being explored by students seeking to study in a foreign university.
Attending a Sixth form College in Nigeria is a great option for students living in the country. This is because students get preparatory classes and gain relevant knowledge at a cost lower than that of studying a foundation programme abroad.
Click here to read more on Why You Should Consider A Sixth-Form College In Nigeria
One of the established Sixth form Colleges in Nigeria is Westerfield College. Westerfield College is a sixth form college that offers Cambridge A-Level, international foundation and pathway programmes to prepare students for their undergraduate degrees. The College also provides extra support services for its students like career counselling, language tests tutorials, visa application and support during the university application stage.
When you decide to study a pathway programme for your undergraduate study, the next step you should take is to do proper research to find out which pathway programme works best for your interests and needs.
Some of the foundation programmes offered by Westerfield College at the undergraduate level are:
This one-year programme is taught over 3 semesters, providing smooth access to an undergraduate degree in an American University. This foundation programme is divided into various pathway specializations across STEM, Business, Humanities and Creatives.
Students who complete this programme get to progress to the second year of their degree at any of the College’s American partner universities.
The Canada Foundation Programme is designed to prepare students and equip them with the skills and knowledge required in their respective fields of study. Students who meet the requirements are qualified to complete their undergraduate studies at any of the College’s partner universities in Canada.
This programme runs for one year and is focused on a specialist pathway. The UK Foundation Programme is taught based on the curriculum of the intended degree and also helps students build generic skills to succeed in their undergraduate programme.
The Pre-medical Foundation Programme is an intensive academic and professional preparatory course for students studying towards a medical degree. This one year course allows successful students to proceed to medical colleges in the UK and the rest of Europe to complete their medical degrees.
Westerfield’s Cambridge A-Level Programme is an academically intensive programme that runs for 18-24 months. The Cambridge A-Level Programme runs in two parts- AS and A2.
The Cambridge A-Level degree is globally recognized by universities. For this reason, successful students can gain entry to all courses at the undergraduate level in foreign universities.
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