International Foundation programme
University of London's International Foundation Programme (IFP) has been designed to ensure that you achieve high academic standards and gain the skills, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to succeed at university. It is one of the most widely accepted foundation programmes in the world.
A stepping stone to undergraduate study
This programme is designed to give you the tools you need to succeed at University and is widely accepted for undergraduate entry in the UK and beyond. Graduates are guaranteed entry to several undergraduate degrees offered through the University of London.
Access a wealth of resources
Get the resources you need to unlock your academic potential with classroom supported by comprehensive subject guides, textbooks and a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which includes a variety of interactive online material. The learning experience is strongly focused on the development of academic skills alongside analysis and debate.
A trusted name in global education
Founded in 1836, the University of London is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK and is internationally regarded as a centre of academic excellence. UoL educates more than 45,000 distance learners annually in 190 countries.
World-class teaching
This programme is academically rigorous and offers a firm grounding in the social sciences across Law, Economics, Politics and beyond. You’ll engage with contemporary issues using real-world examples. Tutors at Athens International College will ensure you get the support you need to thrive throughout your studies.
Join the world class
Join a global alumni community and enjoy a lifelong connection to the University of London. Graduates are encouraged to keep in touch with one another and can receive a number of benefits including an extensive programme of events and engagement opportunities.
A recognised and prestigious qualification
IFP graduates have gone on to study at prestigious universities in the UK, such as Durham, Edinburgh, King’s College London, London School of Economics, Manchester, Warwick and at universities in Australia, Canada and the USA. For a list of universities that have made offers to IFP students in recent years, please visit: london.ac.uk/ifp
In the context of University of London Teaching Centres, academic direction refers to the design, development, and oversight of the academic content and standards of a programme. It is provided by a lead college or the University of London itself in the case of the International Foundation programme, which ensures the quality and sets assessments. Teaching Centres like AIC deliver the teaching, but the academic authority and curriculum come from the University of London’s directing the programme.
The University of London is the awarding body for the International Foundation Programme.
As a Recognised Teaching Centre for University of London (UoL) programmes, AIC supports students studying for UoL degrees through distance and flexible learning.
AIC provides local, in-person academic support and resources to complement the materials and online platforms provided by UoL.
AIC offers face-to-face classes, tutorials, revision sessions, and access to facilities like libraries, computer labs, and study spaces.
AIC instructors are trained and familiar with UoL's academic standards and assessment requirements, helping students prepare effectively for exams.
While students are officially registered with the University of London and receive their degrees from the university itself, AIC, as a Recognised Teaching Centre plays a role in delivering structured learning in a classroom environment, especially valuable for students who prefer guidance and interaction.
AIC, as a centre, may also assist with administrative processes such as registration, exam arrangements, and academic advising.
AIC, as a Recognised Teaching Centre serves as a local partner in maintaining the quality and accessibility of the University of London’s global programs.
The IFP consists of four elective modules.
When you complete the programme, you become eligible for many of our undergraduate programmes offered through the University of London. It is also widely accepted for undergraduate entry at other universities, including most universities in the UK and many in other countries.
Please note that other universities have their own application criteria and you should check with each university for their policies and application deadlines.
Individual modules may also be studied on a stand-alone basis. A student may register for one individual module in an academic year.
Studying a single module leads to the award of a Certificate of Achievement and does not contribute towards the International Foundation Certificate which is awarded only for the successful completion of four modules. No credit transfer or recognition of prior learning (RPL) is allowed for students who complete a single module and then register on the International Foundation Programme.
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what courses you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
Modules offered at AIC
Local teaching support
To study the International Foundation Programme, including single modules, you must register also at AIC an approved teaching centre that supports this programme. In this way, you benefit from local support and the facilities of a campus-style environment.
Online support
When you register, UoL will give you access to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
- The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Here, you can access electronic copies of all printed study materials, resources including audio-visual and revision guides, and forums to discuss study material and work collaboratively with others.
- The Online Library. As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.
Senate House Library
If you are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
Student Support
UoL are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all students, regardless of which programmes you are studying.
You will have access to support through:
- The Enquiry Hub – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- The Skills Hub – This offers a range of courses and activities to help students strengthen key skills and enhance their learning experience.
- Wellbeing Hub – self-directed resources to help students stay happy and healthy through their studies.
- TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
Time commitment
The International Foundation Programme can be completed in one academic year at most Recognised Teaching Centres.
Each Recognised Teaching Centre offers its own study schedule and term dates.
Assessment
The International Foundation Programme and its modules are assessed by an unseen written examination. Candidates who pass all four modules are awarded the University of London International Foundation Certificate with a grade of 'Pass', 'Merit' or 'Distinction'.
Exams are held in May each year. You can sit these at a University of London examination centre. A fee is payable to the local examination centre.
Students who marginally fail one module are eligible to resit that examination in July of the same year.
Lynne Roberts is Programme Director of the International Foundation Programme. She has over 20 years of experience as a lecturer, academic adviser, educational developer and head of learning and teaching at Russell Group Universities in the UK. She holds qualifications from the Institute of Education (Education, Gender and International Development) and Cambridge (Teaching).
For Programme start dates, please contact AIC which is your local Recognised Teaching Centre. In general the programme starts at October each year.
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| Programme starts | October 2025 |
What qualifications do you need?
To register for the International Foundation Programme, you will need to meet the following minimum criteria:
- Age 17+ by 31 December in the year of registration.
- Hold four separate subjects at GCSE / O level (grades A*-C / 9-4), or the equivalent.
- Meet the English language requirements.
- Have a place to study at a Recognised Teaching Centre for the programme.
Athens International College can advise you of their entry criteria.
Find equivalent qualifications where you live, see am I qualified?
Even if you don't meet the standard requirements, UoL will consider each application on its own merits under our Special Admissions procedure.
English language requirements
We will need to see evidence that you have a good standard of English. This may include:
- GCSE in English language (grade C) or equivalent.
- Proof that you spent five years at a secondary school taught only in English.
- A proficiency test passed within the last three years.
If you don't have this evidence but believe you can meet the standard, we may still consider your case.
The following proficiency tests are accepted for the International Foundation Programme, provided they have been awarded within the past three years:
- APTIS: overall score of at least 140, with at least 21 in Listening, 29 in Reading, 39 in Writing and 29 in Speaking.
- (IELTS) International English Language Testing System: 5.5 overall, with 5.0 in each sub-test (Academic or General or IELTS Indicator Online Test).
- Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 95.
- Password English Language Test: 5.5 overall, with 5.0 in each sub-test.
- Pearson Test of English, Academic: 46 overall, with 46 in both Reading and Writing.
- (TOEFL) iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language (including Special Home Edition test): 75 overall, with 18+ in Reading and Writing sub-tests and 16+ in Speaking and Listening.
Computer requirements
There are minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. For this programme, you will also need a media player (such as VLC) to play video files.
Most UK universities accept the International Foundation Programme for entry to many of their courses.
Students who have completed the programme have gone on to study with the University of London in the UK or in their home country and at many other institutions in the UK and around the world.
Offers made to our graduates (Based on data from 2022/23 and 2023/24) [PDF]
In some countries, University of London qualifications earned may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to find out more about local recognition status before you register.
Contact Athens International College for a quote.
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.
