Course structure

The International Foundation Programme is an intensive access course with two possible entry points; students can study September - June or January - August (for selected Business pathways).

The Programme offers a range of subjects. You will take the 20-credit module in Academic Skills and, if your English is below a specified level, you will take a 40-credit module in International English.

Other 40-credit modules will be chosen according to your academic background and your intended degree programme. A total of 140 credits is needed to pass the Programme.

The modules offered by the IFP* are:

• Academic skills
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Environmental science
• Further Mathematics & Computer Science
• International English
• IT and Statistics
• Law
• Introduction to Business and Management
• Mathematics
• Mathematics for Economics
• Physics
• Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology

*A more limited range of modules is available to students taking the January start option.

Your modules will be taught through a combination of lectures, small group seminars and individual tutorials. Some science modules will also include weekly practical classes in the laboratory. In addition to time spent in the classroom or laboratory, students are expected to undertake homework and private study, which is an important part of work at degree level.

At the end of the academic year, you will be assessed at a standard equivalent to Advanced level and, providing your results are satisfactory, you will enter your intended degree programme or, if the department agrees, you may transfer to another programme for which your academic modules are an acceptable entry qualification.