International Foundation Programme

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The International Foundation Programme (IFP) prepares international students for undergraduate programmes at the University of Buckingham. It provides a bridge between school study in your home country and undergraduate study at a UK university. The programme combines intensive English language and study skills plus gives you an insight into some of the subjects on offer at degree level.

Choose this course if you have successfully completed 12 years of schooling, have a good school leaving qualification and IELTS of 5.5 (with 5.0 in each component).

Successful completion of the IFP and improving your English to an IELTS of 6.5 will allow you to progress on to undergraduate programmes in the Schools of Business, Sciences or Humanities. Therefore most students can complete their foundation and degree programme in three calendar years.

Extended International Foundation Programme

If your IELTS is 5.0 (with 4.5 in each component) you can come to Buckingham in September to start the Extended International Foundation Programme with one-term of intensive English language tuition before joining the Foundation element of the course in January.

Modules available for this course

• Key Foundation Skills
• English Communication Skills
• UK and Global Institutions
• English and Study Skills
• Essential Mathematics
• English for Academic Studies
• Introduction to Financial Studies
• English for Business
• English for Business 2
• Understanding the World of Business
• The Economic Environment of Business
• Decision Making for Business

Full course details in the Curriculum Handbook

Applicants for this course are expected to have completed 12 years of schooling and have a good school leaving certificate.

Standard: The minimum English level for the Standard course is IELTS 5.5 (with at least 5.0 in each component).

Extended: The minimum English level for the Extended course is UKVI IELTS 5 (with at least 4.5 in each component).

International students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.

English levels

If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.

Selection process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Skype, email or phone.

Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our online form.

Terms and conditions for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

High calibre staff

Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials by highly qualified teachers who are used to dealing with mixed nationalities and vary their teaching methods according to both the tasks and the students.

A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

Assessment methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.

See the Foundation Curriculum Handbook for further course details.

The successful completion of any of our Foundation level courses will allow you to progress to an undergraduate degree (according to the specialism of the Foundation level course).

Our Foundation courses will equip you with the vital academic and language skills needed for Buckingham’s two-year undergraduate degree.

Most students are therefore able to complete their foundation and degree programme in three calendar years.

You may also find it useful to visit the following fee related information on our site:

• Estimated Living Costs
• Grants and Loans

On-campus accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

What’s included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.

We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, and campus tours include a typical student room. Arrange a tour via your Admissions Officer.

Apply directly

You can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of this page.

Help and support

If you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form below, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. We are available between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.

You may find it useful to download these great tips from Which University? on writing your personal statement.

If you would like to make any changes to your current application, please contact Admissions using the form below.