Frequently Asked Questions (IFP)

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.

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.

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.

If you are ill, or experience an unforeseen problem that affects your final examination performance, you will have the opportunity to re-sit some of your papers in June.  You will need a good track-record of academic ability and application to be considered for this option.

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.

All meals are provided and catered on site, 7-days a week by our own professional cooks who provide a wide choice of healthy food, including vegetarian and allergic-specific food options. We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner and there is a variety of snacks and fresh produce available in the boarding house.  We can also cater for any religious food requirements.

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 the boarding house has a fully-equipped kitchen 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 course, the College does not close for weekends or half-term holidays.

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