Our partners’ Foundation courses are an intensive, three-term programme developed specifically for international students and accredited by the top-ranking Lancaster University. Its modular structure allows you to study multiple modules at once, with exams at the end of each. With its emphasis on developing strong academic and English language skills, our partners’ Foundation courses are respectable alternatives to A Levels and offer progression to 100 UK universities.
Guaranteed progression
You can benefit from conditional progression† to a range of top UK universities. Many of our university partners also offer Foundation students Guaranteed Conditional Offers upon application via UCAS.
Foundation programme university partners include:
University of Bath, University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, Durham University, University of Greenwich, Kingston University London, Lancaster University, Leeds Arts University, University of Surrey, University of Westminster
Academic English Skills
Accepted by more than 40 universities, our Academic English Skills (AES) is built into your timetable from your first day of lessons, so
you have more time to focus on developing your English language skills. And AES is accepted by more than 40 university partners in place of IELTS. By applying to these universities, you won’t need to worry about taking an additional test to prove your English language level. The AES programme helps you to:
· Read effectively and critically
· Listen to and make notes in lectures and presentations
· Deliver presentations and participate in academic seminars
· Research, plan and write academic essays
· Use language with clarity and confidence
You’ll also be supported in developing the accuracy and range of written and spoken English you will need to express yourself effectively and with confidence. If you wish to apply to universities that do not yet accept AES, our partners provide IELTS preparation and practice alongside AES.
Money back guarantee
Our partners are confident that you will achieve your academic potential and get in to a top UK university. If you do not achieve this after completing your Foundation programme, they will refund your tuition fees. Terms and conditions apply – please ask for more information.
Foundation Modules and Extended Foundation
All subject pathways are made up of six specialist modules, which help you to deepen your academic knowledge, as well as the following core modules:
Core modules (all pathways except Art and Design)
· Academic English Skills: Develop language, communication and related academic skills.
· Computer Information Technology: Develop your computer skills, including Microsoft Office and business and media applications.
Core Modules Art and Design
· Academic English Skills
· Digital Arts Skills
FOUNDATION KEY FACTS
AGE 16.5+ (max. age 18 for entry for Brighton centre)
COURSE LENGTH 3 terms
START DATES September, January, April*
CENTRE All centres (Subject pathway dependent on location)
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
Brighton and London: 11 students
Cambridge: 10 students
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
IELTS 4.5 or equivalent
IELTS 5.0 or equivalent for January start
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Satisfactory completion of secondary or high school education. Four GCSEs at C or above. Maths B or above for Engineering and Science and Pharmacy pathways. For Science and Pharmacy we recommend students have prior study of Biology and Chemistry.
For Computing we recommend students have prior study of Maths.
* April start Business, Finance and Management Foundation only Brighton and London
If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your Foundation programme, an English Language Preparation is a tailored course focused on just that. Available for 1, 2 or 3 terms.
What if you don’t meet the entry requirements?
If you are looking to study Business, Finance and Management or Marketing Foundations and you don’t meet the academic and English
language requirements for direct entry, you can opt for the Extended Foundation Programme.
· Extended Foundation is an additional term on the 3-term programme, where you will improve your English language and study skills before progressing to the Business, Finance and Management or Marketing Foundation subject pathway.
EXTENDED FOUNDATION KEY FACTS
AGE 16.5+
COURSE LENGTH 1 term followed by 3 term Foundation
START DATES Brighton: September and January
London: September and June
CENTRES Brighton and London (subject pathway dependent on location)
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
IELTS 4.0 or equivalent
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Four GCSE grades C or above.
RECOGNITION Recognised by over 80 university destinations in the UK and selected universities in Europe and the USA
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE (SUBJECT PATHWAYS OFFERED ARE DEPENDENT ON LOCATION)
Brighton: Business, Finance and Management
London: Business, Finance and Management or
Marketing
Pre-Foundation
A pathway for international students looking to study our Foundation programme, but who do not yet meet the academic or English language requirements.
Pre-Foundation programme prepares you to successfully complete our Foundation and progress to a UK university. They’ll help you to improve your English language and academic skills, as well as develop the organisational and presentation skills you’ll need as a student in the UK.
Pre-Foundation is offered at Brighton and London campuses. Whichever campus you choose, you’ll become familiarised with the British style of learning, benefit from small class sizes, improve your language skills and collaborate on group work to develop your communication and teamwork skills, as well as receiving support to improve your independent learning skills.
Pre-Foundation at Brighton
The 3-term Pre-Foundation is for international students aged 15.5+ and looking to progress to a Foundation pathway in: Art and Design; Business, Finance and Management; or Media.
You’ll study three GCSE subjects, with exams at the end of the programme in English Language, Mathematics and either Business, Art or Media. If you choose Art or Media, you’ll also complete project work. You can also study for a GCSE exam in your native language – if it is available at your chosen location.
Pre-Foundation at London
The London College offers a choice of Pre-Foundation programmes depending on your age. Pre-Foundation is a three-term programme, starting in September, for students over the age of 15.5+. Pre-Foundation 18+ is a two-term programme starting in January and is for students over the age of 18.
On the three-term pathway, you will study:
· Business BTEC (Business and Technology Council). This course provides a more practical, real-world approach to learning. You’ll
study the world of business, giving you the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment.
· Functional Skills in Mathematics. Providing you with the essential knowledge, skills and understanding that will enable you to operate confidently, effectively and independently.
· English. IELTS and critical thinking skills development.
The two-term pathway, starting in January, is an intensive course of study for students over the age of 18.
No matter the programme you choose, you can progress to the Business, Finance and Marketing or Marketing Foundation programmes in London.