Foundation Courses and Pathway Programmes
What is a Foundation course?
A foundation course is a one-year preparation course for international students who need additional English language and academic preparation for entry onto a UK university undergraduate course or Bachelors Degree.
If you are an international student finishing your high school exams but have completed less than 13 years of education, you will need to study a foundation course in the UK before you starting your university degree.
Foundation programmes are for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university. The foundation course acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and UK university undergraduate entry requirements and is designed to plug academic gaps, improve your English and familiarise you with UK life and culture in preparation for university.
There are different types of foundation courses in the UK for international students.
- Pre-sessional English
- Undergraduate Foundation
- International Year One
- Pre-masters
Pre-sessional English Courses
offer student an opportunity to improve their English Language which is vital to continue on to higher-education in the UK. Pre-sess¬¬¬¬ional English programmes are not a pathway to enter into an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree.
Undergraduate Foundation Course
This foundation programme prepares students to study an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree. Students will study three to four subjects depending on their chosen or intended degree along with strengthening their English Language for academic study. Once successfully completed, students are guaranteed to progress to their chosen university and course.
International Year One Programme
This undergraduate-level course will ease you into studying at a UK university. It is a combination of academic preparation and the 1st year of a bachelor’s degree. This foundation course is for international students who don’t quite meet the entry requirements for the university or course they wish to study. The International Year One programme is a pre-bachelor’s course which will help you to reach the required level in time to start your 2nd year of your UK university degree.
Pre-Masters Course
A Pre-Masters course is for international students who need to improve their English and develop research, academic writing, and seminar skills ahead of a taught Masters degree. Pre-Masters programmes in the UK are designed to prepare international students fully for studying at the postgraduate level and deliver high-quality students.
Courses range in length from ten weeks to twelve months and provide an essential grounding for successful postgraduate study. A Pre-Masters will greatly increase the English language and study skills required for successful postgraduate study, as well as familiarising international students with UK teaching methods.
Top International Pathway Providers
Why Study a Pathway Programme?
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It will help you get into a better university
If you’d like to study abroad, but don’t meet the academic requirements for your preferred university, a pathway course can help you gain entry. Pathways offer guaranteed progression to hundreds of degrees at universities.
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Study on the university campus
Students in ONCAMPUS pathway programmes are based on the campus of universities. You are able to meet peers from around the world and have full access to everything on campus, including world-class athletic facilities, libraries and cafeterias, and can join exciting student clubs, excursions and sports opportunities.
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Improve your English and Confidence
You will have dedicated language support so you can raise your English language level to the standard needed for university-level study. You will become more mature and resourceful. Plus, develop communication skills and the mindset necessary to pursue your studies with confidence.
Enquire about a course
After completing this form, you will be contacted by one of our expert advisors with more information on applying for a foundation course and pathway programme at your chosen university.
Foundation course requirements
A minimum IELTS score of 4.5 is required for international students wishing to study a foundation in the UK, with no single element less than 4.0. If you have no formal English qualifications, you may need to attend an English language course or college prior to starting your foundation course.
Foundation course fees
Foundation courses fees in the UK typically cost between £12,590 and £25,300, depending on which course or pathway programme you take.
Foundation Course vs Pathway Programme
Foundation Course
A foundation course refers to all programmes that prepare you to study a university degree, both undergraduate / bachelors and postgraduate / Masters. Foundation courses are offered by universities and by pathway providers.
Pathway Programme
A pathway programme is generally offered by a pathway provider – an institution that focuses only on preparing international students to study at a UK university and gives international students the opportunity to integrate their knowledge and adjust to living overseas.
Certain pathway providers have partnerships with universities and can guarantee progression to that institution if the student achieves high enough grades. Many programmes will see the student based on campus, benefitting from full university status with complete access to libraries, equipment and sporting facilities.
Pathway programmes such as undergraduate foundation courses and international year one are unique in that they guarantee progression to a university course for students that successfully complete the programme.
International students who complete an undergraduate foundation course will progress to the 1st year of their undergraduate degree. While students studying an international year one course will progress to the 2nd year of their undergraduate or bachelor’s degree.
Foundation courses subjects
Foundation courses can prepare you for a variety of subjects such as: Business, Finance & Management; Computing; Law; Art and Design; Engineering; Social Science; Medicine; Science and Pharmacy; Media; and Humanities.
Popular foundation courses to study in the UK
- Foundation in computer science
- Engineering foundation year
- Business foundation degree
- Foundation in art and design courses
- Foundation in law degree
- Foundation course mathematics
- Nursing foundation degree
- Foundation degree in teaching
- Psychology foundation degree
Top University Foundation Courses
Many top universities have foundation courses and programmes for international students to prepare them for progression to a course at their university. These programmes prep students to study undergraduate programs in the sciences, engineering, mathematics, business, arts, humanities, social sciences and architecture.
Students who successfully complete the programme are guaranteed progression to study for a bachelor’s degree at these prestigious institutions.
There is much interest from international students in the University of Cambridge foundation year and Oxford University foundation year. However, these Oxbridge institutions do not offer foundation programmes for international students due to strong competition and limited placements. For international students, we recommend applying for degrees at the University of Cambridge and Oxford University by presenting your qualifications and submitting your strongest application.
Popular foundation courses by top universities in the UK
UCL International Foundation or Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) – University College London (UCL)
The UPC is a foundation course for international students who don’t have the qualifications to enter a UCL undergraduate degree directly. Experienced UCL teachers will help improve your academic skills, English, and subject knowledge. This will help you progress to a degree at UCL or another top UK university
Warwick IFP – Warwick University foundation year
The Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP) prepares students for undergraduate studies through one of 10 academic courses. Students further develop their academic knowledge and skills, as well as prepare for the style of teaching and learning common within a UK degree programme.
Queen Mary, University of London foundation programmes
Queen Mary’s (QMUL) foundation programmes and courses offer an alternative route onto Queen Mary’s undergraduate programmes. They’re available across the humanities, social sciences, law, science and engineering. Students can progress to over 100 bachelors degree programmes.
The International Foundation Year and Pre-Masters Programme are available to international students. They are designed to help International and EU students progress onto degree-level study.
Bristol IFP – University of Bristol foundation year
The University of Bristol International Foundation Programme (IFP) gives students the opportunitity to will study with other students from around the world and develop your academic skills and understanding to prepare you for a University-level degree.
University of Bath international foundation year
The University of Bath International Foundation Year (IFY) is a one-year full-time course delivered by Bath College, the University’s partner organisation. The course is designed for international students with high academic potential and superb motivation, but not the precise qualifications to allow direct entry on to one of the University’s degree courses
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