Full Time: 7 months
Study from a wide range of subject modules to guarantee a place on an undergraduate degree course at the University of Reading.
If you are planning on coming to the UK to study, and you don't have British A level qualifications or the equivalent, the International Foundation Programme (IFP) offers you the opportunity to prepare for an undergraduate degree at a British university. There are two entry points for the IFP, one in September and one in January.
This January–August option offers you the same quality and benefits as the September–June programme but in a more focused format. You will choose either a Business or Law pathway and upon successful completion will be guaranteed a place on your chosen degree course in October of the same year.
The IFP is a University-led foundation programme and is subject to the same quality and assessment procedures as the rest of the University. We have taught the IFP for over 30 years and have an international reputation for excellence both in our teaching and for the support we give our students. You can apply for scholarships to help fund your time here and, if you are aged 17 or over, you will be eligible for a place in halls on our award-winning campus.
You will study academic skills and a selection of subjects relating to your chosen pathway. For instance, if you are hoping to study Law at undergraduate level, you will typically study three of the following modules, including law: "An introduction to business and management", "Economics", "Information systems and statistics", "Law" and "Mathematics for finance, economics and business", Depending on your English language skills you may have to take the "International English" module. You will be taught by the same experienced University academics who teach these subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Additionally, an academic tutor will be assigned to support and guide you through your studies.
By the end of the programme you will be able to present ideas and arguments with accuracy and confidence both orally and in writing. You will also have the transferable skills necessary for undergraduate study.
Nearly 100% of IFP students pass the programme and in 2017, 86% of IFP students successfully qualified for a degree programme at Reading.
Quick look entry requirements
What will you study?
How much will it cost?
How much will it cost?
New UK/EU students: £15680 per year
New international students: £15680 per year
* UK and EU Fee Changes
Subject to the Government passing legislation to raise the minimum fee cap, we will raise undergraduate tuition fees from £9,000 to £9,250 for new UK/EU students applying to start courses in the 2017/18 academic year. You will not be affected by this rise if you have deferred entry to the 2017/18 academic year. The Government will confirm future arrangements for EU students in due course.
Information on this page is based on 2018/19 figures and is likely to change slightly for 2019/20 entry. We will publish up-to-date information about 2019/20 entry as soon as it becomes available.
For further information, please see our webpage on the Teaching Excellence Framework and future tuition fees.
Additional Costs
These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Additional costs
These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
What career can you have?
What career can you have?
The IFP qualifies you to study a full undergraduate degree at a British university, the gateway to a very wide range of fulfilling careers.
During the International Foundation Programme (IFP) you will develop transferable skills such as the ability to produce high quality written work, interpret and analyse a range of information, think critically, and communicate well.
A large number of our students who complete the IFP (January entry) go on to study at Henley Business School or the University of Reading Law School. Graduates from Henley Business School and the Law School have enjoyed successful careers in a wide range of industries, including accountancy, legal, media, financial services and investment banking.