What are our International Foundation Programmes?
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.
Is this programme right for you?
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.
Which pathway should you study?
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:
- Applied Science
- Art, Design and Media
- Business and Law
- Computing
- Engineering
- Humanities and Social Science
What are the IELTS requirements?
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.
Study plan
| IELTS* | Oct-Dec | Jan-Mar | Mar-Jun | July-Aug | Sept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | International Foundation Programme (12 month) |
Start your undergraduate degree at Northumbria University |
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| 5.0 | International Foundation Programme (9 month) |
Summer break | |||
| 5.0 | International Foundation Programme (9 month) |
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| 5.5 | International Foundation Programme (6 month) |
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*from a UKVI approved centre
Progression
In order to progress onto your chosen undergraduate degree, 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 is provided on the course pages.
Course structure
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.
Modules
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.
- English for University Studies (0 credits)
You will then progress onto the following modules.
- English for Foundation (20 credits)
- Academic Practice (20 credits)
- Project (20 credits)
| Applied Science Pathway |
- Introduction to Biology (20 credits)
- Introduction to Chemistry (20 credits)
- Ethical Practices in Action (20 credits)
| Art, Design and Media Pathway |
- Art, Design and Media Specialism Development (20 credits)
- Digital Design Skills and Practice (20 credits)
- Introduction to Theory and Practices in Art, Design and Media (20 credits)
| Business and Law Pathway |
- Contemporary Business Issues (20 credits)
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Business (20 credits)
- Ethical Practices in Action (20 credits)
| Computing Pathway |
- Digital Design Skills and Practice (20 credits)
- Introduction to Computing and Coding (20 credits)
- Information Systems Design and Performance (20 credits)
| Engineering Pathway |
- Applied Algebra and Trigonometry (20 credits)
- Engineering Skills (20 credits)
- Introduction to Engineering Design and Problem Solving (20 credits)
| Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway |
- Introduction to Cross Cultural Communication (20 credits)
- Introduction to Humanities and Social Sciences (20 credits)
- Ethical Practices in Action (20 credits)
Assessment
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
