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UFP Facts

Why study the UFP at Worthgate?

Designed specifically for high achieving international students, the UFP acts as a bridge from students’ high school education in their own country to university in the UK. 

1985
Original pioneers of the University Foundation programme, developing the course in 1985
40
We have a progression agreement with over 40 UK universities
95 out of 100
95 of the 100 top UK universities recognise our accredited UFP qualification
100%
of the top 30 UK universities have accepted our students †
47%
of students who studied Maths achieved an A* or A in 2023
58%
of students who studied Psychology achieved an A* or A in 2023

† Over the last 10 years from those universities who accept the CATS UFP

“The University Foundation Programme was first put together 35 years ago and is designed for international students looking for a UK standard of education. Part of the programme’s role is to prepare you for the English language requirements for UK universities.”

Assistant Principal Academic
Dr. Jennifer Walters

UFP Overview

The UFP recognises the specific academic challenges that students face and uses assessment strategies that offer the best opportunities to demonstrate an individual’s academic level and potential. Students each choose three academic subjects with exams at the end of the course. In addition, all students attend academic English classes designed to develop their English skills for university.  

Final UFP grades are determined by an exam as well as a significant amount of coursework which simulates the structure of most UK university courses.  

Choosing a subject combination is important as universities look for students that have good grades in the right subjects. We work intensively with each student choose the best combination to help achieve their university and career aspirations. 

graduate hat

Gain an accredited qualification accepted by 95 of the 100 top UK universities

Unlock progressing to a UK or international university

Develop skills needed to succeed at university with a focus on improved capacity to learn with confidence and independence

Improved English language fluency and proficiency

Develop the foundation knowledge needed to study a specific subject at undergraduate level

Experience life at an international school and prepare for life at a UK university

UFP Subject Choice and Structure

UFP students select one subject from each block – three subjects in total. Non-native speakers will also study English as a Second Language

September Start Courses

January Start Courses

Block A
Block B
Block C
Block D
Block E
Business
Chemistry
Sociology
Physics
Psychology
Economics
Maths
Biology
Block A
Block B
Block C
Block D
Block E
Block F
Chemistry
Business
History
Psychology
Biology
Business
Economics
Sociology
Business
Chemistry
Maths
Sociology
Biology
IR
Physics
Psychology
Art
Economics
Maths
Physics

UFP Course descriptors

Please find the full course descriptors for each of our UFP  courses in our Student Hub. They entail:

  • Subject Overview
  • Prior Learning Requirements
  • Exam Board Information
  • Course Content
  • Assessment
  • Textbooks/Revisions Guides
  • Higher Education Pathways
  • Complementary Subjects of Study

Questions About UFP

Students take examinations in each subject at the end of the year with results published soon after. To ensure students are well prepared they also take part in mock exams so that teachers can help identify any areas where there may be difficulties. English is tested through an IELTS examination.

Most subjects have 30% coursework which is written or practical work completed throughout the year and counts towards the overall grade.

In 2020, we introduced electronic testing so that candidates can work on a computer in a way they are familiar with, rather than using pen and paper. 

UFP Testimonials