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UFP Facts

*Students joining after September will receive intensive support to catch up and obtain the qualification. 

Why study the UFP at CATS Cambridge?

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
CATS Global Schools are the original pioneers of the University Foundation programme, developing the qualification in 1985
95
Our UFP is accepted by 95 of the 100 top UK universities
58%
of students achieved
an A* or A in 2022
67%
of Russell group universities have accepted our students†
83%
A*-A grades achieved in Physics in 2024
74%
A*-C grades achieved in Economics in 2024

† 19 of the 24 Russell Group universities accept the UFP qualification 
†Over the last 6 years

“The CATS UFP is designed for international students who want to go to a UK university. It gives students transferable skills and helps them to best bridge the gap between school and university. Students who take this programme develop a skillset that extends beyond the classroom from research skills to presenting.” 

Head of Mathematics
Rob Mathers

UFP Overview

The UFP recognises the specific academic challenges that International students face and uses assessment strategies that offer the best opportunities to demonstrate a student’s academic level and potential. Students each choose three academic subjects with exams at the end of the qualification. In addition, all students attend academic English classes designed to develop their English skills for university. Final UFP grades are determined by exams 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.

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 – up to a maximum of three subjects. Non-native speakers will also study English as a Second Language

September Start Courses

Block A
Block B
Block C
Block D
Block E
Business
Economics
Maths
Visual Arts
Biology
Business
Economics
Maths
Maths
Physics
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Psychology
Sociology
Economics
Sociology

January Start Courses

Block A
Block B
Block C
Biology
Maths
Chemistry
Business
Physics
Economics

January Start Courses

Block A
Block B
Block C
Block D
Block E
Block F
Physics
Sociology
Biology
Economics
Chemistry
Maths

UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Please check out the full course specifications for each of the University Foundation Programme courses at CATS Cambridge, located in our Student Hub.

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