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.
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:
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.
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 Term
8 January - 29 March
Spring Break
1 April - 12 April
Summer Term
15 April - 14 June
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 Term
14 October - 13 December
Winter Break
16 December - 3 January
Spring Term
6 January - 28 March
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:
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.
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!
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!
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?