Recognising International Foundation ProgrammesIncreasing numbers of students wish to study overseas, with the OECD estimating that international student numbers will reach 7.2 million by 2025. Many institutions have created international foundation programmes to facilitate the inclusion of students who would not meet typical UK undergraduate admission requirements. As foundation programmes are not national awards in the UK, Birmingham Foundation Academy asked UK NARIC to benchmark its programme, aiming to increase its recognition and acceptance internationally.

The Birmingham Foundation Academy (BFA) is part of the University of Birmingham and had its first intake of international foundation students in September 2012. 90% of students articulated onto undergraduate degrees in the first year.

For further information visit:www.birmingham.ac.uk or email foundation-academy@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

UK NARIC is the national agency in the United Kingdom, responsible for providing advice and guidance on international academic, vocational and professional qualifications.

For further information visit:www.naric.org.uk or email projects@naric.org.uk

UK NARIC Benchmarking Study: Methodological Process

Solution OutcomeBenefits of UK NARIC benchmarking

• Increased understanding and recognition of the programme, facilitating acceptance of students that would not have met UK HE admission criteria.

• Independent evaluation of the rigour and quality of the programme.

• Raised awareness of the programme with other stakeholders, increasing marketability through UK NARIC recognition.

Quick FactsAim Enabling access to university admission by ensuring preparedness for undergraduate study.

Entry requirements: Typically completion of a 12-year education system.

Duration: 1 year (or 4 years as part of an integrated programme).

Compulsory Modules: Academic English and Study Skills, and pathway-specific modules.

Pathways: Arts, Social Sciences, Business and Law; Engineering and Physical Sciences; and Medical, Life and Geo Sciences.

Cost: £9,000 (EU), £13,000 (International).

As a Mexican intending to study as an undergraduate in the

UK, you’ll likely find it necessary to go through a Foundation

Year to undertake further study. Most UK universities won’t

admit you with the Mexican Bachillerato as a sole

qualification.

The BFA Programme has the advantage

of being “integrated”, which allows you

to advance to your degree of choice by

simply meeting the progression

requirements. In other words, your

admission is virtually guaranteed.

Luis, Birmingham Foundation Academy student

Birmingham Foundation Academy Case Study

Analysis Evaluation

Comparing the BFA programme against qualifications enabling access to universities in the Australian, Canadian, UK and US education systems using established credential evaluation criteria.

Research

Gathering information on the BFA programme’s design, curriculum and assessment.

Researching comparable types of qualifications within the Australian, Canadian, UK and US education systems.

Quality Assurance and Management

Ongoing Verification and Validation

Determining the comparable level of the BFA programme against Australian, Canadian, UK and US standards.

Australian Senior Secondary School Certificate standard

Canadian Senior Secondary School Certificate standard

United Kingdom GCE Advanced Level standard

United States Advanced Placement standard BFA Programme

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