University Foundation
The University Foundation Programme at St Andrew’s College Cambridge is a premier pathway to university, offering a personalised and highly supportive experience tailored for international students. Designed with their success in mind, this programme consistently delivers exceptional results for those aspiring to join top universities, including the prestigious Russell Group.
Why Choose St Andrews College for Your Foundation Course?
- Personalised Learning Experience
- Class sizes of just 8 students on average ensure individual attention and tailored support, compared to university foundation programmes that typically have around 25 students per class.
- Every student is paired with a personal tutor, providing daily one-to-one guidance and ensuring academic and personal growth.
- Unmatched Academic Support
- Students benefit from 40% more teaching hours than university foundation courses, giving them more time to master subjects and excel.
- IELTS preparation is integrated into the curriculum, ensuring students meet the language requirements for their chosen university.
- Exclusive Opportunities and Resources
- Access to Cambridge University facilities, including:
- Cambridge University Library, an iconic resource hub.
- Sports Centre, with state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
- Public lectures, providing intellectual stimulation and networking opportunities.
- Participation in a research programme with Cambridge University PhD students after school. This unique opportunity enhances students’ knowledge and gives them a competitive edge for university applications.
- Exceptional Progression Rates
- An 87% success rate in securing places at Russell Group universities, including the University of York and University of Leeds.
- Art and Architecture students are welcomed at UAL (University of the Arts London), including Central Saint Martins.
- Flexible Academic Options
- Students can supplement their foundation studies with GCSE or A-Level subjects in 1-2 key areas if they demonstrate strong academic ability.
- They also have the opportunity to take an A-Level in their local language, adding an extra qualification to their academic profile.
- Comprehensive Academic Enrichment
- Students can participate in the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), a prestigious research-based project valued by universities.
- Access to British Olympiad competitions with dedicated support from school tutors, providing further academic challenges and opportunities to shine.
- Personalised University Guidance
- Students apply to universities via UCAS, enabling them to submit applications to multiple universities. This flexibility ensures students can:
- Receive multiple offers.
- Choose the best-fit option, rather than being tied to a single institution.
- Unlike traditional university foundation programmes tied to specific institutions, St Andrews students enjoy flexibility and guidance to choose the best-fit university and course.
- Visits to different universities and attendance at open days help students fully explore and understand their options, ensuring informed decisions.
- Reassurance for High Ambitions
- If students do not meet the requirements for their firm-choice university, they can retake foundation subjects in July, providing an extra opportunity for success and reassurance to aim for ambitious goals.
- Supportive and Nurturing Environment
- Boarding with care: St Andrews offers a “home-from-home” experience, with dedicated house parents providing essential pastoral care to help students feel secure, comfortable, and motivated.
- This environment is particularly beneficial for students aged 16 or 17, who may find university foundation programmes too independent and overwhelming.
- Dynamic Student Life
- A range of extracurricular activities and trips enrich students’ experience and help them build friendships while exploring UK culture.
- Opportunities to visit various universities and attend open days enable students to make informed decisions about their higher education.
- Numerous student clubs allow individuals to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and personal confidence, creating well-rounded personalities.
Comparing St Andrews College with University Foundation Programmes
| Feature | St Andrews College | Typical University Foundation |
| Class Size | 8 students on average | Around 25 students |
| Teaching Hours | 40% more teaching hours | Standard hours |
| Personal Tutoring | Daily one-to-one sessions | Limited or none |
| Flexibility | GCSE, A-Level, EPQ, local language A-Levels | Rarely offered |
| Access to Cambridge Facilities | Yes: Library, Sports Centre, Public Lectures | Not available |
| PhD Research Programme | Yes: Daily after-school opportunities | Not available |
| Retake Opportunities | Yes: Retake in July if firm offers are missed | Rarely offered |
| Pastoral Care | Full support with dedicated house parents | Not available |
University Foundation Course Specifications
STAN Foundation Specifications MedicsLifeScience20242025
STAN Foundation Specifications Engineering20242025
STAN Foundation Specifications ComputerScienceAI20242025
STAN Foundation Course Prospectus20242025
STAN Foundation Specifications Science20242025
STAN Foundation Specifications Humanities20242025
STAN Foundation Specifications ArtArchitecture20242025
Student Testimonial Videos
Foundation Pathways
| Humanities Pathway |
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| Science Pathway |
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| Art Pathway |
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To see the university entrance requirements for foundation students please click below:
Humanities Foundation
| UNIVERSITY | COURSE | ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS | IELT REQUIREMENTS |
| Queen Mary, University of London | Business Management | 70% overall | 7.0 with at least 5.5 in each component |
| University of Manchester | Management | 75% overall | 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component |
| University of Bristol | Economics | 80% overall with 80% in advanced mathematics | 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and at least 6.5 in reading, speaking and listening |
| City, University of London | Banking and International Finance | 75% with nothing less than 65% | 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component |
| The University of Edinburgh | Linguistics and Social Anthropology | 70% overall with nothing less than 50% | 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component |
| Durham University | Business and Management | 75% overall | 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component |
| University of Exeter | Business and Management | 70% overall with nothing less than 60% | 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each component |
| University of Sussex | Accounting and Finance | 65% overall with 65% in Mathematics | 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component |
| Kings College London | International Relations | 70% overall | 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component |
Science Foundation
| UNIVERSITY | COURSE | ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS | IELT REQUIREMENTS |
| University of Leeds | Medical Sciences | 70% overall | 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component |
| University of Leeds | Mechanical Engineering | 75% overall with 85% in Physics and Advanced Mathematics | 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component |
| University of Birmingham | Environmental Science | 65% overall | 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component |
| University of Bath | Mechanical Engineering | 85% overall with 85% in Physics and Advanced Mathematics | 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component |
| University of Manchester | Electronic Engineering | 70% overall with 70% in Mathematics | 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component |
| University of Manchester | Biomedical Sciences | 80% overall with 75% in Biology and Chemistry | Minimum 6.5 in each component |
| University of Sheffield | Mechanical Engineering | 80% overall with not less than 80% in each module | 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component |
| Newcastle University | Marine Biology | 70% in all modules | 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component |
| The University of Liverpool | Biochemistry | 70% overall with no module less than 60% | 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component |
| University of Exeter | Medical Science | 70% overall with no module less than 60% | 7.0 overall with at least 6 in each component |
| Durham University | Biological Science | 80% overall | 6.5 overall with at least 6 in each component |
| Newcastle University | Chemical Engineering | 80% overall with 80% in Chemistry and Advanced Mathematics | 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component |
Key Information
| IELTS | AGE (minimum) | |
| 2 Year Course(Sept Start) | 4 | 15.5 |
| 18 Month Course (Jan Start) | 4.5 | 16 |
| 1 Year Course (Sept Start) | 5 | 16.5 |
| 6 Month Course (Jan Start) | 5.5 | 17 |
