Transnational Education Pathway
International Foundation Programme
IFP
A one-year, full-time transnational programme designed to prepare international students for progression to undergraduate study at leading universities in the United Kingdom and other international jurisdictions.
34
Weeks
Full-time intensive programme delivery
120
Credits
Structured across six core modules
L3
RQF Level
UK Regulated Qualifications Framework
2
Pathways
Humanities · Business, Science & Technology
Programme Partners
- GEMS / GME
- City & Guilds
- TLA
About the ProgrammeModes of Delivery
A pathway to world-class undergraduate study
The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a one-year, full-time transnational programme designed to prepare international students for progression to undergraduate study at leading universities in the United Kingdom and other international jurisdictions.
The programme is delivered by GEMS Middle East (GEMS/GME), a recognised provider of international education pathways, and is awarded by City & Guilds, a Royal Chartered Institute and globally respected UK awarding body.
The Transnational Law Academy (TLA) acts as a representative and academic partner, supporting programme delivery, outreach, and student progression within its institutional network.
The programme integrates subject-specific learning with English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to ensure students are fully prepared for the linguistic and academic demands of higher education. A hybrid delivery model is employed, combining live online lectures delivered by subject specialists with onsite tutorials focused on application, discussion, and academic skills development.
City & Guilds
City & Guilds
Founded 1878 · Royal Charter · Internationally Recognised
Programme Delivery
GEMS Middle East (GEMS/GME)
Recognised International Education Pathways Provider
Academic Partner
TLA
Representative, Delivery Support & Progression Facilitation
Duration & Credits
34 Weeks · 120 Credits
Six modules · Hybrid delivery model
Awarding Body
Accredited by City & Guilds
The qualification is formally awarded by City & Guilds, founded in 1878 and operating under Royal Charter. As one of the United Kingdom's most established awarding organisations, City & Guilds is internationally recognised for maintaining rigorous academic and professional standards.
1
External Moderation & Assessment Validation
All assessments are subject to independent external moderation ensuring consistency and academic rigour across all cohorts.
2
Quality Assurance Across All Delivery Centres
City & Guilds maintains comprehensive quality assurance standards at every delivery centre to uphold programme integrity.
3
Alignment with UK Educational Benchmarks
The curriculum is designed in full alignment with the standards set by the UK higher education system, ensuring international equivalence.
RQF 3
Regulated Qualifications Framework
Pre-University Level · UK National System
This guarantees that the qualification is both academically robust and internationally recognised, providing students with a credential of genuine standing for university admissions worldwide.
Programme Structure & Academic Model
Designed for academic excellence
The programme is delivered over approximately 34 weeks and carries a total of 120 credits, structured across six modules. It integrates subject-specific learning with English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to ensure students are fully prepared for the linguistic and academic demands of higher education.
This approach ensures both academic rigour and personalised student support, with each student benefiting from both the reach of digital delivery and the depth of face-to-face academic engagement.
The programme's dual focus on content knowledge and English language proficiency guarantees that international students arrive at university not only academically prepared but linguistically confident and academically fluent.
Hybrid Delivery Model
Live Online Lectures
Delivered by subject specialists, enabling access to expert instruction regardless of geographical location.
Onsite Tutorials
Focused on application, discussion, and academic skills development, providing personalised engagement and mentorship.
Academic Pathways
Two specialised pathways to your future
The International Foundation Programme offers two distinct pathways, enabling students to specialise according to their intended field of study.The International Foundation Programme offers two distinct pathways, enabling students to specialise according to their intended field of study.
The Humanities Pathway prepares students for undergraduate study in law, business, social sciences, politics, and media-related disciplines.
This pathway emphasises independent learning, structured argumentation, and interdisciplinary analysis in line with UK higher education standards. Students develop a sophisticated understanding of global systems while honing the critical and communicative skills demanded by leading universities.
Curriculum Focus Areas
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Academic writing and research methodology
- Understanding of global political, social, and economic systems
- Quantitative literacy for social sciences
Core Modules
01
Academic Skills
02
Global Affairs
03
Sociology
04
Media Studies
05
Business Management
06
Mathematics for Humanities
The Business, Science and Technology pathway is designed for students intending to pursue degrees in business, economics, management, and related applied fields.
It equips students with the analytical and technical competencies required for progression into business-oriented and interdisciplinary programmes. The pathway provides a rigorous grounding in quantitative methods, economic thinking, and professional academic communication.
Curriculum Focus Areas
- Quantitative and analytical problem-solving
- Economic and business reasoning
- Data interpretation and applied methodologies
- Academic communication and professional skills
Pathway Outcomes
01
Business & Management Degrees
02
Economics Programmes
03
Applied Science Fields
04
Technology & Engineering Routes
05
Interdisciplinary Programmes
Entry Requirements
Who can apply?
Secondary Education
Completion of secondary education (or equivalent) is required. Applicants should have completed their secondary schooling or hold a recognised equivalent qualification from their home country.
English Language Proficiency
English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (CEFR B1) or recognised alternatives is required for entry. The programme supports progression to CEFR B2 level, ensuring readiness for university-level study in English.
Language Progression
Upon completion, students will have progressed to CEFR B2 level proficiency in English — the recognised standard required for undergraduate degree study at UK universities.
Institutional Positioning
A Transnational Educational Framework
Through this programme, GEMS/GME delivers a UK-standard foundation qualification, while TLA, as a representative academic partner, facilitates access, guidance, and progression pathways within a broader transnational legal and educational framework.
This partnership model ensures that students benefit from both the academic rigour of a City & Guilds accredited qualification and the dedicated progression support offered by TLA's institutional network.
- Obtain a City & Guilds RQF Level 3 Qualification
- Develop Advanced Academic & English Language Skills
- Gain Competencies Required for Undergraduate Study
- Progress to Degree Programmes in the UK & Internationally