International Foundation Programme
Our International Foundation Programme is an intensive one year course that is specially designed to prepare students to study at UK universities.
Students can choose from one of three foundation pathways, with each pathway leading on to a wide range of undergraduate university courses.
BUSINESS, ACCOUNTING AND ECONOMICS
On our Business pathway you will develop a critical understanding of three core interdependent subjects – Business, Economics and Accounting. These will underpin future enterprise success through knowledge of organisation, markets, competition and value.
| Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 | Module 4 |
| Economics | Business | Accounting | Mathematics for Business |
Business pathway: Typical university offers received
| University | Course | Academic Requirements | IELTS Requirements |
| University of Bristol | Economics | 80% Overall Score with 80% in Advanced Mathematics | 7.0 Overall. 7.0 in Writing. 6.5 in each other category |
| University of Manchester | Management | 75% Overall Score | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 6.0 in each category |
| University of Durham | Business Management | 70% Overall Score | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 6.0 in each category |
| University of Sussex | Accounting & Finance | 65% Overall Score with 65% in Mathematics | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 6.0 in each category |
| University of Liverpool | Law | 75% Overall Score with no module less than 65% | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 5.5 in each category |
Student Profile: Tiffany from Nigeria
‘I began the A-level programme in September 2021, studying Accounting, Business, Economics, and Mathematics. I opted to transfer to the International Foundation Programme (IFP) at the conclusion of my first year. I was first reluctant since I was unfamiliar with the course. I enrolled in the Business, Accounting and Economics Pathway Foundation programme, and I can honestly say it was the best decision I ever made. The foundation programme gave me additional subject-specific training. Subjects like Mathematics are very broad subjects, but with the foundation programme, I was able to master solely math related to business, which would help me in university. This programme allowed me to learn in a more relaxed environment, which made me enjoy the last year of sixth form. My Accounting instructors, as well as my other subject teachers, were always a source of encouragement, and with their assistance, I was able to attain the award for best Business IFP student overall and such great scores at the end of my sixth-form education.’
Tiffany achieved an overall score of 83% on the Business, Accounting and Economics pathway. She is now studying Accounting and Finance at the University of Reading.
ENGINEERING
On our Engineering pathway you will focus on the building blocks of the discipline; Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. You will study mechanics, electricity, magnetism, solids and fluids.
| Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 | Module 4 |
| Chemistry | Physics | Mathematics for Engineering 1 | Mathematics for Engineering 2 |
Engineering pathway: Typical university offers received
| University | Course | Academic Requirements | IELTS Requirements |
| University of Surrey | Civil Engineering | 75% in Mathematics | 6.0 Overall |
| University of Bath | Mechanical Engineering | 85% Overall Score with 85% in Advanced Mathematics & Physics | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 6.0 in each category |
| University of Leeds | Mechanical Engineering | 75% Overall Score with 75% in Advanced Mathematics & Physics | 6.0 Overall. Minimum 5.5 in each category |
| Newcastle University | Chemical Engineering | 80% Overall Score with 80% in Advanced Mathematics & Chemistry | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 5.5 in each category |
| University of Sheffield | Software Engineering | 80% Overall Score with 85% in Advanced Mathematics & Physics | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 6.0 in each category |
Student Profile: Kenechi from Nigeria
‘Teachers are always willing to help, my favourite memories will be just chilling with my friends. The experiences I’ve had will help me to pursue my career goals to the fullest of my abilities.’
Kenechi achieved an overall score of 72% on the Engineering pathway. He is now studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham.
SCIENCE AND BIOMEDICINE
Successful completion of our Science and Biomedicine pathway opens up progression opportunities to study Medicine at a range of universities both in the UK and overseas. Students need to have previously completed one year of level 3 study in Biology to be eligible for the Science and Biomedicine pathway.
| Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 | Module 4 |
| Biology 1 | Biology 2 | Chemistry | Mathematics for Science and Biomedicine |
Science and Biomedicine pathway: Typical university offers received
| Aston University | 75% Overall Score with 70% in Chemistry and Biology. IELTS 7.5 Overall. Must sit UCAT |
| University of Central Lancashire | 70% Overall Score. IELTS 7.0 Overall |
| University of Nicosia (Cyprus) | 70% Overall Score with no less than 70% in each module plus high school leaving certificate from home country. IELTS 6.5 Overall (6.5 in Writing, no less than 6.0 in other components) |
| Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland 5 Year Medicine Programme 6 Year Medicine Programme | 80% Overall Score with 75% in Chemistry, no module less than 70%. IELTS 6.5 Overall 70% Overall Score with 70% in Chemistry, no module less than 60%. IELTS 6.5 Overall |
| St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada | 75% Overall Score with 70% in Biology 1&2 and Chemistry. IELTS 7.0 Overall |
| University of Galway (Ireland) | 80% Overall Score. IELTS 6.5 Overall with no less than 6.5 in any component |
| American University of Antigua College of Medicine | 72% Overall Score. No English stipulations |
| University | Course | Academic Requirements | IELTS Requirements |
| University of Manchester | Biomedical Sciences | 80% Overall Score with 75% in Biology & Chemistry | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 6.5 in each category |
| University of Portsmouth | Pharmacy | 70% Overall Score with no less than 60% in each module | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 6.0 in each category |
| University of Leeds | Nutrition | 70% Overall Score | 6.0 Overall. Minimum 5.5 in each category |
| University of Bristol | Neuroscience | 75% Overall Score with 75% in Chemistry & Biology | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 6.0 in each category |
| Bangor University | Health and Social Care | 60% Overall Score | 6.5 Overall. Minimum 5.5 in each category |
Student Profile: Prang from Thailand
‘Abbey College Cambridge is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. I have met friends from around the world, seen different cultures and leaned different languages. Teachers make sure that every student understands in class and offer extra sessions if needed.’
Prang achieved an overall score of 67% on the Science and Biomedicine pathway. She is now studying Psychology at the University of Westminster.
Our International Foundation Programme follows a modular structure, with students studying 4 key modules each term. Assessment takes place at the end of every term, giving students the flexibility to assess their performance and resit their first and second term assessments if they need to improve their overall score.
The programme is fully accredited by the NCFE, a leading global pathway provider, and has been developed in collaboration with top universities. Our study programme has been meticulously crafted to prepare students for success at university and beyond – over 70% of NCUK foundation students achieve a 2:1 or higher at university.
Unlike some foundation programmes which only offer progression to a limited number of partner institutions, our academic team works closely with admission tutors to ensure that our foundation programme offers progression to a wider range of top ranked UK universities. Every year around half of our foundation students move on to join prestigious Russell Group or top-30 UK universities. Our Science and Biomedicine pathway is also one of the very few foundation pathways in the UK to offer direct progression for international students onto medical degrees.
Admissions tutors at the UK’s top universities recognise the quality of an Abbey College Cambridge Education. Our International Foundation Programme graduates progress onto some of the UK’s best institutions, including members of the prestigious ‘Russell Group’ such as Durham University, King’s College London, the University of Birmingham, and the University of York.
Abbey College Cambridge foundation students also receive extensive academic support and pastoral support, including our Pre-Degree Diploma university preparation programme, weekly English classes, and ‘Abbey Inspires’ evening lectures, support and revision sessions.
The final grade on our international foundation programme is given as an overall percentage, with 40% overall equivalent to a pass, 65-75% overall equivalent to a merit and 80-85% overall equivalent to a distinction.
International Foundation Programme results are released in the first week of July and are sent to students and their chosen universities. This gives our foundation students a significant advantage in their university applications over other courses whose results are not released until later in the summer.
Apply now to fast-track your future with our International Foundation Programme!
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
| Course Start Date | September |
| English Level (minimum) | All Pathways other than Science and Biomedicine: Minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent, and successfully passing the college interview process Science and Biomedicine Pathway*: Minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, and successfully passing the college interview process |
| Age (on entry) | 16.5 years+ Students must have had their 16th Birthday before the 1st March prior to the September starting. |
| Academic Qualifications | 5 GCSE passes at grade C, or their equivalent (Science and Biomedicine students need to have previously completed one year of Level 3 study in Biology) |
*English requirements for the Science and Biomedicine pathway are set higher than other pathways as students need to attain higher overall English levels to progress to study Medicine at university.
