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.
Our Medical Foundation Programme is your gateway to a competitive Medical degree course progression agreements with universities across the UK 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:
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.
We offer guaranteed interview with up to 6 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 Term
25 September 2023 to 15 December 2023
Winter Break
18 December 2023 to 5 January 2024
Spring Term
8 January 2024 to 29 March 2024
Spring Break
1 April 2024 to 12 April 2024
Summer Term
15 April 2024 to 14 June 2024
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:
Have a question about your academic qualifications or visa requirements? We'd be happy to help you!
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.
LISTENING
SPEAKING
READING
WRITING
Guaranteed university place upon successful completion of our course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Small class size
At SCL International College, you'll enjoy our smaller classes for individualised learning, with 5 students average (maximum 12) per class.
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!
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!
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.
Get ready to call London home!
Wondering which course is right for you?