International Foundation Year
Full-time
One year
September 2025
In a nutshell
Our International Foundation Year course will prepare you to succeed in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal for international students who do not have the right qualifications to get onto their undergraduate degree yet.
We are ranked as a Centre of Excellence (El Gazette, 2023), so you will get some of the best language teaching and support in all the UK when you study with us.
What is a foundation year?
A foundation year programme is for international students. It focuses on teaching you the English and subject-specific skills that you need to be successful in an undergraduate degree at a UK university.
As the education systems are different in other parts of the world, our foundation courses will ensure you are as prepared as possible to achieve your best in your degree.
Once you pass our International Foundation Year with the right grade, you can choose to progress onto almost any of our undergraduate courses.
Why study at Salford?
- Study at a top 10 ranked UK University English Language Centre (EL Gazette, 2023).
- Our industry focused courses will give you the skills you need to succeed in the modern workplace.
- Study near Manchester; the ‘Third Best City in the World’ (Time Out 2021).
- Option to start in September or January for some courses.
- Be taught by fully qualified staff. We’re accredited by the British Council and ranked as a Centre of Excellence (El Gazette, 2023).
- Join a friendly and diverse community. We have 4,000 international students from 180 countries worldwide.
students accepted
Accreditations and memberships
This is for you if...
English is not your first language, and you want to study for an undergraduate degree at university in the United Kingdom.
You have finished high school in your own country but don't yet have the qualifications to go straight on a UK university programme.
You want a guaranteed entry onto the linked undergraduate degree course if you get the right grade.
All about the course
The International foundation year is the first year of a full-time, undergraduate degree course which lasts for four years in total. When you pass the International Foundation Year with the right grade, you will automatically progress on to one of our undergraduate degrees; you have over 80 to choose from.
What will I learn?
You will develop your English and study skills and learn two subjects related to the degree you want to study. You will develop the following skills:
- Writing English for academic purposes
- Presenting and communicating
- Study skills such as note-taking, researching, and referencing
- Additional subjects related to your chosen degree. See options below.
When can I start?
All courses start in September however some courses have the option to start in January. See more information below by clicking on the box "What degrees are available with International Foundation Year".
Please note, that no classes take place on public holidays. The only scheduled public holiday at this time is on Monday 25 August 2025.
Art and Design
When you study the Art and Design IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take in the first year of your School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology programme.
If you opt for the Art and Design IFY you will study the following four modules:
English and Study Skills 40 credits
Creative Risk Taking 20 credits
Credits Digital Media Applications 20 credits
Creative Practice Major Project 40 credits
You will have a variety of class types, from small group tutorials, to individual tutorials and group workshops. Classes for English are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessment and project work.
The following degrees are available with the Art and Design IFY:
BA (Hons) Animation
BA (Hons) Costume Design
BA (Hons) Fashion Design
BA (Hons) Fashion Image Making & Styling
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
BA (Hons) Fine Art
BA (Hons) Film, TV and Stage Design
BA (Hons) Interior Design
BSc (Hons) Games Design and Production
BA (Hons) Photography
BA (Hons) Television and Radio Production
The Art, Design and Media IFY can only be joined in September.
Biological Sciences
When you study the Biological Sciences IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take on the first year of your Environment and Life Sciences programme.
If you opt for the Biological Sciences IFY you will study the following five modules:
English and Study Skills 40 credits
Credits Biological Principles 20 credits
Scientific Method 20 credits
Science for Health 20 credits
Chemical Principles 20 credits
You will have various class types, from large lectures to small group tutorials. You will also have laboratory classes to prepare you for your Undergraduate programme. Classes for English are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessments, in-class mini-tests, and project work.
The following degrees are available with the Biological Sciences IFY:
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Studies in USA
BSc (Hons) Human Biology and Infectious Diseases
The Biological Science IFY can only be joined in September.
Business
When you study the Business IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take on the first year of your Salford Business School programme.
If you opt for the Business IFY you will study the following three modules:
English and Study Skills 40 credits
Mathematics 40 credits
Economics for Business 40 credits
You will have a variety of class types, from large lectures to small group tutorials. Classes for English and Maths are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessments, in-class mini-tests, and case studies for Economics for Business.
The following degrees are available with the Business IFY:
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Economics
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Finance
BSc (Hons) Business Management
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Law
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Sport
BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology
BSc (Hons) Business with Human Resource Management
BSc (Hons) International Business Management
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Marketing
BSc (Hons) Business with Supply Chain and Project Management
The Business IFY can be joined at two entry points, in January and in September.
Built Environment
When you study the Built Environment IFY, you will be well prepared for the modules you will take on the first year of your built environment programme.
If you opt for the Built Environment IFY, you will study the following three modules:
English and Study Skills 40 credits
Mathematics 40 credits
Physics 40 credits
You will have a variety of class types, from large lectures to small group tutorials. Classes for English are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessments, in-class mini-tests, and project work.
The following degrees are available with the Built Environment IFY:
BSc (Hons) Architecture
BSc (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology
BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering
BSc (Hons) Building Surveying
BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
BSc (Hons) Interior Architecture
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying*
BSc (Hons) Real Estate Development and Management
The Built Environment IFY has two entry points and can be joined in January or September.
*no January intake available
Computer Science
When you study the Computer Science IFY, you will be well-prepared for the modules you will take on the first year of your computing or mathematics degree course.
If you opt for the Computer Science IFY you will study four modules:
English and Study Skills - 40 credits
Mathematics 1 and 2 - 40 credits
Computer Programming - 20 credits
Computer Systems - 20 credits
During your studies, you will experience a variety of class types, from large lectures to small group tutorials and workshops. Classes for English and Maths are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge, so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessments, in-class mini tests, and project work for Computer Science modules.
The following degrees are available with the Computer Science IFY:
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security
BSc (Hons) Media Technology (including Mobile & Internet Television pathway)
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
The Computer Science IFY can only be joined in September.
Engineering and Physics
When you study the Engineering and Physics IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take in the first year of your Computer, Science and Engineering or Built Environment programme.
If you opt for this IFY you will study three modules outlined below:
English and Study Skills 40 credits
Mathematics 40 credits
Physics 40 credits
You will have a variety of class types, from large lectures to small group tutorials. You will also have laboratory classes to prepare you for your undergraduate programme. Classes for English and Maths are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English, and 24 for the laboratory.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessments, and in-class mini-tests, and you will produce laboratory reports for physics.
The following degrees are available with this IFY:
BEng / MEng Acoustical and Audio Engineering
BEng / MEng Aeronautical Engineering
BEng Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies
BEng / MEng Civil Engineering
BEng Electronic Engineering
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
BSc (Hons) Mathematics
BEng / MEng Mechanical Engineering
BSc (Hons) Physics
BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering & Production
The Engineering and Physics IFY is available to start in September or in January.
Environment
When you study the Environment IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take on the first year of your Environment and Life Sciences programme.
If you opt for the Environment IFY you will study the following five modules:
English and Study Skills 40 credits
Biological Principles 20 credits
Earth Processes 20 credits
Environmental Conservation 20 credits
Science for Health 20 credits
You will have a variety of class types, from large lectures to small group tutorials. You will also have laboratory classes to prepare you for your Undergraduate programme. Classes for English are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessment, in-class mini tests, and project work.
The following degrees are available with the Environment IFY:
BSc (Hons) Environmental Management
BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology
BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation
BSc (Hons) Zoology
The Environment IFY can only be joined in September.
Health (Prosthetics and Orthotics)
When you study the Health (Prosthetics and Orthotics) IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take on the first year of your Prosthetics and Orthotics programme.
If you opt for the Health (Prosthetics and Orthotics) IFY you will study the following four modules:
English and Study Skills 40 Credits
Mathematics 40 Credits
Physics 20 Credits
Biological Principles 20 Credits
You will have a variety of class types, from large lectures to small group tutorials. You will also have laboratory classes to prepare you for your undergraduate programme. Classes for English and Maths are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English, and 24 for the laboratory.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessment, in-class mini tests, and you will produce laboratory reports for Physics.
The following degree is available with the Health (Prosthetics and Orthotics) IFY:
BSc (Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics
The Health (Prosthetics and Orthotics) IFY can only be joined in September.
Health
When you study the Health IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take on the first year of your Health programme.
If you opt for the Health IFY you will study the following four modules:
English and Study Skills 40 credits
Credits Mathematics 40 credits
Science for Health 20 credits
Communication for Health 20 credits
You will have a variety of class types, from large lectures to small group tutorials. Classes for English and Maths are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessment, in-class mini tests, and project work.
The following degrees are available with the Health IFY:
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
BSc (Hons) Podiatry
BSc (Hons) Psychology
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling Studies
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Criminology
BSc (Hons) Psychology of Sport
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
The Health IFY can only be joined in September.
Law
When you study the Law IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take on the first year of your Salford Business School programme.
If you opt for the Law IFY you will study the following three modules:
English and Study Skills (40 Credits)
Economics for Business (40 credits)
Law, Politics, and Society (20 credits)
Law, Society, and Behaviour (20 credits)
You will have a variety of class types, from large lectures to small group tutorials. Classes for English are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessments, in-class mini-tests, and case studies for Economics for Business and Introduction to English Law and Systems.
The following degrees are available with the Law IFY:
LLB (Hons) Law*
LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology*
The Law IFY can only be joined in September.
*This course requires a higher entry level in the first year of the degree.
Music
When you study the Music IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take on the first year of your Music programme.
If you opt for the Music IFY you will study the following five modules:
English and Study Skills 40 credits
Introduction to Music Theory 20 credits
Music Theory & Compositional Techniques 20 credits
Foundation Musicianship Skills 20 credits
Foundation Performance Studies 20 credits
You will have a variety of class types, from small group tutorials to band work, individual tutorials and group workshops. Classes for English are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessment, performances, and project work.
The following degrees are available with the Music IFY:
BA (Hons) Music: Creative Music Technology
BA (Hons) Music: Popular Music and Recording
The Music IFY can only be joined in September.
Politics
When you study the Politics IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take in the first year of your School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology programme or your Salford Business School Programme.
You will have various class types, from large lectures to small group tutorials. Classes for English are streamed according to your previous subject knowledge so you will be with people at your level. You will have a maximum class size of 18 students for English.
There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessments, in-class mini-tests, and case studies
You will study the four modules below:
English and Study Skills 40 credits
Economics for Business 40 credits
Law, Politics and Society 20 credits
Law, Society and Behaviour 20 credits
The following degrees are available with the Politics IFY:
BA (Hons) Contemporary History and Politics
BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics
This course can be started in September or January.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Salford Languages
Salford Languages is a centre for international study and language learning, offering a range of British Council accredited English language courses and foreign language programmes to current and prospective University of Salford students.
Salford Languages is ranked in the top 10 best University English Language Centres in the UK according to the EL Gazette in 2023.
Where will I study?
You will learn in our beautiful and modern Peel Park campus, which is in the city of Salford, but just minutes from Manchester city centre. In between your classes you can enjoy relaxing in the beautiful park or next to the river, which is right on campus. After class you can head into Manchester which is known for its exciting culture, arts and music scene and a thriving international food scene.
We have invested millions into providing modern learning facilities to make learning relevant to your career. Where you learn also depends on your course. Explore our facilities.
Our Language Resource Centre has computers, books, and study space to help with your language learning. You can use special software to help develop your language skills, and it’s also a great place to sit down for some quiet study time between classes.
Other useful links:
- Our location - find out what our international students love about our location.
- askUS - go to the student advice site for information on all areas of your university life.
- Accommodation - we have some excellent student accommodation for you to choose from including Peel Park Quarter which was voted the second-best halls of residence in the UK in 2020 by Student Hut.
- Visas - we have a dedicated team to help you get your Student Visa. Find out how to apply for a Student Visa from outside the UK.
What about after uni?
After completing the International Foundation Year, you will have access to almost all our undergraduate degrees.
Students who have previously studied our International Foundation Year, and now finished their undergraduate degree, now have exciting careers in a range of industries. This includes working at the following multinational companies:
- Saudi Aramco
- South China Morning Post
- Amazon
- PriceWaterhouseCoopers
- Shell
Career Links
As a University of Salford student, you can use our Careers Service from your first day to help you towards your future career. When you graduate you will join our community of over 180,000 alumni in all corners of the world, who are making a positive impact in their societies. We will offer you lifelong careers support to help you succeed.
Find out more about careers support.
What you need to know
English language requirements
International and non-native speakers of English will be required to have a minimum of UKVI IELTS Academic of 4.5 (with no less than 4.0 in any band).
Academic entry criteria
You may need to complete a foundation year before you enrol for a UK university degree if…
• You have not completed your education in the English Schooling System
• You have studied in a country with fewer than 13 years of school
• You have not taken A-levels or the International Baccalaureate
You should also visit your country page, to find the details of what other qualifications we accept from your country.
The minimum age to study this course is 16 years old. Support for students under 18.
Subject-specific entry criteria:
You can check the entry criteria for your chosen subject pathway:
Please note, we accept International Baccalaureate for entry to our International Foundation Year, as long as it meets the academic requirements below:
- Business - International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Maths and four other subjects.
- Engineering and Physics - International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Maths, Physics and three other subjects.
- Biological Sciences - International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Maths, and Science (Preferably Biology) and three other subjects.
- Computer Science - International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Maths and four other subjects.
- Music - International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Maths and four other subjects. You will also be required to provide a portfolio, details of which will be sent to you separately.
- Art and Design - International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Maths and four other subjects. You will also be required to provide a portfolio, details of which will be sent to you separately.
- Health - International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Maths and four other subjects.
How much?
Please visit our fees and funding page for information on instalment plans and deposits. You can also find details about course refunds.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £14,500 per year |
| Full-time international | 2026/27 | £14,940 per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. For more information about additional cost, please see the following:
Money advice for international students
International Foundation Year students will have to pay a deposit to secure their place. Please check your offer letter for the deposit amount you will be required to pay to get your unconditional offer.
All set? Let's apply
Applications for our International Foundation Year must be completed online.
Before beginning your application, please read our Guidance notes.