Have you considered an alternative route to university?

British foundation courses, such as the University Foundation Programme (UFP), are a perfect choice for international students to help you acquire the essential knowledge and skills required to succeed at a high-ranking British university.

The UFP is an intensive, one-year programme of academic subjects and study skills. English language preparation is added for those who have not attained the required level.

Here are 7 reasons why studying at the UFP may be the right step for you!

1. A guaranteed university place for successful students

Once you complete your foundation course and achieve the required grades, you will be ready to begin the first year of your undergraduate degree at your chosen university.
Our successful students go on to study at top British universities. Last year, over 70% of our students were accepted into Russell Group universities including:

• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Cardiff
• University of Durham
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter
• King’s College London
• Leeds University
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Newcastle
• University of Nottingham
• Queen Mary University of London
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• UCL
• University of York

2. Specially designed for international students

Foundation courses are designed to address the specific needs of students from international backgrounds. The UFP is tailored to ensure that students are both academically prepared and have built the confidence required to succeed at an undergraduate course at a British university.

3. Academic classes combined with English study

While you may have a strong academic background, if you aren’t used to studying or speaking in English every day, you may struggle on a degree course taught solely in English to native English speakers. The UFP helps students prepare by providing focused training in the kind of academic English that will help you in your future degree studies. We also offer intensive IELTS classes throughout the entire programme to help you attain the required level for your chosen university requirements.

4. Fill any gaps in knowledge between high school and university

Education standards are very different around the world: teaching methods vary, as do the number of study hours expected from the students. Foundation courses in the UK are designed to familiarise all students with the British style of teaching and learning which will ensure they are fully prepared for university study. Completing your foundation course at the UFP will ensure that you are not at a disadvantage when you start your undergraduate degree.

5. Specialise in the field of your choice

At the UFP, you can tailor your course to suit the degree programme you hope to study:

• Art, Design & Architecture
• Business & Finance
• Engineering & Computing
• Law, Humanities & Social Sciences
• Science & Pharmacy
• Medicine

Each pathway involves studying minor modules common to each route, plus a set of subject-specific major modules that are carefully designed to focus on the academic areas most useful to your chosen degree. Find our more about our different pathways).

6. Familiarise yourself with university style teaching

When you graduate from a Foundation programme, you will have an advantage over students entering higher education straight from school, because foundation courses in the UK are taught using university-style teaching with tutorials and seminar-style classes. This all helps prepare you better for your future university studies and provide you with the best possible chance of success.

7. Time to adjust

Living and studying in the UK before you head off to university gives you plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the language and culture, as well as to make plenty of new friends! The UFP offers two fantastic locations: choose from the hustle and bustle of central London or the beautiful, historic town of Bath.