International Foundation Diploma

The Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES) is a one-year pre-university qualification that prepares students with the essential English language skills, mathematics, research, and study skills to progress to an English-based law, finance, accounting, economics, business, or engineering and chosen specialisms to provide direct entry into an undergraduate (First Year) degree at an internationally recognised university.

Entry Requirements:

Students must meet the following entry requirements:

Completed their GCSE/IGCSE ‘O’ Levels or an equivalent* qualification in their own country and passed 5 subjects with minimum grades of ‘C’, ‘4’ or equivalent* in each. These should include Mathematics and English.

Have a valid score of 4.5 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination or equivalent for students whose first language is not English. Alternatively, students can take the free NCC Education Standard English Placement Test which is administered at our centre.

* We will need to make a decision for any equivalency decision (both qualification equivalency and grade equivalency) pertaining to any enrolments via non-GCSE or non-standard routes.

START DATE

September 2024 – Option 1
February 2025 – Option 2

COURSE LENGTH

1 year – (9 months term time)
3 months online
6 months face to face
3 months holidays

COURSE FEES

£13,500


Application Fees (non-refundable)		£250
1st term -		£7000
2nd term -		£6250

CLASS SIZE

5-15 students per classroom

Qualification Structure

To complete the qualification a student must study and pass units to the total of 120 credits* based on IELTS score and desired career pathway:

(A) 4 core + 2 elective
(B) 3 core + 3 electives
(C) 4 core + 1 electives + 2 electives
(D) 3 core + 2 electives + 2 electives

CORE UNITS

Core Units for Students with a score of 4.5≤ IELTS (or equivalent) <5.5
New Developing English Language Skills	New English for Academic Purposes	Maths for University Study	Research and Study Skills for University Study

(*)These Core Units equate to 80 Units – Students need to choose additional Electives to make up another 40 Units

Core Units for Students with IELTS (or equivalent) score of ≥ 5.5
New English for Academic Purposes	Maths for University Study	Research and Study Skills for University Study

(*) These Core Units equate to 60 Units – Students need to choose additional Electives to make up another 60 Units

ELECTIVE UNITS

20 CREDITS UNITS			10 CREDITS UNITS
Law for University Study	Introductory Accounting	Introductory Economics	Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Programming with Python	International Business	Physics for University Study	Introduction to Computer Science
Further Maths for University Study	Chemistry for University Study	Biology for University Study	Digital World

Embarking on a journey of higher education is a pivotal moment in a student's life, especially when it involves traveling across the globe to a center of academic excellence like the United Kingdom. An NCC Accredited International Foundation Diploma is more than just a stepping stone; it is a launchpad to success for international students. It offers a unique blend of rigorous academic preparation, cultural acclimatization, and linguistic advancement tailored specifically to the needs of those arriving from overseas.

Why an International Foundation Diploma is Invaluable

01

Academic Readiness

The curriculum is meticulously structured to bridge the gap between the students’ local education systems and the demands of UK universities. This ensures that when students step into a British university, they are not only acquainted with the academic standards but are also well-equipped to excel.

02

Language Proficiency

English language skills are not just essential; they are critical for success in the UK. The diploma includes intensive English language training, ensuring that students can articulate their ideas eloquently and comprehend complex academic material.

03

Cultural Integration

The transition to a new cultural environment can be daunting. The foundation diploma provides a supportive environment where students can gradually adapt to the cultural nuances of the UK, making their integration into university life seamless and enriching.

04

Personalized Pathways

Each student is unique, and so are their academic goals. The NCC Accredited International Foundation Diploma allows for personalized academic pathways, offering various modules that align with students’ intended fields of study, from engineering to social sciences.

05

Global Network

By joining this program, students become part of a global community. It’s an opportunity to network with peers from around the world, fostering relationships that can lead to multinational collaborations in the future.

How the diploma prepares students

Skills Development

Critical thinking, research, and academic writing are skills honed during the course. Such skills are not just valuable in academia but are highly sought after by employers worldwide.

University Partnerships

The diploma often has strong ties with UK universities, providing a smoother transition for students. Some programs offer guaranteed progression to certain universities, provided the students meet the academic requirements.

Supportive Environment

Career Insights

The program often includes career advice and insights into the UK job market, preparing students not just for their immediate education but also for their future careers.

Seamless Progression To University

After completing the International Foundation Diploma, students can move on to a diverse range of undergraduate programs. Some of these might include

Business and Management

Courses such as Business Administration, International Business, Marketing, Finance, and Economics prepare students for the global business environment.
Engineering and Technology: Degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology are designed for those who want to be at the forefront of technological innovation.

Health Sciences

Aspiring healthcare professionals can pursue Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, and Nutrition, laying the groundwork for a career that focuses on improving human health.

Social Sciences

Degrees in Psychology, Sociology, International Relations, and Politics are ideal for students interested in understanding and shaping society.

Arts and Humanities

For those inclined towards creativity and critical thinking, courses in English Literature, History, Media Studies, and Art & Design can be the next step.

Natural Sciences

Programs in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics offer paths for students eager to explore the natural world and its phenomena.

Law

A foundation diploma can lead to a Law degree for those interested in the legal profession or roles in public policy and governance.

Academic Progression

Students that complete the NCC Education Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES) can: Apply to Year 1 of a university degree programme at over 100 universities, branch campuses, business schools and professional bodies in 20+ countries. For further details see the What Next? University Progression brochure here: https://www.nccedu.com/university-progression/ or the L3IFDHES brochure below. Or enrol onto the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Computing (L4DC), Level 4 Diploma in Computing (with Business Management) (L4DB BM) or Level 4 Diploma in Business (L4DB), equivalent to Year 1 of a UK bachelor’s degree.