MEDICAL PATHWAY
TO UNIVERSITY

MEDICAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMme:
Guaranteed ACCESS TO medical degrees

The International Foundation Programme is a three-term course designed for international students who wish to progress onto undergraduate courses in the UK to study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other life science fields. The programme consists of academic modules, study skills, and one-to-one tutorials. We'll provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed on your chosen university course.

Programme details

Our Medical Foundation Programme is your gateway to a competitive medical degree course, thanks to our progression agreements with well-ranked universities across the Great Britain and internationally.

Entry requirements will vary from country to country, so it's best to contact us to discuss your individual education background and goals.

The SCL International College Medical Foundation Programme will:

  • Help you develop an analytical approach to your studies and apply newfound knowledge to practical scenarios.
  • Encourage you to explore various learning styles to see what suits you best.
  • Improve your study skills such as reading and note-taking strategies, essay construction, research methods, and translating theory into practice.
  • Challenge you to work in teams, actively participate in class, and present to small groups.
  • Enhance your communication skills in speaking, negotiating and writing.
  • Develop your 21st century skills such as collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
  • Prepare you for university entrance exams such as IELTS or OET.

Throughout the Medical Foundation course, you will participate in our Academic English programme, helping you prepare to meet English language standards set by your chosen university.

The Medical Foundation pre-university course has been developed with an appreciation of the specific requirements of medical and dental schools. For example, the curriculum uses problem-based learning and real-world case studies.

As an integral part of our pre-university pathway programme into Medicine, international students will gain comprehensive knowledge of the British university environment and of different aspects of living and studying in the UK.

At SCL, we are committed to ensuring you gain the necessary English language qualifications and study skills to advance to university. Your academic tutor will take a personal interest in your progress and help you develop your study plan accordingly.

By the time you complete our programme, you will have the knowledge base and confidence needed to excel both academically and personally when studying Medicine at university.

You will also take a variety of courses specifically designed to prepare you for enrolling on a Medical degree programme in the UK. Our Medical Foundation Programme provides an understanding of how the human body works through a study of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. It also introduces the study of some elements of pathology, microbiology, virology and parasitology, genetics and public health.

Genes, Cells & Development

This module provides a solid foundation for the study of biomedical phenomena and the conditions for cellular life and health. Beginning with the constituents of living things, you'll explore the way that molecules and energy interact to produce compartmentalised structures that regulate and reproduce themselves.

Atoms, Molecules & Reactions

You'll learn the fundamentals of physical chemistry so that you can account for and predict changes of matter, energy, and chemical or biochemical states. The module emphasises problem solving skills and fundamental laws. Chemical principles will be illustrated with examples from life and health sciences, and students will be encouraged to find and discuss further applications.

Measurements in Life Sciences

This module teaches you how biology and health are described and investigated by physical approaches. You will approach physical concepts through examples drawn from biological scenarios. These studies in physics will be underpinned by workshops where you will become proficient in mathematical operations and thinking that will be required throughout your academic and professional life. Finally, you will learn the basics of computing, and apply them to a simple biological problem or scenario.

Medicine, Disease & Society

This module introduces international students to the social and historical context of health and healthcare, including contemporary problems and dilemmas, and possible future developments. You will consider your own reasons for aspiring to work in healthcare, and will acquire tools for discussing and evaluating claims about health, disease and treatment.

Tissues, Systems & Regulation

This module builds on the work of Genes, Cells & Development to explain system-level phenomena in the life sciences, with a focus on mammals. You will be expected to apply physiological principles and mechanistic insights to explain the response of living systems to perturbations, including disease states.

Periodic & Organic Chemistry

This module includes an emphasis on principles (of atomic structure and of electron movements) that develop your skills in chemical problem solving. You will be encouraged to explore biomedical applications of group chemistry, organic structure, functions, and reaction mechanisms (free radicals, eliminations, additions, substitutions).

Investigations in Biomedicine

This module prepares you to pursue and present your own work at a level appropriate to higher education. By having the opportunity to carry out your own research project, you will get hands-on experience practising the research skills required at an undergraduate level. Together with your supervisor, you will select a topic of interest, generate your own findings, and present the results in formats adapted to different audiences.

Pursuing a medical degree in Great Britain can be an excellent choice for those passionate about helping others and making a difference in people's lives.

See our related blog post where we explore how long it takes to become a qualified doctor in the UK, what other career options are available for medical students, and how the SCL International Foundation Programme can help prepare you for undergraduate medical studies.

ADVANCING TO A MEDICAL DEGREE AT UNIVERSITY

We offer guaranteed interview with up to 7 universities, including the University of Buckingham. Our students can also apply to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and St. George's University in Grenada, two highly respected institutions.

WINTER 2024 ENROLMENT - 38 WEEK COURSES

Winter Term 

30 September - 13 December

Spring Term

6 January - 28 March

Summer Term 

21 April - 20 June

Winter Break

16 December - 3 January

Spring Break

31 March - 18 April

How to apply

Students who enrol on this pre-university Foundation Programme typically have good high school grades, especially in Biology and Chemistry. You must be at least 18 years old by the time your course starts and you are expected to have an English language level equivalent of:

  • 6.0 in IELTS
  • 60 on TOEFL
  • 169 on Cambridge English
  • B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)

Have a question about your academic qualifications or visa requirements? We'd be happy to help you!

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH COURSES AVAILABLE

English level not quite good enough? Don't worry!

We offer 8 and 12 week Pre-Sessional English courses year-round, helping you to improve your English in all four disciplines and enabling you to enrol on one of our main programmes or apply to university.

DISCOVER THE SCL EXPERIENCE

SCL International College offers an all-inclusive campus experience within a big city.

Everything you need is here in one place – from the classrooms to the café and everything in between!

BENEFITS OF SCL International College

Guaranteed university place upon successful completion of our course.

  • SCL-International-College-Benefits-Icons-One-To-One-Teal

    One-to-one support

    Our tutors are highly qualified and have experience teaching international students, so they understand the kind of personal support you may need.

  • SCL-International-College-Benefits-Icons-University-Application-Assistance-Teal

    University application assistance

    We support each individual student through the process of applying to your chosen universities. Our partner universities guarantee you a place on passing your course. 

  • SCL-International-College-Benefits-Icons-Preparation-For-British-Acaademic-Life-Teal

    Preparation for British academic life

    A vital part of our programme involves training students to adapt their skills and knowledge to the specific context and environment they will encounter when they are enrolled in undergraduate courses.

  • SCL-International-College-Facilities-Icons-Classrooms-Teal

    Top notch facilities

    SCL’s modern classrooms have the latest hardware and software and our libraries offer a flexible space for you to work alone or in groups. Students also have 24/7 access to online resources, study tools and materials.

  • SCL-International-College-Benefits-Icons-International-Environment-Teal

    An international environment

    Our team of academic professionals comes from all over the world and will help you develop the social and learning skills required for studying at a UK higher education institution.

    Plus, when you stay with us you’ll enjoy a ready-made community of international students from over 50 nationalities!

  • SCL-International-College-Benefits-Icons-On-Site-Accommodation-Teal

    On-site accommodation

    Whether you're attending this course on your own or with friends, we'll always have space for you. All rooms come with an en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and optional weekly cleaning and linen service.

    We also have an in-house events team who hosts regular activities free of charge.

  • SCL-International-College-Benefits-Icons-Small-Class-Sizes-Teal

    Small class size

    At SCL International College, you'll enjoy our smaller classes for individualised learning, with 5 students average (maximum 12) per class.

  • SCL-International-College-Benefits-Icons-Great-Location-In-London-Teal

    Great location in London

    We're located in the student capital of the world – London! You'll have easy access to the entire city, major airports and railway stations. Stay with us and you’ll even get discounts to local restaurants, cafés and shops!

A smooth transition to a UK uni

Testimonials

Everyone has been so friendly, helping me with the application process and giving guidance at each stage of applying to university. Teachers have also been really helpful, explaining topics clearly and making us understand the assessment tasks.

 

-- Agigi from Taiwan

received offers from Royal Holloway, Brunel and Sussex University

This programme provided a great foundation, giving me the skills I needed for studying at university and helping me step by step with the process of choosing the right university.

 

-- Sammy from Canada

is currently studying at Reading University

As an international student my biggest concern was the language barrier. Whenever I asked a question, the teacher always answered patiently, which really increased my confidence. And when I made my applications to universities, my mentor always coordinated everything smoothly and swiftly.

 

-- Lijia from China

is currently enrolled at the University of Birmingham

I thought the first year in Britain would be a very difficult time, but the school days were fantastic for me. My teachers answered all my questions, gave advice and helped me with college applications. I also met friends from different countries on campus. Dormitories and schools are conveniently located in the same building so I didn’t have to worry about traffic jams. Overall, my English level has been greatly improved during the school year and I have been more integrated into life in the UK.

-- Kaylie from China

received offers from University of Westminster, University of Manchester, University for the Creative Arts, and University of Birmingham

Wondering which course is right for you?