About our International Foundation

The International Foundation, leading to the INTO Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies, is designed to equip students from a diverse range of education systems with the standard set of skills, knowledge and understanding required to succeed at undergraduate study. The programme is delivered and assessed at UK RQF level 3 and tailored to suit the specific needs of international students, typically non-native speakers of English who are unfamiliar with the expectations of the university education system. 

By helping students become more active learners and independent thinkers our programmes set them up for a life time of success.

We blend academic rigour and learning styles to give students the confidence and skills to succeed in a global environment. These include an emphasis on:

• critical and independent thinking
• collaborative group work
• oral and written communication
• confidence in English professionally and culturally
• appreciation of different academic cultures.

Students use these programme as a springboard to undergraduate study at colleges and universities across the world.

What to expect from students

Students who successfully complete this programme will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced productive and receptive language skills, producing writing that shows controlled use of the conventions used in academic writing.
• Apply appropriate and consistent referencing techniques in written work, respecting the work and intellectual property of others in a professional manner that is clear, consistent and unambiguous.
• Demonstrate the ability to verbally communicate complex academic matters in the English language.
• Collaborate effectively with peers within a team context.
• Demonstrate independent learning and motivational skills necessary for study in higher education.
• Apply practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding to address tasks and problems in the selected subject areas.
•  Interpret and evaluate information and ideas in the selected subject areas.
• Apply appropriate numerical and statistical analysis methods as is appropriate in the selected subject areas.
• Understand different perspectives or approaches in the selected subject areas.
• Understand basic aspects of laboratory practice, where applicable.

The curriculum model

The curriculum is designed to provide students with academic and mathematical skills to prosper at undergraduate level and is also designed to offer students some choice of modules which widens their range of disciplines and allows them to explore different fields of interest.  
Students are required to receive 120 credits to pass the programme. Those who pass the programme will receive the award of a Foundation Diploma and, with the required grades, will be able to transition into the first year of an undergraduate degree.

Programme structure and delivery

Our program is based on the UK higher education credit system – where students will earn 120 credits (roughly equivalent to 1200 hours of learning).
The course is typically delivered over an eight to nine month period – and can be organised over three terms or two semesters, depending on partner preference and academic structures.
We can also support a more intensive delivery – where it works for students and colleges.

Assessment

We know students come from a wide variety of academic and cultural backgrounds. So, we have designed the assessment to take into account students' starting points while retaining all the rigour partner universities expect when admitting students to their undergraduate degrees.

How students progress to higher education

Students follow a structured pathway, delivered in a local study centre. Programmes typically include core academic subjects, English language preparation (where required), and specialised modules. This comprehensive approach equips learners with the knowledge, study habits, and confidence to excel in undergraduate programmes. By the time they complete an INTO Qualifications programme, students are well prepared to adapt and succeed in their chosen field of study at top international universities and in their future careers.