The British University Foundation Programme

The British University Foundation Programme

The British University Foundation Programme (BUFP) was conceived as an alternative to A-Level
courses for international students wishing to study in their own country prior to gaining entry into
British universities. Although the structure of A-Levels has been changed in recent years to adopt a
more holistic, coursework-based approach, the British University Foundation Programme offers still
less emphasis on end-of-year exam performance and as such is considered more manageable for
students whose first language is not English.

The course runs for one academic year. The total duration of such courses is 9 months of full-time
study. A student starting the course in September of a given year will usually be able to start university
in October the following year.

The Course Structure

The British University Foundation Programme (BUFP) is a one year full-time programme, running in
two 12-week semesters. The programme is divided into eight compulsory modules carrying equal
credit value (15 credits) and at the same level (level 3). Accordingly, the programme consists of 120
credits in total. Each credit is equivalent to 10 notional hours, encompassing both in-class or directed
learning and independent study. Students are typically required to attend 2 hour sessions twice a
week per module, totalling 4 hours per week per module.

Semester one comprises 16 hours per week of classroom delivery, totalling 192 classroom hours per
semester. Semester two comprises 16 hours per week of classroom delivery, totalling 192 classroom
hours per semester. The total programme, over the two semesters, comprises 384 hours of classroom
delivery.

Semester 1
Module Code Module Title Level Credits *Notional
Hours
BMF101 Introduction to Business 3 15 150
Management & Finance
MATHS101A Mathematics for Business and 3 15 150
Finance Part I
AARSS101 Applied Academic Research & Study 3 15 150
Skills
ENGB101 English for Business 3 15 150

Semester 2
Module Code Module Title Level Credits
SQM101 Statistics & Quantitative Methods 3 15 150
PPWS101 Project Presentation & Writing Skills 3 15 150
ECONS101 Introduction to Economics 3 15 150
MATHS101B Mathematics for Business and 3 15 150
Finance Part 2
Notional learning hours' are the estimated learning time taken by the 'average' student to achieve the specified learning
outcomes of the course-unit or programme. They are therefore not a precise measure but provide students with an indication of
the amount of study and degree of commitment expected.
 The British University Foundation Programme

Why is the British University Foundation Programme Required?

In the UK, secondary education comprises 13 years, from 5 to 18 years old. In other countries
secondary education comprises 12 years. As such most overseas pupils need to undertake an
additional year of a recognised education syllabus to enable them to enrol directly onto a degree at a
UK University.

A recognised educational syllabus, at Level 3, for UK University entrance would be; A levels, the
International Baccalaureate (IB) or The British University Foundation Programme (BUFP).

Who would run the British University Foundation Programme?

The British University Foundation Programme is designed to be run, in situ, at any overseas or
domestic institution that is preparing students to attend a British University or enrol onto a UK Degree
programme run at an overseas centre.

All overseas or domestic secondary schools ae eligible to apply. Secondary schools may be called high
schools, gymnasia, lyceums, middle schools, sixth-form, sixth-form colleges, vocational schools, or
preparatory schools, and the exact meaning of any of these varies between the countries.

In addition, many overseas Colleges or Universities, who want to prepare their students for a UK
degree programmes that they may be running, may also apply to run the British University Foundation
Programme.

Where does The British University Foundation Programme lead?

Students graduating the British University Foundation Programme are eligible for direct entry into
many British Universities as well and some Universities in North America, Australia and New Zealand

Undergraduate Degrees in the UK are 3 Years in length compared to 4 years in many other countries.