Qualifications awarded through
OCN London
Selected qualifications, including the University Foundation Programme, are awarded through OCN London, an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual.
About OCN London (opens in a new tab)University Foundation Programme
An intensive year to prepare for university.
It’s one focused year for students aged 16 and over who have completed secondary school, preparing them academically and personally for degree study. The qualification is awarded through OCN London.
- Ages 16 and over
- Post-16
- One intensive year
- Awarded through OCN London
Where you start
Secondary school completed
For students aged 16 and over.
One intensive year
University Foundation Programme
Academic modules, English for university, and study and exam skills.
Where you go next
Undergraduate study
With support for applications to universities in the UK, the US, Europe and beyond.
Who awards the qualification?
95%
What the year covers.
By the end of the yearPrepared for degree study
Academic modules
Subject study aligned to the student’s chosen degree pathway and university goals.
English for university
Academic English that prepares students to study and write with confidence.
Study and exam skills
Research, referencing and independent learning, the skills universities expect.
One intensive year
Four areas to study in.
One programme
University Foundation Programme
Academic modules aligned to the degree pathway a student chooses.
- Art and Design
- Business
- Engineering and Computing
- Humanities and Social Science
Among the degrees it prepares students for are accounting, finance, business management, marketing, economics and entrepreneurship.
Who the programme suits.
Students who have completed secondary school
The programme is for students aged 16 and over.
Students who want a supported route into university abroad
Our admissions team will guide you through every step.
Entry is assessed individually
It’s based on the student’s prior education, and our admissions team will confirm the exact requirements.
Help with applications.
Our advisors support every student through applications, UCAS and university choices in the UK, the US, Europe and beyond.
UCAS and application support is built into the programme, with personal guidance throughout. Which universities a student applies to depends on their goals, and each university makes its own decision on an application.
Three ways to take the programme.
The programme is the same in all three. You choose how the teaching is given.
The complete IWS school experience
Academy
Taught live.
How the teaching is given
- Live
Best for students who want the whole programme taught live.
Bridge
Part live, part recorded.
How the teaching is given
- Live
- Recorded
Best for students combining the programme with other study or a busy schedule.
Foundation
Recorded, in your own time.
How the teaching is given
- Recorded
Best for students who need to choose their own time and pace.
The programme and the qualification are the same in all three. What changes is how the teaching is given.
Not sure where a student stands?
A short assessment helps us understand the student’s level and needs. It’s not a pass-or-fail entrance exam.
- Where they are academicallyWhether the student is ready to accelerate, or needs the foundations strengthened first.
- How they learn bestWhether they do their best work in independent research or in live interaction.
- Any hidden gapsThe missing pieces we can spot before they become roadblocks.
Questions families ask.
How long is the programme?
It’s a single intensive year, designed to prepare students for entry to undergraduate study.
Who awards the qualification?
Selected qualifications, including the University Foundation Programme, are awarded through OCN London, an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual.
Which universities can it lead to?
The programme prepares students for undergraduate study. Our advisors support applications to universities in the UK, the US, Europe and beyond, depending on the student’s goals, and each university makes its own decision on an application.
What are the entry requirements?
Entry is assessed individually, based on the student’s prior education. Our team will confirm the exact requirements.
Do you help with university applications?
Yes. UCAS and application support is built into the programme, with personal guidance throughout.
Which areas can students study?
The programme provides a post-16 route in areas including Art and Design, Business, Engineering and Computing, and Humanities and Social Science.
Talk to us about university
Book a consultation and we’ll map the student’s route from the foundation year to university. Our admissions team replies within one working day.