Category: Foundation

Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies

Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies

An Ofqual-regulated qualification developed by UK academics, the L3IFDHES equips students with essential skills in English, mathematics, research, and study techniques. It’s designed to prepare students for direct entry into the first year of an undergraduate degree at internationally recognised universities, spanning disciplines from law and finance to engineering and art.

Entry Requirements

  • Completed GCSE/IGCSE ‘O’ Levels (or equivalent), with passes in at least 5 subjects at grade ‘C’/’4’ or above, including Mathematics and English
  • IELTS 4.5+ (or equivalent) for students whose first language isn’t English — alternatively, the free NCC Education Standard English Placement Test through an accredited partner centre

Course Structure
Students complete units totalling 120 credits, with the pathway depending on IELTS score and intended career direction.

Core units for students scoring 4.5 ≤ IELTS < 5.5 (80 credits — plus 40 credits of electives):

  • Developing English Language Skills
  • English for Academic Purposes
  • Maths for University Study
  • Research and Study Skills for University Study

Core units for students scoring IELTS ≥ 5.5 (60 credits — plus 60 credits of electives):

  • English for Academic Purposes
  • Maths for University Study
  • Research and Study Skills for University Study

Elective units (20 credits each): Law for University Study, Introductory Accounting, Introductory Economics, Introduction to Programming with Python, International Business, Physics, Further Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Digital Art, Fine Art, Art & Design (General)

Elective units (10 credits each): Introduction to Computer Science, Digital World

Progression Opportunities
Graduates can apply directly to Year 1 of a university degree programme at 100+ universities, branch campuses, business schools, and professional bodies across 20+ countries — or enrol onto NCC Education’s Level 4 Diploma in Computing, Level 4 Diploma in Computing (with Business Management), or Level 4 Diploma in Business.