International Science Foundation Programme

This English programme in central London was designed in collaboration with the School of Natural & Mathematical Sciences and the School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, and is for international students who do not qualify for direct entry into undergraduate programmes. On our programme you will study in your chosen academic area with academic English.

• provides international students (ie non EU students) with guaranteed conditional offers for specific King’s undergraduate programmes in science and related fields
• supports you in gaining entry into undergraduate programmes at King’s and other top UK universities
• supports you in making your UCAS application through dedicated workshops and tutorials
• provides you with subject-focused modules designed and delivered by King's academics
• provides you with a range of academic study skills to enable you to succeed in your undergraduate study
• improves your overall English proficiency
• introduces you to the UK educational system and its academic culture
• the English Language Centre is accredited by the British Council.

The King’s International Science Foundation Programme(ISFP) is delivered jointly by the English Language Centre, the School of Natural & Mathematical Sciences and the School of Biomedical & Health Sciences. It provides a structured pathway into undergraduate degrees at King’s and other UK universities. With the exception of Medicine and Dentistry, this pathway is suitable for all science-based subjects for international students who do not yet qualify for direct entry. 

This is a full-time one-year programme for international students who have completed 12 years of schooling with very good/excellent grades in appropriate science-based subjects. The programme combines study in your chosen academic area with academic English and study skills. By the end of the programme, you will have improved your overall language and academic skills levels and have a more detailed understanding of your chosen academic discipline.

This programme is accepted by UK universities for entry into undergraduate study. The programme guarantees conditional offers for entry into undergraduate degrees at King’s run by the School of Natural & Mathematical Sciences or the School of Biomedical & Health Sciences. You will progress onto your chosen undergraduate programme at King’s if you successfully achieve the stated foundation programme exit level.

We will also support you in applying to other UK universities as we know how difficult it can be to understand the UK academic environment and application system (called UCAS). Our dedicated UCAS workshops and individual tutorials will help you to identify and successfully apply for undergraduate degree programmes at other UK universities that best suit you.

This programme will:

• provide you with a clear route into King’s undergraduate programmes and the undergraduate programmes of other top UK universities
• provide you with the academic knowledge base from which you can proceed successfully onto undergraduate programmes in Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering and other related areas
• improve your language, science, laboratory and study skills
• provide you with specially-designed courses related to the academic field which you intend to study at undergraduate level
• improve your knowledge and understanding of key concepts within your chosen pathways
• support you in understanding the value and responsible use of science in society
• provide you with a range of study and communication skills to enable you to succeed in your undergraduate study
• improve your overall English proficiency and your ability to use academic English appropriately and effectively at undergraduate level
• introduce you to the UK educational system and its academic culture

You will study three modules on this programme. All students take the core module called Academic & Scientific Foundation English. You will also choose two optional modules based on your intended degree subject. You can choose either the Maths and Physics pathway, the Chemistry and Biology pathway or Maths and Business pathway. Your choice of modules depends on the subject you wish to study at undergraduate level.

The core module is delivered by the ELC and the optional modules by the relevant King’s department. This means that you are taught by King’s academics during your foundation year.

Teaching is a mix of lectures, seminars, lab-based work and classes and all students will have time dedicated to self-study and independent research tasks. All of the modules support your subject and linguistic skills development as they encourage you to analyse concepts and develop ideas in your chosen subject area.

You will also have the opportunity to take a range of optional IELTS classes. UCAS workshops and tutorials are scheduled for term one.

You will take three modules.

• Academic & Scientific Foundation English

• Biology and Chemistry (2 modules)
• Maths and Physics (2 modules)
• Maths and Business (2 modules)
• Maths and Chemistry (2 modules)