BSMS London IFP Programme

Why choose this programme?

The Level 3 International Foundation Programme (IFP) is designed for both native and non-native English speakers who aspire to enter first-year university degree courses taught and assessed in English. Here’s why this qualification stands out:

Regulatory Recognition:
The programme is regulated by Ofqual and Qualification Wales (QiW) within the Regulated Qualifications Framework, ensuring its quality, credibility, and adherence to high academic standards.

Global Recognition:
Widely respected and quality assured in the UK and internationally, the IFP is a trusted choice for students around the world.

Comprehensive University Preparation:
This qualification equips learners with essential academic and language skills, including English proficiency, mathematics, research methods, and effective study techniques. It prepares students for a broad range of undergraduate programmes such as law, finance, accounting, economics, business, engineering, and other specialist fields.

Diverse Academic Pathways:
The IFP offers multiple pathways in areas including law, computer science, business, engineering, health sciences, and higher finance, catering to varied interests and career goals.

Accessible and Inclusive:
Suitable for learners aged 16–19 as well as adult students, the programme is designed to be flexible and inclusive for anyone seeking to pursue higher education.

Strong University Recognition:
The qualification is accepted by a large number of universities in the UK and abroad, offering more than 100 progression routes to reputable institutions worldwide. For a full list of partner universities, visit www.bsmsedu.org.uk.

Career Advancement Opportunities:
The IFP also provides a direct pathway to BSMS Level 4 Diploma programmes, enhancing employability and offering a solid platform for continued academic and professional development.

Fees & Funding

Tuition fees cover all academic-related costs, including teaching, registration, and examination fees. Please note that fees do not include costs for repeat or retake modules, re-sit examinations, or programme work resubmissions. Any expenses related to work placements must be covered by the student.

Tuition Fees

• Programme Fee: £11,500

Available Scholarships

• Financial Need Scholarship: £3,000

• Early Bird Scholarship: £1,000

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the International Foundation Programme (IFP), applicants must meet the following entry criteria:

Academic Entry Requirements

To qualify for admission into the Level 3 International Foundation Programme, students must:

• Have completed GCSE/IGCSE ‘O’ Levels, high school studies, or an equivalent secondary qualification from their home country.

• Have achieved minimum grades of ‘C’, ‘4’, or equivalent in at least five subjects, including Mathematics and English.

English Language Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required. Students must meet one of the following:

• Provide a valid IELTS score of 4.5 or above, or an equivalent recognised English language qualification
  (for confirmation of other accepted tests, please contact our admissions team at admissions@bsmsedu.org).

• Alternatively, sit for our free Standard English Placement Test, conducted by our Awarding Partners.

Progression Route

Upon successful completion of the International Foundation Programme (IFP), students will be able to:

• Apply for direct entry into Year 1 of various university degree programmes offered by more than 100 universities and professional bodies across 20+ countries.

• Progress to the BSMS Level 4 Diploma in Computing, Health and Social Care, or Business—qualifications that are equivalent to the first year of a UK bachelor’s degree.

Programme Modules

To complete the Level 3 International Foundation Programme (IFP), students must successfully study and pass units totaling 120 credits, depending on their IELTS score and chosen career pathway. Several module combinations are available:

Available Module Combinations

A. 4 core units + 2 electives
B. 3 core units + 3 electives
C. 4 core units + 1 elective (10 credits) + 2 electives (20 credits each)
D. 3 core units + 2 electives (20 credits each) + 2 electives (10 credits each)

Core Units

For students with an IELTS score of 4.5 ≤ (or equivalent) < 5.5

• Developing English Language Skills

• English for Academic Purposes

• Maths for University Study

• Research and Study Skills for University Study

Total Core Credits: 80
Students must take additional elective units to reach 120 credits.

For students with an IELTS score of ≥ 5.5

• English for Academic Purposes

• Maths for University Study

• Research and Study Skills for University Study

Total Core Credits: 60
Students must select elective units totaling 60 credits.

Elective Units

20-Credit Elective Units

These units help students align their studies with their intended undergraduate programme or career pathway:

• Law for University Study

• Introductory Accounting

• Introductory Economics

• Introduction to Programming with Python

• International Business

• Physics for University Study

• Further Maths for University Study

• Chemistry for University Study

• Biology for University Study

10-Credit Elective Units

• Introduction to Computer Science

• Digital World

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the International Foundation Programme, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate strong English language proficiency — confidently read, write, speak, and understand academic English.

• Apply solid mathematical and quantitative skills suitable for degree-level studies such as economics, engineering, business, or sciences.

• Use effective research, study, and academic writing techniques, including critical thinking, note-taking, referencing, and time management.

• Understand and apply foundational concepts relevant to their chosen pathway (e.g., business, finance, computer science, health sciences, law).

• Adapt to a university-style learning environment, becoming familiar with lectures, assignments, projects, exams, and self-directed study.

• Demonstrate independent learning and analytical skills, enabling them to engage with higher-level academic content confidently.

• Make informed choices about their undergraduate pathway, having explored a variety of elective subjects aligned with different fields.

• Transition smoothly into Year 1 of a bachelor’s degree — academically ready, confident, and well-prepared for the demands of undergraduate study.

Assessment

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is assessed through a combination of coursework, assignments, presentations, and examinations. This blended approach ensures students develop strong academic skills while demonstrating their understanding of key concepts. Continuous assessment encourages consistent progress, while final exams and major projects evaluate overall mastery of each module.