- Duration: one academic year of 30 weeks, divided into two 15-week semesters. The timetable and start date of each intake at Sedbergh Vietnam are confirmed by the Admissions Team.
- Study load: 1,200 hours, comprising 540 guided learning hours and 660 hours of independent study. NCUK’s standard timetable has 18 teaching hours per week: 12 hours of academic subjects and 6 hours of academic English.
- Credits: 120 credits in total; students complete 105 or 120 credits depending on their English level on entry.
- Components: three academic subjects (25 credits each), one English module, and Skills for Success – a 5-credit online module covering time management, critical thinking, academic integrity and digital literacy.
NCUK academic subjects
NCUK offers 12 academic subjects; each study centre selects the subjects offered in each intake. The subjects available at Sedbergh Vietnam are confirmed by the Admissions Team.
- Biology
- Art & Design
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Technical Maths
- Integrated Maths
- Physics
- Sociology
- Global Studies
- Economics
- Further Maths
English modules by entry level
- EAP – English for Academic Purposes (40 credits): for students with IELTS 5.0 or equivalent who do not yet hold a Secure English Language Test (SELT) acceptable for NCUK University Partner entry.
- EAPPU – EAP for Proficient Users (25 credits): for students with strong English but no valid SELT, or who have studied in English with a qualification not recognised for visa purposes.
- RCS – Research and Communication Skills (25 credits): for students with an acceptable SELT (such as IELTS 6.0, or IGCSE English grade C or above) taken within one year of entry.
Academic subject grading scale
- A* (80% and above): 56 points
- A (70–79%): 48 points
- B (60–69%): 40 points
- C (50–59%): 32 points
- D (40–49%): 24 points
- E (35–39%): 16 points
The NCUK Guarantee. Students who achieve at least 96 NCUK points across their academic subjects, together with a minimum grade of C in the EAP or EAPPU module (no lower than D in each skill) or a minimum grade of D in the RCS module, are guaranteed entry to an undergraduate programme at an NCUK University Partner. Students with 72 points may be eligible for a limited number of programmes. Full terms are published on the NCUK Guarantee page.
Students who complete the programme can progress to the first year of more than 7,500 undergraduate courses, or to NCUK International Year One. According to NCUK, over 70% of IFY students and 89% of International Year One students achieve a 2:1 degree or above.
NCUK’s partners include many members of the Russell Group in the UK and the Group of Eight in Australia, as well as leading universities in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. At the NCUK Information Day hosted by Sedbergh Vietnam, parents and students spoke directly with representatives from UNSW Sydney, Durham University, Newcastle University and Toronto Metropolitan University. The full list of partners is available at ncuk.ac.uk.
- Teaching team: international teachers holding Master’s degrees and specialist teaching qualifications, with experience in global academic settings.
- University counselling: support from choosing a course and writing personal statements to submitting applications and applying for visas.
- School life: sports, extracurricular activities and school events that balance academic study with personal growth. See Houses System & Clubs.
- Facilities and support: a campus with spaces for learning, sport, a library and creative work; see Facilities and Student Services.
- Completion of upper secondary school, for example four IGCSE/O Level/GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above, typically including English and Maths.
- English equivalent to IELTS 5.0.
- Country-specific requirements are published by NCUK at ncuk.ac.uk.
The Admissions Team will advise on each student’s individual application. See Admission Information for the process, document checklist and to request a consultation.
What is the NCUK International Foundation Year?
A university preparation programme designed by NCUK, lasting one academic year, that helps students build the academic knowledge, skills and English needed to progress into the first year of university.
How does it differ from A-Level or the IB Diploma?
A-Level and the IB Diploma take two years at the end of secondary school. The NCUK IFY is completed within one academic year, with three academic subjects, an English module and a skills module, and is linked to NCUK’s progression guarantee for students who meet the requirements.
Does completing the programme guarantee a university place?
Students who meet the NCUK Guarantee conditions (see Assessment and progression) are guaranteed entry to an undergraduate programme at an NCUK University Partner. Each university and course may have its own requirements, so students should speak with a university counsellor early.
What level of English do students need?
A minimum of IELTS 5.0 or equivalent. Students take one of three English modules (EAP, EAPPU or RCS) depending on their entry level.
Which academic subjects does Sedbergh Vietnam offer?
NCUK has 12 academic subjects, and each study centre selects those offered in each intake. The Admissions Team will share the subject list for the next intake.
What are the fees and start dates?
Fees and start dates are updated for each intake. Please contact the Admissions Team through Admission Information for the latest details.
