Frequently Asked Questions (IFP)

As a University of London Recognised Teaching Centre, based in the heart of Bristol, BIC has been able to attract highly qualified teaching staff, who are subject specialists and experienced in delivering the curriculum is a professional and engaging way.

This depends on what subjects the student wishes to study, however, a minimum of 5 A*-B at GCSE/IGCSE or an equivalent qualification. We will also look at each student on an individual bases by reviewing their school reports with grades and the results of our own diagnostic test (BUSSATS) and student interview, before we will be able to offer a place.

Due to the academically demanding nature of the IFP, it is essential that students have a high level of proficiency in their written and spoken English, at the IELTS grade of 6.0.   This is approximately the equivalent level of B2 of the Oxford qualification.

We are able to accept alternative English language certificates and we also use our own English diagnostic test to assess the student’s English language level. However, for IFP students to progress to University they will need to gain a minimum IELTS level 6.0 – which we are able to deliver as part of the BIC IFP programme.

We recognise that there are many different education systems around the world and therefore consider each student on an individual basis. The following examples should be seen as a guide only:

China – at least 3 years of academic secondary education (Junior Middle School) with very good grades

Hong Kong – at least 4 HKDSA Category A subjects at Grade 5 or above

Brazil – at least 1 year of upper secondary education (Ensino Médio) with very good grades

Colombia – 5 relevant subjects in Bachillerato (inc. Maths) + 4 subjects in ICFES, with very good grades

Russia – Certificate of Secondary Complete General Education with very good grades in relevant subjects

Turkey – completion of at least high school year 3 with GPA 3.5/4.0 minimum

Students wishing to join BIC will need to sit the BUSSATs online entrance tests in English, Maths and General Knowledge; this standardised test measures a student’s ability to deal with the highly academic demands of this course.

Students are able to take the test at their agent’s office or at an approved test centre, such as a British Council Office – students will need to take the tests in exam conditions and to be fully invigilated.  The test takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

We require a copy of the student’s most recent school report and grades (these need to be translated into English), we may also contact the student’s current school for a written reference. N.B. for university entrance most students will need to provided evidence of completion of their local high school programme or of 11-12 years continuous study in the home country, so it is advisable to provide this at the time of admission.

Any student wishing to take the Pure Mathematics course must have a firm grasp of algebra and be at a level of GCSE Grade 8-9 or equivalent. Requirements for other courses vary. Further advice is available on request.

No, but the Maths and Statistics course teaches key mathematical methods and statistical concepts frequently applied to economics, business, management, finance and related areas, so students who intend to study such courses at university are advised to take this option. The Pure Maths course is only advised for very strong mathematicians who intend to pursue courses focusing on Mathematics or Economics at degree level.

All students are allocated a personal Tutor, who will monitor and guide the student through their studies.  The Tutor will discuss the students’ progress with the individual teaching staff, to make sure that the student is fulfilling his or her academic potential.  Students and parents will also receive regular grades and progress reports.

The grades awarded for the IFP are based 100% on an end-of-year written examination, set and marked by the University of London.

There is an opportunity for students to re-sit their exams in early July at the invitation of the University of London, which means as long as the student passes the re-sit their university offer remains unaffected. BIC will fully support students preparing for re-sits but there will be an additional charge for this.

Students receive regular Higher Education support from a fully trained professional advisor.  With the help of our career advice service, students receive guidance and support to select the best university and degree courses to meet their individual needs.  Students apply via UCAS in the autumn of their year of study.

Students apply to university via UCAS, in the same way that A level or IB students do in January, the application is made using the student’s predicted grade and their personal statement. 

The student is supported throughout the UCAS application by their Tutor and the College’s UCAS mentor, both providing the student with advice on university choices, how to write a personal statement, how to complete the application process and guide the student through any issues they may encounter along the way.

As a University of London Recognised Teaching Centre preparing students primarily for Russell Group universities, we are anticipating a 100% progression rate to a UK or overseas university.

Students are not usually able to access engineering or science-based degrees. The IFP currently offered through BIC focuses on Mathematics and Social Sciences. Most students go on to study a wide-range of undergraduate courses at university from mathematics to business, accountancy, economics, law, international relations etc.

No, IFP students have successfully applied for a broad range of degree courses such as: Psychology, Media Studies, Geography, Hospitality & Tourism, Anthropology and History of Art.

The University of London International Foundation Certificate is an alternative qualification to A-levels or IB. It is recognised by virtually all of the University of London member institutions, most of the prestigious UK Russell Group universities, as well as leading universities around the world, including the American Ivy League universities.

We are not currently able to offer scholarships, the BIC IFP offers significant value for money, with student progression to leading Universities within the UK and around the world.

BIC is a non-denominational organisation. We respect your right to practise your religion and are happy to give you details of the closest church, mosque, synagogue, temple or alternative place of religious worship.

Students who choose accommodation in one of our residences will have access to a modern fully-equipped kitchen where they can store and prepare their own food. Those under 18 years old, and those who prefer to stay with a local host-family will have two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) with their hosts from Monday to Friday and three meals at weekends. All students are provided with lunch at school from Monday to Friday. 

We offer a variety of evening and weekend activities, to include sport, cultural and arts options.  Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the benefits of living within such a safe and culturally diverse city as Bristol, with an enviable choice of restaurants and cafes catering for every taste.  There is also great shopping at the Cabot Circus and Cribbs Causeway shopping malls, as well as local cinema, theatre, art and music venues, all within walking distance of the boarding house. We will also arrange visits to other interesting towns and cities like Bath, Cardiff, Wells, Exeter, Oxford, Salisbury, Winchester and London, amongst others.

Our fully trained onsite pastoral staff will manage and provide support including medical and health advice, information on diet and healthy living, assessing and providing treatment if required, making referrals to doctors, dentists and other specialists.

We very much look forward to welcoming visitors to BIC. Arrangements can be made in advance and we would also be happy to issue visitor invitation letters and help arrange hotels and airport transfers.

We recommend that students do not bring any unnecessary items with them, such as bedding or kitchen equipment (we provide bedding and all our student residences have fully-equipped kitchens including microwaves, toasters and rice cookers).  As the British weather can be changeable, we recommend that students bring warm clothes and waterproof coats with them. They may also bring any small items to personalise their room, such as family pictures, etc. Students will need to bring their own laptop or tablet.

Due to the demanding nature of the IFP and the timeframe of the programme, the College does not close for weekends or half-term holidays but students will have an extended break at Christmas and Easter (see Term Dates & Fees).

No, we do not have a uniform.  However, students are expected to wear smart casual clothing when they are in College.