International Foundation Programme January Entry (IFP)

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.

At the University of Reading Global Academy, we have 100 years of experience in international education, and we provide world-class teaching, cultural insight, and ongoing personalised support.

This January–August option offers you the same quality and benefits as the September–June programme. It enables you to progress to most degrees within the University of Reading. Popular progression degrees are:

Henley Business School degrees: Accounting; Business and Management; Finance; Real Estate
Construction Management and Engineering
Quantity Surveying
Economics
Computer Science.

*On successful completion of the IFP, you are guaranteed the opportunity of a place on your chosen degree at Reading, if you meet the progression requirements set out by the University departments for their degrees.

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 more than 40 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.

The IFP prepares you for undergraduate study. You will:

receive academic training in subjects for your undergraduate degree
develop your English language abilities
acquire the transferable academic skills needed for undergraduate studies and beyond.
enrol on one of two pathways with modules that closely align to your intended degree: Business, Management and Finance Pathway or Social Sciences and Art Pathway.

You will be taught by experienced University academics, some of 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.

In 2024, 98% of students passed the IFP and 92% were able to progress to a University of Reading degree. Graduates have enjoyed successful careers in a wide range of industries, including accountancy, law, higher education, food science, pharmacy, financial services, and investment banking.

For more information, please visit the International Foundation Programme website.

Overview

At the University of Reading Global Academy, we have 100 years of experience in international education, and we provide world-class teaching, cultural insight, and ongoing personalised support.

Henley Business School degrees: Accounting; Business and Management; Finance; Real Estate
Construction Management and Engineering
Quantity Surveying
Economics
Computer Science.

Learning

The IFP prepares you for undergraduate study. You will:

receive academic training in subjects for your undergraduate degree
develop your English language abilities
acquire the transferable academic skills needed for undergraduate studies and beyond.
enrol on one of two pathways with modules that closely align to your intended degree: Business, Management and Finance Pathway or Social Sciences and Art Pathway.

For more information, please visit the International Foundation Programme website.

Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

AS and A Levels

72 UCAS tariff points.

International Baccalaureate

24 points from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or International Baccalaureate Certificate.

GCSE

GCSE/IGCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C) in five subjects

For alternative country-specific qualifications, see our entry requirements by country.

IELTS

You will be required to have a UKVI IELTS between 5.5 and 6.5 overall, with no skill below 4.5–5.5, depending on your intended degree course.

We will accept a non-UKVI IELTS or GCSE/IGCSE English Language at grade C if you do not require a visa to study in the UK

See full details of the academic and English language entry requirements for this course.

Structure

Compulsory modules

Academic Skills

Enhance your academic study and communication skills while gradually building confidence and mastering transferable abilities. Engage in various in-class group activities and individual study tasks to develop these skills effectively.

Optional modules

Foundation Programme: Biology

Explore the life cycle of cells and the chemical reactions that give them energy and allow them to replicate. You’ll also study the biology of the human body and about natural selection and genetics. Through practical classes, you’ll familiarise yourself with laboratory work, as well as handling and interpreting data.

Ecology and the Environment

Explore key concepts and processes associated with both the physical and living environment and the interactions of both within ecosystems.

Environmental Sustainability

Explore the causes and consequences of global contemporary sustainability issues. You’ll critique and evaluate both theoretical and actual methods used to minimise the harm caused through anthropogenic activities whilst recognise the interconnected nature of environmental problems.

Chemistry

Learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen. You’ll also gain practical experience and develop skills by applying what you’ve learnt in a laboratory setting.

Foundation Economics: Microeconomics

Discover how individuals and companies allocate and utilise resources. You’ll learn the neoclassical model of demand and supply, markets failures and the behaviour of firms.

Foundation Economics: Macroeconomics

Learn models and theories used by economists to understand the performance of the economy. You’ll develop basic mathematical and statistical skills and apply these to economic decision making.

Core Mathematics

Learn the techniques required to analyse and solve a variety of mathematical problems. You'll gain general mathematical skills as well as skills that are more related to your degree programme.

Further Mathematics

Gain a solid grounding in the aspects of vectors and matrices, kinematics of motion, advanced integration techniques and differential equations at A-level standard. You’ll develop a foundational understand of the key mathematic concepts required for future study throughout your degree.

Quantitative Methods

Discover the techniques required to analyse and solve a variety of statistical problems. You'll gain general theoretical skills as well as numerical skills that are more related to your degree programme.

An Introduction to Business and Management

Develop your ability to think critically and argue persuasively in business and management contexts. You'll learn basic business and management theory such as entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing, human resource management, finance and accounting.

Academic English 1

Develop the necessary basis in English for study at undergraduate level. You’ll develop key skills and a perspective on a range of contemporary topics that will equip you for study throughout your degree.

Academic English 2

Develop your competence in the use of English for academic purposes. You’ll be provided with the necessary linguistic foundation for your degree as you learn to use academic sources in a written and spoken context.

Foundation Statistics and Data Science

Gain an introduction to statistics and data science, and develop key theoretical, practical, and numerical skills to help you succeed in your future undergraduate studies.

Introduction to Foundations of Law

You’ll acquire a grounding knowledge in the main principles of the English Legal System and Contract Law. This will provide you with a conceptual foundation for future study and will facilitate the recognition of both public and private frameworks. Additionally, you’ll develop the skills needed to evaluate and analyse key legal issues and produce complex arguments related to policy, practice, and theory.

Further Foundations of Law

Enhance your understanding of the English Legal System and study the law of tort. You’ll learn the key principles of tort and put them into practice as you develop your skills for producing complex legal arguments even further.

Physics

Gain deeper, transferable knowledge and understanding of the major concepts of physics such as: the atomic structure and phases of matter, thermodynamics, electric fields and potentials, mechanical forces, work and energy, and the principles of simple periodic motion. You’ll also learn to apply both mathematical and physical concepts to solve advanced problems.

Concepts in Politics

Learn the nature of key political concepts and use them to develop your ability to interpret and analyse political information and arguments. You’ll also be encouraged to develop your grammar and IT skills to ensure you are well equipped to research sources and execute written presentation throughout your degree.

Government and Politics

Study the nature of political institutions, concepts, and ideologies and develop the ability to interpret political information and execute into it a developed argument. In particular, you’ll focus on UK and US government and politics and identify their parallels, connections, similarities and differences.

Introduction to Sociology

Study the idea of sociology as a science and consider how it might differ from the psychological and biological sciences. You’ll develop an understanding of norms and values as you focus on socialization, culture and identity. Additionally, you’ll learn how sociologists collect data as you look at qualitative and quantitative research methods and the factors that influence the choice of research topics and methods.

Topics in Sociology

Advance your understanding of sociology as you look at the significance of consensus and conflict, social structure, and social order and change. You’ll analyse key concepts related to gender, ethnicity, social class, and age and consider how these can be applied to areas including social stratification, mass media, crime, and sociological theory.

Psychology and Biology

Consider the scope and nature of psychology as a science. You’ll learn the biological basis of thought, behaviour, and emotions and gain transferrable skills in analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking. Specific areas of study will focus on stress, cognitive psychology, biopsychology and sleep.

Psychology and Research

Explore the key research methods applicable to psychology as you develop your skills of analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking to data collection and reporting. You’ll focus on theories of conformity and obedience and learn to critically evaluate research by highlighting the limitations found in classic experiments.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £23,000

New international students: £23,000

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for 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

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 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.

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

This exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. We are offering up to 400 scholarships per year, for high-achieving students from the UK and overseas.

Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year for maintenance and living costs, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions).

Find out more about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.

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.

Global Academy provides global expertise, innovative education and personalised support for international students across all disciplines and stages of study. We are more than a starting point – we are your academic partner throughout your entire university journey. We help you transition from supported learning to confidently managing your own academic path, helping you achieve academic excellence and your career ambitions.

Students from the IFP go on to study a wide range of degrees at the University of Reading. Upon completion of their undergraduate studies, they have also gone on to postgraduate studies and careers in a number of different industries. In particular, law and legal services, higher education, government work and the public sector, IT, engineering, marketing, E-commerce, public relations, meteorology, pharmacy, retail, banking and many more.

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

At the University of Reading, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.

Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).

During your time at Reading, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.

In 2025, the University of Reading won the AGCAS Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.

Explore the climate and sustainability initiatives you can get involved with as a student at Reading.

IFP International Foundation Programme - January