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Full time: 10 months
Start date: September 2020
Study from a wide range of subject modules to guarantee a place on an undergraduate degree course at the University of Reading with the International Foundation Programme.
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.
This programme will be taught online so that you can study at Reading from wherever you are in the world.
There are two entry points for the IFP, one in September and one in January.
Upon passing the IFP and having met the specific entry requirements for your chosen degree, you will be guaranteed a place on your chosen degree course at the University of Reading in September of the same year.
The online delivered 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 more than 35 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 be taught by the same academics as the campus based IFP. Teaching will be through a mix of recorded lectures and live online seminars and tutorials. In these live interactive sessions, you’ll get to know your tutors and classmates and build relationships, which will support you throughout your studies. You will have access to the huge online library resources of the University of Reading as well as the study and welfare support that is available. Additionally, you will be assigned an Academic Tutor who will meet with you online at least twice a term to review your progress and offers personal support and guidance throughout the programme.
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 two of the following modules, in addition to the compulsory Law module:
- An Introduction to Business and Management
- Economics
- Information Systems and Statistics
- Law and Mathematics for Finance
- Economics and Business
- Sociology
- Mathematics for Economics and Business
- Politics
- Psychology
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.
Around 80% of students who take the IFP at the University of Reading qualify to progress on to their chosen undergraduate degree. Graduates have enjoyed successful careers in a wide range of industries, including accountancy, law, food science, pharmacy, financial services, and investment banking.
Visit the International Foundation Programme website.
Typical offer
What will you study?
How much will it cost?
New UK/EU students: £9,250 per year
New international students: £16,890 per year
* UK and EU fee changes
UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK and EU** students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
From 2020, the UK government may link tuition fees to the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
**EU students
For more information on fees, loans and grants for EU students, see fees and funding for home/EU students.
IFP scholarships and discounts
Please see our International Foundation Programme (IFP) website to find out more about scholarships and discounts for IFP students.
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?
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.