A-Levels and Foundation programmes – what are your options?
18th July 23
In the UK, A-Levels and Foundation programmes are two common educational pathways for students looking to pursue higher education. Here’s an overview of these options:
A-Levels (Advanced Levels):
A-Levels are two-year subject-based qualifications typically taken by students aged 16-19. They are the most traditional academic route for progression to universities and colleges in the UK. A Levels are typically studied in three or four subjects in-depth and allow students to specialise in specific subjects of their choice, including sciences, humanities, and arts. They require students to engage in detailed study and examinations in each subject. Therefore, they are ideal for students with a clear idea of what they are hoping to study at university.
International Foundation Programme (IFP):
The International Foundation Programme can be offered both at universities and colleges. It is typically a one-year university preparation programme designed for international students who have completed their secondary education in their home country but do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry to a university programme. It bridges the gap between secondary education and undergraduate study to help students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for university studies.
The International Foundation Programme offers a broader curriculum that covers key academic subjects such as mathematics, English, sciences, and social sciences. It is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation across multiple disciplines to prepare students for various university programmes.
Abbey DLD Group of Colleges’ International Foundation Programme is an intensive academic programme, designed specifically for 17 to 21 year-old international students, and available in various academic pathways. Unlike many foundation programmes, our destinations are not limited to a choice of one or two partner universities. This means that students are free to progress to a wide range of UK universities, including many of the top-ranked and ‘Russell Group’ universities. The Abbey DLD Group of Colleges also has progression partnerships in place from our Foundation programme to a range of public and private universities. It should also be noted that Abbey DLD Colleges’ foundation programme is also one of the few to offer the option to study medicine in the UK.
It’s important to note that the specific options and requirements for A-Levels and Foundation programmes may vary from one institution to another. Students are advised to research and consult with the universities or colleges they are interested in to understand their entry requirements, available courses and pathways, and any additional criteria they may need to meet. All Abbey DLD students are given individual support and guidance for their university applications.
What pathways are available in the International Foundation Programme?
Pathways will vary depending among universities and colleges. At the Abbey DLD Group of Colleges, students have a choice of various pathways, each of which comprises a range of core skills and pathway-specific modules. All pathways are designed to give students a thorough grounding in the key concepts and theories they will meet during their undergraduate studies,
The pathways available are:
- Business (all three colleges)
- Creative Arts or Art & Design (Abbey College Manchester & DLD College London)
- Engineering (all three colleges)
- Environmental Science (Abbey College Manchester)
- Humanities or Social sciences (Abbey College Manchester & DLD College London)
- Medicine (Abbey College Cambridge & Abbey College Manchester)
- Science (Abbey College Cambridge & Abbey College Manchester)
- Sport (Abbey College Manchester)
- Computer science and Mathematics (DLD College London)
- Fashion Management (DLD College London)
- Biomedical Science (DLD College London)
Can I switch from A-Level programme to International Foundation Programme?
International students commonly opt to study A-Levels as it is the most traditional route for progression to UK universities. However, due to differences in the education systems and rigorous demands of the course, some may find it more challenging whilst in the first year of A-Level. It may be possible for A-Level students to move onto an International Foundation Programme at the end of their first year of A-Level Study in Year 12, offering students an alternative to potentially better succeed in their final year of education in Year 13 before progressing onto higher education and an opportunity for some to still access top-ranked universities. Find out more about some of Abbey DLD Colleges’ destinations following A-Level and IFP programmes: Results | Independent Sixth Forms | Abbey Group of Colleges (abbeycolleges.co.uk)
More information:
Find out more about the A-Level programme available at Abbey DLD Colleges: A-Level | Abbey Group of Colleges (abbeycolleges.co.uk)
Find out more about the International Foundation Programme at Abbey DLD Colleges: International Foundation Programme | Abbey Group of Colleges (abbeycolleges.co.uk)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the options if I failed my A level or did not get an offer from a university?
A: If you hold a non-British passport and within 2-year CAP, you can apply to one year International Foundation Programme to continue your study and apply to UCAS in the following year in all three of our colleges as following:
Q: What is a 2-year CAP by UKVI?
A: If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years. (Quoted from https://www.gov.uk/student-visa)
Q: What are the entry requirements for the International Foundation Programme?
A:
- Normally be aged 17 or over before the 1 September in the year of registration
- Have passed GCSE English or have an overall UKVI IELTS score of 5.0 (with a minimum of 4.0 in all components)
*UKVI IELTS requirements may vary for specific subject strands (ie. Medicine pathway will require a minimum of 6.5)
Q: Will I get support to apply to universities after I complete my International Foundation Programme?
A: Each student will have a dedicated UCAS tutor to assist them during the application stage. Most students will apply via UCAS before the deadline in January each year. You may also apply to universities individually via university admissions.
Q: What is the difference between Abbey DLD Group of Colleges’ International Foundation Programme and other foundation providers?
A: Abbey DLD foundation courses are widely accepted by most UK universities and so it is an open foundation course. For previous progressions, please visit below webpage:
https://www.abbeycolleges.co.uk/results-and-destinations/
Our class sizes are small between 8 to 12 students per class with personal tutors and UCAS advisors to support you.
Q: What are the options if I don’t meet the English requirement to progress onto the A level or International Foundation Programme?
A: We offer an Academic Preparation Course at DLD College London and a Pre-sessional course at Abbey College Cambridge to help students improve their English before the academic course. Normally students will study one year or 6 months in order to improve to a good level of English.
Q: Do I have enough time to apply for my visa for the September 2023 start?
A: Please apply immediately to allow more time for the admissions and future visa application. We will set up a CAS deadline after September to make sure you will not miss too many classes.
Please note you will need to apply for a new Tier 4 visa outside of UK if there is no progression on your course level.
Q: Can I visit your college for a tour?
A: Yes, we are happy to arrange a tour for you between Mondays to Fridays 9am to 4pm except public holidays. However, it is essential to make the necessary arrangements before visiting. Please contact our admissions team or your local Sales representatives to check tour availabilities.
Get in touch today
Since 1931, the Abbey DLD Group of Colleges has been synonymous with high-quality education, top university destinations, and enriching academic and pastoral experiences. Abbey DLD students graduate equipped with the skills to progress in their university studies and future career, with friends from all around the world, and having made memories to remember for a lifetime.
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