UNIVERSITY PATHWAY
TO SOCIAL SCIENCES

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMme:
Guaranteed UK university entry for degrees in social sciences

The International Foundation Programme is a two or three-term course designed for international students who wish to progress onto undergraduate courses in the UK to study Law, Politics, International Relations, Economics and related subjects. 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

This pre-university foundation programme is your gateway to a competitive degree course in social sciences through progression agreements with 16 universities across the UK. 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 University Foundation Programme in Social Sciences will:

  • Teach you the skills required to succeed at the higher education level in the UK.
  • 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 Foundation in Social Sciences course, you will participate in our Academic English programme, helping you prepare to meet English language standards set by your chosen university.

SCL International College's Social Sciences Foundation Course has been developed with an appreciation of the specific requirements of Social Sciences degree programmes. For example, the curriculum uses problem-based learning and real-world case studies.

As an integral part of our pre-university pathway programme into Social Sciences, 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 a British 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 Social Sciences at a university in the UK.

Through carefully selected modules, you will evaluate and analyse information, construct balanced arguments, and apply theories and concepts to current political, legal and economic issues.

Legal Systems & Processes

You will gain an understanding of the English legal system and processes, and develop skills in applying legal rules and principles to specific cases. The first term gives you a firm foundation in law making and interpretation, court systems, negligence, and contract law. In the second term, you'll develop a more detailed understanding of criminal law and explore issues of morality, justice, and judicial creativity. There is a strong emphasis on evaluating information and knowledge, as well as developing the ability to construct logical, coherent and balanced arguments.

Government & Politics

These specialist modules introduce you to political systems and processes in the UK. You'll look at the relationship between the legislature and executive models, and evaluate where power lies within the UK system. Classes will also show you how to examine representative processes and institutions, and question the strengths and weaknesses of democracy in the UK. There is a strong emphasis on applying knowledge to contemporary politics such as the General Election in 2015.

The foundation programme in Social Sciences also focuses on political institutions and processes in the USA, and again challenges you to evaluate and analyse how successfully power is dispersed within the political system. You will develop skills in comparing the systems in the UK and USA, and reaching judgments on the similarities and differences between them.

Economics

The Economics module combines a study of micro and macro content in exploring a range of economic issues drawn from national and international contexts. This Social Sciences course promotes an understanding of economic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues, problems, and institutions that affect everyday life.

There's lots of options! See our blog post "The Essential Guide to Studying Social Sciences" to discover various career paths as a Social Science graduate and starting salaries across the UK's biggest cities.

ADVANCING TO A SOCIAL SCIENCES DEGREE AT UNIVERSITY

When you study with us, we offer guaranteed admission to at least one of 16 British and international universities, upon successful completion of your course. In addition to those 16 universities, students have also received offers of admission from over 20 highly ranked universities across the country.

SPRING 2024 ENROLMENT - 24 WEEK COURSES

Spring Term 

8 January - 29 March

Spring Break

1 April - 12 April

Summer Term 

15 April - 14 June

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

WINTER 2024 ENROLMENT - 24 WEEK COURSES

Winter Term 

14 October - 13 December

Winter Break

16 December - 3 January

Spring Term 

6 January - 28 March

How to apply

Students who enrol on this pre-university International Foundation Programme typically have good high school grades. 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:

  • 5.0 in IELTS
  • 40 on TOEFL
  • 154 on Cambridge English
  • B1 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

Continuing on to university in london?

Stay as long as you like!

Our campuses are an easy 15-30 minute journey to many universities across the city.

Students progressing on to university in London can easily extend their accommodation at the Stay Club where you’ll find a modern, safe and welcoming atmosphere to live, study, socialise and enjoy the very best of London.

  • No moving
  • No stress
  • No hassle

Get ready to call London home!

foreign students

Wondering which course is right for you?