International Foundation Diploma

The International Foundation Diploma prepares you with essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to progress into undergraduate programmes worldwide.

international foundation programme

Format

Online

Intakes

Feb, Mar, Jun, Oct

Duration

6 Months

Location

Self Paced

Credits

120

Fees

£4,750

Format

Campus

Intakes

Feb, Jun, Oct

Duration

6-9 Months

Location

London

Credits

120

Fees

Intl: £15,000 UK/EU: £9,250

Course Overview

International Foundation Diploma (IFD) is a globally recognised programme and is an alternative to an A-Level or Access to Higher Education qualification.

IFD provides students with a foundation for an entry route to UK and international university courses. It is designed for international students and includes a wide range of modules: mathematics, computing, society and culture, business, and accounting – to ensure that each student has basic knowledge of the subject and is eligible for most of the Bachelor’s Degree. It will also help fill the knowledge and skills gap to quickly and smoothly adapt to academic-style teaching.

Successful completion of the IFD allows students to progress to further study or employment.

IFD will help prepare a student with everything that they require to achieve success during their term as an undergraduate student here in the UK.

IFD at London School of Business will help international students in becoming academically adept to pursue higher education here in the United Kingdom.

A fast track route to London School of Business and other prestigious UK universities for students who lack British A level or equivalent qualifications.

international foundation diploma

Who is a Foundation Programme for?

  • High school grades are below university entry criteria
  • Different curriculum (e. g. local board not fully recognised)
  • Missing required subjects (Maths, Science, etc. )

  • Students whose school qualifications are not equivalent to the host country’s system
  • Need academic alignment and preparation

  • IELTS score is below the required level
  • Need academic English skills (writing, reading, presentations)

  • Switching from arts to science, business to engineering, etc.
  • Need subject foundation before starting a degree

  • Out of education for some time
  • Need academic refresh and study skills

  • Academic EnglishStudy skills & research methodsCore subjects (Business, Engineering, IT, Science, etc. )
  • Exams and continuous assessment

  • Direct progression to Year 1 of a Bachelors degree
  • Often guaranteed progression if entry criteria are met
  • Some programmes allow progression to multiple universities

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply conceptual learning skills in today’s business environment.

  • Be able to Analyse the financial performance of an organization.

  • Evaluate organisational decisions with consideration of the political, legal, and ethical aspects of the business.

  • Be able to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the business environment.

Course Structure & Modules

  • Academic English and Study Skills (20 credits)

  • Foundation Mathematics (20 credits)

  • Foundation Computing (20 credits)

  • Society and Culture (20 credits)

  • Introduction to Business (20 credits)

  • Foundation Accounting and Economics (20 credits)

Teaching & Facilities

The Business & Finance Foundation programme at London School of Business is assessed on a continuous basis, removing the pressure of a single end-of-year examination. Students undertake mid-term assessments and end-of-term examinations for each module, alongside structured coursework designed to reinforce practical understanding. The programme follows a university-approved syllabus, ensuring students are fully prepared for progression to undergraduate study. Delivered by highly qualified lecturers who are experts in their fields, the programme provides an exceptional academic standard and enables a smooth and confident transition to undergraduate degree level.

Exams & Assessment

Students are assessed through a balanced combination of coursework, projects, presentations, and written examinations. Ongoing assignments and mock assessments are used to monitor progress and prepare students for final evaluations. The assessment approach emphasises both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of each student’s capabilities. Constructive feedback is provided throughout the programme to support continuous improvement and academic success.

Programme Highlights

• Develop core skills in English, mathematics, and computing

• Learn effective reading, writing, listening, and research abilities

• Build a strong foundation to thrive in higher academics

• Understand fundamentals of accounting, economics, and business concepts

• Explore how businesses operate and make decisions

• Prepare for specialized business degrees and careers

• Navigate studying and working in multicultural environments

• Learn about social issues, media, philosophies around the world

• Build cultural intelligence to succeed globally

• Benefit from practical, hands-on learning methods

• Apply concepts through projects, case studies, and exercises

• Develop key skills desired by employers

• Save time and money compared to other pathways

• Seamless entry to top UK and international universities

• Short 6-month program with flexible start dates

Degree Progression

Our foundation course offers progression to almost all Business & Finance university degree courses including:

  • Accounting

  • Actuarial Science

  • Business Economics

  • Economics & Accountancy

  • Business IT

  • Development Economics

  • Management & Marketing

  • Property Valuation & Finance

  • Investment & Financial Risk Management

  • Accounting & Economics

  • Banking and Finance

  • Business Economics

  • Business Management

  • Event Management

  • Leisure Marketing

  • Business Studies

  • Digital Marketing

  • Money, Banking & Finance

  • Accounting & Finance

  • Business Administration

  • Economics

  • Hotel Management

  • Business Finance

  • Business Studies & Marketing

  • e-Commerce

  • Marketing

  • Risk Analysis & Insurance

Our Top Destinations

After completing the International Foundation Diploma Programme at LSB, students may continue their studies with LSB or progress to leading universities across the UK, making it a trusted pathway to higher education.

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Entry Requirements

We recognise a range of qualifications from across the world. Please get in touch with us to discuss specific country requirements for your country.

  • Minimum Age is 16+  to be eligible to apply for a foundation programme.

  • High School Graduation. To know more about it have a look at Specific Country Entry requirements.

  • Academic qualifications are not always necessary – commercial or industrial experience might be more relevant. For detailed information, Contact Us.

  • Minimum IELTS 4.5, which is B1-Intermediate (Preferred).

If you do not meet the entry requirements as mentioned above, please contact us to find out other possible entry routes.

Testimonials

“My teachers were brilliant and also very helpful. My knowledge improved quickly with the International Foundation Programme, and I got admission to the chosen university. I would strongly recommend LSB to all my friends.”

Paola, Brazil

Fees & Funding

Tuition fees cover the cost of a student’s academic studies. It usually includes teaching costs, registration and examination fees (not repeat or tailing modules, re-sit fees or programme work resubmission). Any costs associated with work placements will be the students’ responsibility.

Full Time Fees £9,250

For full details, please visit our fees and funding page.

Full Time Fees £15,000

For full details, please contact us.

How to Apply

Enrolling at LSB will help you study in a diverse mix of cultures, providing an opportunity to socialise and make friends from nations across the globe. Apply now, and one of our Admission Advisors will be in touch to support you through the process.

You can use the following link to apply for the programme:
https://www.lsbuk.com/apply/

  • Personal details

  • Family information

  • Extracurricular activities

  • Global interests and experiences

  • Proof of your academic achievements, including official school transcripts

  • Evidence of English proficiency, i.e: TOEFL/IELTS/ Functional Skills Level 2 (if English is not your native language)

  • GMAT/SAT/ACT scores (optional)

  • One academic reference

  • A Personal Statement as an essay (400–500 words)

  • Scholarship and financial aid application included with the application form

In order to assess your eligibility for the programme, we will review your profile and your expectations from your career. This will be done via an in-person, telephonic or video conversation. In addition, we will mark your English proficiency for the course as well, and advise on further actions to be taken on your part.

Once your application and personal assessment interview are completed, you will receive an admission decision within two weeks. If you have any questions regarding the status of your application, feel free to contact your Admission Advisor.

If you are accepted into the program and have decided to start your studies at London School of Business, you must confirm your place prior to confirmation deadline.

Once we confirm your student status with us, we will be sending out useful information regarding your pre-arrival, and pre-enrolment.  Not only that, we will work alongside to make sure you have a seamless arrival in the UK.

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Visit Us

If you are interested in applying we encourage you to visit the School and meet with our recruitment and admissions staff. This is neither a requirement nor expectation if you are planning on applying to the programme.

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Need Help Choosing A Programme?

Choosing the right programme is an important part of your future success. Our dedicated student counsellors are happy to assist you in choosing the right programme that best suits your professional goals. Please contact us on +44 (0)20 3305 8124 or send us an email to Info@lsbuk.com to discuss your requirements and obtain an application form.

Contact Us
Apply now

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At London School of Business (LSB) we nurture leaders. “Building Leaders for Business” forms the essence of our existence. We are redefining how businesses operate in London and the rest of the world.

Building Leaders for Business

Get in Touch

  • +44 (0)20 3305 8124

  • info@lsbuk.com