Our International Foundation Programmes are specifically designed to help develop your English language and academic skills in preparation for a range of undergraduate degrees at Northumbria University.
The International Foundation Programme offers an excellent opportunity to fully prepare for your undergraduate studies and adjust to life in the UK.
You will develop English language skills relevant to your subject, studying alongside other international students and guided by academics, tutors and support staff with experience in supporting international students in this important transition.
We have 6 exciting pathways that offer you the chance to study on almost all of the undergraduate degrees offered at Northumbria University. These pathways are in:
Our International Foundation Programme is open to students with IELTS from 4.5, with no single element below 4.0. The length of your International Foundation Programme will depend on your IELTS level, please see our study plan below.
| IELTS* | July-Sept | Oct-Dec | Jan-Mar | Mar-Jun | July-Aug | Sept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | International Foundation Programme (12 month) |
Summer break | Start your undergraduate degree at Northumbria University |
|||
| 4.5 | International Foundation Programme (12 month) |
|||||
| 5.0 | International Foundation Programme (9 month) |
Summer break | ||||
| 5.0 | International Foundation Programme (9 month) |
|||||
| 5.5 | International Foundation Programme (6 month) |
|||||
*from a UKVI approved centre
In order to progress onto your target undergraduate degree and subject to specific university entry requirements, you must successfully complete the International Foundation Programme with a pass mark of 40%.
A list of the progression options available to you are provided on the course pages.
Depending on your IELTS level, you may study a term(s) of English before beginning the main International Foundation Programme modules.
You will all study a set of core modules designed to improve your English language skills and develop your academic knowledge.
Alongside these you will also study 3 modules specific to your pathway.
If you have IELTS 4.5 you will study 2 terms of the English for University Studies Module. If you have IELTS 5.0 you will study 1 term of this module. If you have IELTS 5.5 you will not study this module.
You will then progress onto the following modules.
| Applied Science Pathway |
| Art, Design and Media Pathway |
| Business and Law Pathway |
| Computing Pathway |
| Engineering Pathway |
| Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway |
You will be continuously assessed through out each module however, assessments are weighted towards the end of each module.
This allows more time for you to gradually assimilate to the learning and teaching style, helping you to develop your skills over a longer period and receive feedback from your tutor.
You will be assessed completely through coursework via presentations, essays and in-class tests**. These will form the portfolios you will submit at the end of each module.
**Except for Applied Science Pathway where assessment methods also include the use of exams
Start dates: Jan, Mar, Jul, Oct
MORE DETAILS
Start dates: Jan, Mar, Jul, Oct
MORE DETAILS
Start dates: Jan, Mar, Jul, Oct
MORE DETAILS
Start dates: Jan, Mar, Jul, Oct
MORE DETAILS
Start dates: Jan, Mar, Jul, Oct
MORE DETAILS
Start dates: Jan, Mar, Jul, Oct
MORE DETAILS
“I heard a lot of positive things about Northumbria University from the agency back in my home country, Kuwait. I also received positive recommendations from close relatives who currently live in Newcastle.”
Abdulaziz J Y M Alyaqoub
International Foundation Programme
We run start dates throughout the year depending on your chosen course. Check our application deadlines, tuition fees and payment plans we offer here.
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.