International qualifications 2013 (pdf) - CUKAS

Appendix E – International Foundation Programmes
International Foundation Programmes are usually one-year diploma
courses designed especially for international students who wish to
study for a degree in the UK. The programmes’ design depends on
the individual institution, although the aim is the same: to bridge
the gap for those students whose school-leaving and/or English
language qualifications require an extra year’s study to be
appropriate for entry to a UK undergraduate degree course.
Foundation programmes usually include a set number of subject
modules (for example, economics, business, law, politics) and a
number of compulsory modules (for example, English language,
academic writing, university studies, project). Some institutions
will also include one or two other modules from Year 1 of the
undergraduate curriculum.
HEIs that offer their own foundation programmes may take
foundation students on as undergraduates if their performance
meets the entrance requirements for the institution. Some
programmes will guarantee progression, while others may specify
overall grades and/or a certain mark for specific courses. HEIs
will often accept students from other foundation programmes,
provided that they are suitably validated.
Programmes usually range between 30–36 weeks and can be
geared to a number of different degree destinations so that
students are able to start their studies prepared for the specific
academic demands of their chosen degree.
Some institutions will cater specifically for students within the
European Union, while others may concentrate mainly on those
outside it. All courses will be tailored to those students who wish
to obtain recognised and accredited qualifications that satisfy the
general entrance requirements for a British degree programme.
Foundation programmes are also available through FE colleges,
which are often linked to a local university and validated by them.
Additionally, an increasing number of private language schools
run foundation programmes.
HEIs should ensure that the programmes have been
suitably validated.
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME – SCOTLAND
(IFPS)
The programme is an established and recognised course for
overseas students hoping to enter Scotland’s unique system of
higher education.
The purpose of the foundation programme is to enable overseas
students to obtain the grades needed to enter their chosen
courses, by way of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
qualifications and foundation examinations.
Prospective university students sit SQA Highers and the
Foundation English Examination.
Contact information for IFPS is given in Appendix G.
84 INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS