College approved to teach the University of London International Foundation Programme

Following the summer announcement that Bristol International College will be opening its doors in August 2020, the BIC team are back in the news this week with the exciting update that the College, jointly owned by Experio Life and Constellation Group has been approved to teach the University of London International Foundation Programme (IFP). 

The IFP is only offered at University of London Recognised Teaching Centres and Bristol International College is the first to be located in the popular south west region of the UK. It’s a 1-year intensive academic course of study, with a focus on the social sciences, leading to an internationally recognised qualification considered equivalent to A-level and IB. 

Successful completion of the IFP will allow students to apply for a number of degree courses offered at University of London colleges (incl. LSE, Kings, Goldsmiths, Royal Holloway, Queen Mary, City etc) and a wide range of other top universities in the UK and worldwide.

When asked why they had chosen to offer the University of London IFP rather than another university pathway programme, John Milne, BIC CEO said, “Bristol is a world-class destination for educational purposes and our partnership as a Recognised Teaching Centre of the University of London further strengthens this.  With outstanding facilities and academic excellence and pastoral care, BIC students can be guaranteed a ‘best in sector‘ experience.  I am thrilled to be opening up Bristol’s very first pathway provision to top universities in the UK.”

The University of London’s Head of Business Development, Alex Boughton, who has been instrumental in supporting the BIC application to become a Recognised Teaching Centre had this to say about the announcement, “The University of London is delighted to welcome Bristol International College into our global network of Recognised Teaching Centres. BIC will be our first Centre in the south-west of England and we very much look forward to working closely with the BIC team as we prepare for the launch of the International Foundation Programme in Bristol next year.”

In Year 1, BIC is aiming to recruit a small carefully selected international cohort of around 30 students to study the IFP but Melanie Gray, Director of Admissions is anticipating strong growth in the next few years, “I expect the IFP to be a very popular option for those students finishing their secondary education at the age of 16 or 17 who are looking for a one year option which not only bridges the gap between school and university but offers the ideal preparation for the transition to university life.”