International Foundation Programme

Course details

The International Foundation Programme is a challenging yet inspiring programme which has been designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare them for rigorous undergraduate study.

Academic Programmes 

International Foundation Programme - Full-time

Awarded by University of London (UOL), UK. Developed by lead college: London School of Economics and Political Science. 

Upon successful completion of the University of London International Foundation Programme (IFP), students will gain guaranteed entry to any LSE-led degree and other undergraduate degrees from University of London International Programmes. The disciplines are in the social sciences, including Accounting, Business and Management, Banking, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, International Relations and Mathematics.  The completion of the IFP also fulfils entry requirements for many undergraduate degrees within the UK and in other countries.    

Programme Structure

Classes are delivered in a mix of classes, tutorials, lab sessions and discussion.

Classes will be held for 1.5 hours twice per week (Monday - Friday) for each subject and will be taught by LSE-trained teachers. 

Course Units  

Compulsory

• Foundation Course: Mathematics and Statistics (15 credits)

3 Electives

• Foundation Course: Economics (15 credits)
• Foundation Course: International Relations (15 credits)
• Foundation Course: Social Psychology (15 credits)
• Foundation Course: Pure Mathematics (15 credits)

IFP students have a choice between two electives, International Relations or Pure Mathematics. Both electives will run as long as they meet SIM’s minimum

class size.

In addition to the core curriculum from University of London, SIM will provide students with additional compulsory classes in English Language skills. These classes are complimentary, and will help students improve their fl uency and develop greater accuracy in both their written and spoken language. The purpose is to extend their vocabulary to include more specialised English related to their course of study. These classes will also prepare students for the Academic IELTS examination.

For more information, please refer to the "Assessment" tab. 

Programme Admission

Academic requirement

• Minimum 4 GCE ‘O’ level passes (Grade 1 – 6). Preference is given to those with B average results
• Other qualifications will be assessed based on its equivalence to GCE ‘O’ level examinations.

English Language requirement

• GCE ‘O’ level credit pass (grade 1 to 6) in English (as a first language); or
• IELTS with an overall score of at least 5.5 (no band under 5.0). IELTS test scores must be less than two years at point of enrolment; or
• Pearson Academic: score 46 or above, with at least 46 in both Reading and Writing elements; or
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English; or
• Five years at an overseas high school where you were taught only in English.
• Age requirement
• Normally be aged 17 or over before 31 December in the year of registration

Profiles

Average teacher-student ratio for full-time – 1:25

Assessment and Exams

Each module is assessed through a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-year examination. Continuous assessments could be in the form of class tests, presentations, group and inpidual assignments. At the end of the programme, candidates must sit for an examination on all the modules. Each examination makes up 100% of the final grade.

Continuous assessment for each module is conducted throughout the programme. The end-of-semester main and supplementary examinations are scheduled end-April. A student who fails only one paper will be permitted to take the supplementary examination held in June. 

Promotion

To graduate with the University of London International Foundation Certificate, students must successfully complete and pass all modules. Graduating students will be issued a copy of the programme result transcript. Graduating students will be deemed as meeting the admission requirement for entry into the University of London EMFSS undergraduate degree programmes also taught at SIM. Progression into the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree is automatic and assumed. 

Attendance requirement

Attendance is monitored regularly. Students must achieve an overall attendance of 90%, failing which the student will not be permitted to register/sit for the university examinations. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) requires all international students issued with a valid student’s pass to achieve an attendance of 90% and above in any month of the programme. 

Award and Graduation

To complete the International Foundation Programme, candidates must attempt all 4 units (1 compulsory unit + 3 electives) listed in the structure to qualify for the certificate.

Award and Classification of International Foundation Certificate::

• 40% - 59% : Pass
• 60% - 69% : Merit
• 70% - 100%: Distinction