International Foundation Program

The Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies is a 6 or 9-month pre-university bridging qualification designed to provide an entry route to UK and international university courses. It is accredited by NCC Education, a leading UK awarding body and a global provider of British education founded in 1966. This Programme is regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator).

PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY

Instead of being tied into a Foundation program at a single university, taking NCC’s Foundation Programme allows you to apply to multiple universities to give you more options. NCC Education is recognised by over 80 universities and institutes in the UK, Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the USA. Students are also eligible to apply to several international branch campuses, including campuses in China, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, UAE, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

You can find all the information about which universities recognise NCC’s L3IFDHES qualification and their entry requirements here:
www.nccedu.com/university-progression

On successful completion of the Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies at MDA College, students can study BA, BSc or BEng degrees in diverse areas including:

• Business,
• Management
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Accounting and Finance
• Engineering
• Business and Law
• Human Resource Management
• Hospitality and Event Management
• Healthcare
• IT
• Computer Science
• Games Technology
• Web Development and more

In order to progress to university, you must pass all your L3IFDHES exams and satisfy the admission criteria of the university that you wish to apply to.

MODULES AND ASSESSMENT

To complete the qualification you must pass six core units and two optional units. Assessments for all modules will be offered in a number of assessment cycles throughout the year. The modules are all assessed by either examination or coursework assignments.

Developing English Language Skills (Core)

Develops your English language skills to enable you to communicate effectively beyond simple everyday contexts. It aims to improve all four of your skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking and will enable you to acquire a broad range of knowledge which you can use to confidently and effectively communicate in English. The module guides you through Intermediate and Upper Intermediate levels of English language study.

Advanced English Language Skills (Core)

Enables you to put into practice the language you have acquired and develop your English at a higher level. You will make extensive use of the four skills of speaking, reading, listening and writing, as well as extending your knowledge of complex grammar and advanced vocabulary.

English for Academic Purposes (Core)

Develops your understanding and use of the key linguistic skills necessary to engage effectively in an academic environment where you are being taught in English.

Study and Communication Skills (Core)

Equips you with the essential study skills needed to succeed at university level. You will learn the basic skills necessary to conduct independent research, write academic papers, give formal oral presentations and apply what has been taught during lectures to your studies.

Culture Studies (Core)

Enables you to gain awareness and increased understanding of other cultures. You will learn about various features of a foreign country and its culture, with particular focus on student life and studying abroad.

Foundation Mathematics (Core)

Provides you with a basic understanding of various mathematical concepts, in preparation for more detailed study once you start your course. The unit covers fundamental ideas that will prepare you for both routes and all manner of university courses.

Optional modules include the following and more:

Further Mathematics (Optional)

Provides you with a detailed understanding of different mathematical concepts and ideas, building on the work covered in the Foundation Mathematics unit. It will allow you to develop further algebraic techniques on a broad range of mathematical topics, building towards areas often seen and used in university courses.

Physics (Optional)

Equips you with a fundamental background of the principles of physics. The unit focuses on Newton’s mechanics, electrostatics and electrodynamics. The principles of thermal physics and magnetism are also introduced.

Introduction to Business (Optional)

Provides you with an introduction to the purpose, types and organisation of businesses. You will also become familiar with a range of business concepts such as basic marketing principles.

Introduction to Accounting and Economics (Optional)

Introduces you to the key principles of accounting and economics. You will become accustomed to concepts such as market structures and monetary policy and also learn how to produce simple financial statements.

Chemistry (Optional)

This module enables you to gain an understanding of the three main branches of chemistry: inorganic, physical and organic. Theoretical concepts will be illustrated using several practical laboratory sessions.

Biology (Optional)

This module introduces the fundamental ideas of how the human body works. Starting with the cell as the building blocks of life and the looking at each of the major body systems. The purpose of this to give the underpinning knowledge which will prepare students to study health related subjects at higher levels.

In addition to the Foundation course, you will usually be asked for a formal English qualification such as IELTS. Due to this we also offer the following;

IELTS Preparation Module (Optional)

This is an optional 2-4 week IELTS course you can add at the end of your Foundation programme. If you do this course you join one of our regular IELTS classes. There is an additional fee for doing this course which is the same as two weeks of our regular IELTS preparation course (please see our pricing information on our Get a Price page).

Applying to university

We will assist you at every stage of the process in order to help you succeed in your academic journey.