Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES)

Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES)

Bridge the gap to a global university degree with a qualification that equips you with essential academic and English skills.

Awarding Body NCC Education
Duration 1 Year (Full-time) / 2 Years (Part-time)
Qualification ID 600/3888/3
Study Mode UK - TURKEY - DISTANCE
Credit 120
Stage Level 3
Accreditation Full

START DATE

Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES)

Introduction

BOOK YOUR OPEN DAY Discover student life at the Stonebridge University
Book your place

Our online programmes are designed to fit around work and life, without compromising academic quality. Learn through practical, career-focused modules, supported by experienced tutors and a modern virtual learning environment.

SKILLS FOR CAREER SUCCESS

Develop practical, employer-relevant skills through applied learning, real-world assignments, and clear progression outcomes.

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Learn with expert tutors who bring academic insight and industry experience—plus personalised support throughout your studies.

FORGE YOUR OWN PATH

Choose a pathway that matches your goals, with flexible online study and progression routes across diplomas, top-ups, and postgraduate options.

PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Build your CV, interview confidence, and professional profile with guidance, resources, and career development support designed for online learners.

Course
Summary

The Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES) is a one-year pre-university qualification designed to prepare students for direct entry into undergraduate degree programmes.

Many students require a bridging programme to meet the academic or linguistic standards of international universities. This qualification addresses that need by covering essential study skills and subject-specific knowledge.

The programme covers various disciplines, ranging from computing and engineering to creative arts and law, ensuring a tailored pathway to your desired degree.

The goal of this NCC Education diploma is to equip students with the English, mathematics, and research capabilities needed to thrive in a university environment.

Equivalent to a pre-university bridging programme, this 120-credit qualification offers a guaranteed pathway to Year 1 of a bachelor's degree at over 100 institutions worldwide.

This Level 3 Diploma is designed for students who have completed their GCSE/IGCSE 'O' Levels and wish to progress to higher education. It provides a flexible structure where students choose a combination of units to reach a total of 120 credits.

The course can be completed full-time in one academic year or part-time over two years. Assessment is conducted through a mix of examinations and coursework assignments.

The course structure consists of 120 credits. The core modules you study depend on your English proficiency. Students with an IELTS score below 5.5 take four core units (80 credits) focusing heavily on English language development, leaving 40 credits for electives. Students with an IELTS score of 5.5 or above take three core units (60 credits), allowing for 60 credits of electives.

Elective units (20 credits each) cover specialised subjects such as "International Business", "Introduction to Computer Science", "Law for University Study", and "Introductory Accounting".

Why You'll
Love It

Learn from business experts

+

Expert Knowledge

Our curriculum is designed by industry leaders to provide practical skills that apply directly to the modern business environment.

View Details
-

Broad in content and application

+

Broad Application

Gain a comprehensive understanding of global markets, strategic management, and organizational behavior.

View Details
-

Access to specialist support

+

Student Support

Get 24/7 access to our dedicated academic support team and personalized mentorship programs.

View Details
-

Discover
Course Advantages

University Pathways

Provides a direct entry route to the Level 4 Diploma in Business, equivalent to Year 1 of a degree.

Essential Skills

Builds a strong foundation in "Mathematics for University Study" and "Research and Study Skills," critical for degree-level work.

Global Mobility

Ideal for students planning to study in the UK, USA, Australia, or Canada.

Tailored Structure

Choose from two pathways based on your English level to ensure you get the right amount of support.

Recognised Quality

An Ofqual-regulated qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Subject Variety

Elective units allow specialization in Business, Computing, Engineering, Health Sciences, Creative Arts, and Law.

Flexible Assessment

Assessed through a combination of exams and coursework, mirroring university assessment methods.

Course
Structure

Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES) consists of:

Academic Year 01

Pathway A

C-1
Core 1
Level 3 x Credits
C-2
Core 2
Level 3 x Credits
C-3
Core 3
Level 3 x Credits
C-4
Core 4
Level 3 x Credits
E-1
Elective 1
Level 3 x Credits
E-2
Elective 2
Level 3 x Credits
Academic Year 01

Pathway B

C-1
Core 1
Level 3 x Credits
C-2
Core 2
Level 3 x Credits
C-3
Core 3
Level 3 x Credits
E-1
Elective 1
Level 3 x Credits
E-2
Elective 2
Level 3 x Credits
E-3
Elective 3
Level 3 x Credits
Academic Year 01

Pathway C

C-1
Core 1
Level 3 x Credits
C-2
Core 2
Level 3 x Credits
C-3
Core 3
Level 3 x Credits
C-4
Core 4
Level 3 x Credits
E-1
Elective 1
Level 3 x Credits
E-2
Elective 2
Level 3 x Credits
E-3
Elective 3
Level 3 x Credits
Academic Year 01

Pathway D

C-1
Core 1
Level 3 x Credits
C-2
Core 2
Level 3 x Credits
C-3
Core 3
Level 3 x Credits
E-1
Elective 1
Level 3 x Credits
E-2
Elective 2
Level 3 x Credits
E-3
Elective 3
Level 3 x Credits
E-4
Elective 4
Level 3 x Credits
Academic Year 01

Core Unit's for Students with 4.5 =< IELTS Score < 5.5

L/615/0156
Developing English Language Skills
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
Y/615/0158
English for Academic Purposes
Level 3 30 Credits Credits
F/615/0154
Maths for University Study
Level 3 10 Credits Credits
J/504/0969
Research and Study Skills for University Study
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
Academic Year 01

Core Unit's for Students with 5.5 < IELTS Score

Y/615/0158
English for Academic Purposes
Level 3 30 Credits Credits
F/615/0154
Maths for University Study
Level 3 10 Credits Credits
J/504/0969
Research and Study Skills for University Study
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
Academic Year 01

Elective Units

A/651/0276
Law for University Study
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
T/651/0292
Introductory Accounting
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
Y/651/0293
Introductory Economics
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
A/651/0294
Introduction to Programming with Python
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
D/651/0295
International Business
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
K/615/2416
Physics for University Study
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
H/615/2415
Further Maths for University Study
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
R/616/8688
Chemistry for University Study
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
Y/616/8689
Biology for University Study
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
D/651/2799
Digital Art
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
A/651/2798
Fine Art
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
Y/651/2797
Art & Design (General)
Level 3 20 Credits Credits
F/504/0727
Introduction to Computer Science
Level 3 10 Credits Credits
M/651/0326
Digital World
Level 3 10 Credits Credits

Entry
Requirements

For entry onto the NCC Education Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES) qualification, students must meet specific academic and English language criteria. This program acts as a bridge between secondary education and university-level study.

Academic: Completed GCSE/IGCSE 'O' Levels or equivalent with 5 subjects passed (minimum grades 'C' or '4'), including Mathematics and English.
English Language: A valid score of 4.5 or above in IELTS (or equivalent).
Alternative: Students who do not have an IELTS score can take the free NCC Education Standard English Placement Test.
Age: Candidates must normally be aged 16 or above by the time of enrolment.

Careers

The Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES) is primarily designed as a prestigious global gateway to higher education, providing students with the essential academic credits and research skills needed to enter top-tier universities worldwide. While its core purpose is to facilitate progression to a full undergraduate degree, the program also effectively prepares you for various entry-level administrative and support roles in an international business context. By completing this qualification, you demonstrate the advanced English proficiency and analytical thinking required to thrive in professional environments that demand high levels of communication and academic rigor.

Beyond immediate academic advancement, the curriculum lays a versatile groundwork for a wide range of specialized careers. By choosing specific electives in fields such as Computing, Business, or Engineering, graduates establish the necessary technical and theoretical baseline to eventually become Software Engineers, Business Analysts, or Project Managers after further university study. This dual-focus approach ensures that you possess both the immediate study skills required for a successful degree and the professional foundation necessary to excel in a 21st-century global workforce.

Progression to University

Students that complete the NCC Education Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES) can:

Level 4 Diploma in Business (L4DB)
Level 4 Diploma in Computing (with Business Management) (L4DC BM)
Level 5 Diploma in Computing (L5DC)
Level 4 Diploma in Computing (L4DC)
Level 5 Diploma in Business (L5DB)
Level 5 Diploma in Computing (with Business Management) (L5DC BM)

Our University Partners

Typical academic progression routes available through our partner institutions, enabling students to continue their studies with recognised universities.

Diploma to Bachelor's Degree
Complete Level 4–5 and progress to a full Bachelor’s degree (Top-Up)
Foundation to Undergraduate Degree
Start with a Foundation programme and progress to a full Undergraduate degree
Higher National Diploma (HND) Progression
Advance from an HND qualification to the final year of a Bachelor’s degree
Undergraduate to Postgraduate Progression
Progress from a Bachelor’s degree to a recognised Postgraduate or Master’s programme
University 1
University 2
University 3
University 4
University 5
University 6
University 7
University 8
University 1
University 2
University 3
University 4
University 5
University 6
University 7
University 8

Global University
Recognition

Our programme is delivered in partnership with NCC Education, an organization recognized globally for maintaining rigorous academic and professional standards. This specific Level 3 qualification is mapped to international frameworks, ensuring that the curriculum provides a robust foundation for academic progression. By achieving a qualification backed by NCC Education, students earn a credential that is valued by universities and employers worldwide as a benchmark of specialized knowledge and technical proficiency.

The recognition of this qualification often facilitates pathways for advanced entry into subsequent stages of higher education. Because NCC Education is held in high regard by the global academic community, institutions evaluate this Level 3 credentials on a case-by-case basis for credit transfer and articulation. This framework is designed to provide students with maximum academic mobility, offering a portable and respected qualification that supports their transition into further degrees or specialized research roles.

Book your place

Mobil Uyumlu Açık Gri Çizgi
Your Course Details

Your Course Details

Mobil Uyumlu Açık Gri Çizgi
Your Course Details

Tell us about yourself

Mobil Uyumlu Açık Gri Çizgi
Opt-in Preferences

Let's keep in touch.

While you’re here, we’d also just like to get your opt-in preferences for keeping in touch.

By opting for us to stay in touch, you agree to Stonebridge University using your personal data in accordance with our Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions Privacy Statement .

We will use your data to provide you with further details on the University, courses we think you may be interested in, and to inform you of forthcoming events, such as our Open Days. We may also use your data for market research purposes, such as data analysis or to ask you to complete one of our online surveys.

To help us to stay in touch, we may use third party advertising services and communication platforms. You can change your preferences or unsubscribe at any time.