Study a combination of Humanities and Social Science modules alongside an English module and an Academic Practice module. The combination of modules will enable you to develop key skills and understanding in language, study skills, critical thinking and a good understanding of knowledge relevant to Humanities and Social Sciences.
The Humanities and Social Sciences modules are designed to deepen your English language, academic listening and reading capabilities, your ability to interpret your findings and present to your peers and tutor, in appropriate written and oral format – specific to the requirements of undergraduate degrees in Humanities and Social Science.
You will develop your academic skills, techniques and processes with an emphasis on building your personal capacity for creativity, critical and independent thinking. You will also learn how to demonstrate effective academic writing, analysis skills, interpersonal communication and the ability to work in multi-cultural teams.
| IELTS | Oct-Dec | Jan-Mar | Mar-Jun | July-Aug | Sept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | International Foundation Programme – Humanities and Social Sciences (12 month) |
Start your undergraduate degree at Northumbria University | |||
| 5.0 | International Foundation Programme – Humanities and Social Sciences (9 month) |
Summer break | |||
| 5.0 | International Foundation Programme – Humanities and Social Sciences (9 month) |
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| 5.5 | International Foundation Programme – Humanities and Social Sciences (6 month) |
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| Related reading |
Upon successful completion and subject to specific entry requirements, you can go on to study a range of business undergraduate degrees at Northumbria University.
To progress and be eligible for entry onto our undergraduate degree programmes you must achieve at least 40% in your International Foundation Programme.
Please note that our undergraduate degrees are currently being reviewed, however, we have previously offered the opportunity for students to progress on to the following courses:
If you would like to progress on to a degree in Art, Design and Media; Engineering; or Computing, Law, Media Production, Sport, and science subjects, please see our alternative pathway programmes:
Upon successfully passing your programme you will receive a Foundation Diploma in International English for Academic Communication which some other universities may also accept as an entry qualification.
Enquire nowWe welcome applications from students who have obtained good grades in their upper secondary education.
We also now accept the following:
Depending on your chosen degree course, specific subject requirements may apply. Our team will be able to help confirm the details for you.
For other country-specific entry requirements, please check our Entry Requirements. Alternatively, please contact our team who will be able to help you.
There are multiple entry levels to the International Foundation Programme depending on your IELTS level:
Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.
You must be over 16 years old
If you are under 18 at the start of the International Foundation Programme, you will need to include with your application a signed consent form by your parent or legal guardian. You can find a copy of this on our How to Apply page.
Enquire now12 and 9 month IFP students only
| New Beginnings: Life and Study in the UK (0 credits) |
This interactive and practical module is designed for you, as an international student, transitioning to UK Higher Education (HE) and a new life in the UK.
It will focus on equipping you with essential life and digital skills familiarising you with the UK HE system and preparing you for living independently in a new cultural context.
You will explore UK university support services, develop digital literacy, and learn vital life skills such as budgeting and time management. Weekly activities will be engaging, incorporating games, challenges and collaborative tasks to make learning fun and practical.
12 month IFP students only
| English for University Studies (0 credits) |
This module provides you with the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the skills needed to study in a UK university. You will learn about UK Higher Education culture, and acquaint yourself with the many university support mechanisms to develop your skills and thrive at university.
This will be learnt in a number of ways including onsite communicative and task-based learning. This will engage you in the active use of the English language and encourage you to study at university more proactively and independently.
In addition, you will also be introduced to your subject specialisms and the International Foundation Programme as a whole.
All students will study the following modules:
All modules are core and worth 20 credits unless specified.
| Professional Development Planning |
xplore the skills that are necessary for preparing you for studying at university and starting your journey into employment.
| Academic Practice |
Explore broad range of essential study skills such as research and working with sources and use of digital tools.
| Introduction to Cross Cultural Communication |
Expand your understanding of globalisation and use your knowledge of other people’s behaviour and traditions to adapt to new cultures both in work and life.
| Introduction to Humanities and Social Sciences |
Explore the contemporary issues shaping the humanities and the study of our social life.
| Ethical Practices in Action |
Whether it is in the ethical choices you make in business, environmental policy, law and order, medicine, politics, the media or academic research, ethics is a key topic you need to understand for the twenty-first century.
| Project - Optional (based on IELTS score) |
Carry out a project in your subject-specific area and will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to complete your project successfully.
| English for Foundation - Optional (based on IELTS score) |
Gain the skills you need to become an independent language learner. Take responsibility for your own language learning, and gain the habits of continuous learning which you will need on your undergraduate program.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2025/26. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
Access to a laptop/PC with a microphone, speakers, webcam and a reliable internet connect is required for accessing your live online sessions.
| Included in your Tuition Fees |
| Academic Support, including the Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) Team |
| Careers and Employment Service |
| Class hours (lectures, seminars and tutorials) |
| Facilities (computers, on-campus wi-fi, printers, vending machines) |
| Library resources, including a large online catalogue of books, journals and other more |
| Online resources |
| Social spaces (quiet study spaces, multi-faith rooms and spaces to socialise) |
| Student Support (Welfare Team, Finance Team and more) |
Tuition fees do not include the cost of course books you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing, photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities.
We recommend you allow an additional £300 per annum to buy some of the course texts.
Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying this programme.
All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.
Scholarships and bursariesEnquire now to find out more information about the International Foundation Programme, studying with us, the application process, and to have any other questions you have.
Enquire nowWhen you are ready you can apply online to study the International Foundation Programme – Humanities and Social Science. Applying online allows you to upload all of your supporting documents and you will automatically receive your student application number.
Please note: For 2025 & 2026 applications you will be redirected to the Northumbria website to select which intake you would like to apply for.
When you are applying, please add the progression degree you would like to apply for to the ‘Personal Statement’ section.
| Apply for 2025 & 2026 | |
|---|---|
| 12 month | Apply for the 12 month IFP Humanities and Social Sciences Course |
| 9 month | Apply for the 9 month IFP Humanities and Social Sciences Course |
| 6 month | Apply for the 6 month IFP Humanities and Social Sciences Course |
Information for disabled applicants
At Northumbria, we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.
We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your programme. After receiving your offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa (if required) and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol on to your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.
You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.
“The lecturers are fantastic because they provide me with lots of information, and support me with my studies. The library also is very good, I can find information very easily and it’s open 24 hours which means I can go at my own convenience.”
Saleh T S A M Aldamkhi
International Foundation Programme - Engineering
The pathway programmes detailed on this website are run in partnership with QA Higher Education - a UK higher education provider. All of our pathway programmes are validated by the University and taught by QA Higher Education and University staff.
