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.

Assessment and feedback

Our assessment practices model those found in UK Higher Education with detailed feedback and support for mock, practical and final assignments.

We continuously monitor the progress of our students across the course duration – in lessons, progress tutorials and group work – as well as attendance for visa compliance.

All coursework, both formal and informal, is submitted electronically via an encrypted online service, and we use Unicheck to guard against plagiarism for all formal assessments.

With final examinations we ensure our students have the preparation needed to succeed and to progress to higher education; this includes opportunities for resits for assignments and exams as needed.

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. We train students to adapt their skills and knowledge to the specific context and environments of British universities. We guide students through the UCAS process, ensuring they achieve the best offers at the most appropriate universities for each individual. Moreover, our university partners guarantee admission, subject to passing the relevant qualifications.

Student success and progression

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.

With our personalised approach, we achieve great success with students who may not have a traditionally strong academic record, but who show huge potential. 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.