Meeting Entry Requirements

students walking

If your qualifications are slightly below those required for direct entry onto a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, a foundation programme or pre-Master’s programme may offer an alternative route to achieve your goals.

Foundation programmes

Foundation programmes are for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university. The foundation course acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and our entry requirements and is designed to plug academic gaps, improve your English and familiarise you with UK life and culture in preparation for university.

We offer a range of foundation programmes here at BCU and at our partner college, Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).

Pre-Master’s programmes

A Pre-Master’s programme mirrors the concept of a Foundation programme: it is for international students who do not meet the University’s direct entry requirements for a Master’s degree. The programme helps students to improve their skills for postgraduate study – such as academic writing and research – before they progress to join mainstream students on their chosen Master’s course.

Pre-Masters are only offered with our partner, Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).