Foundation Year Foundation year

International Foundation Year

Introduction

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, 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, 2020).
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 experts. We’re accredited by the British Council and ranked as a Centre of Excellence.
Join a diverse and friendly university community of over 20,000 students from over 130 countries worldwide.

International

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.

Course details

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".

What degrees are available with International Foundation Year?

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 assessment, in-class mini tests, and case studies for Economics for Business.

The following degrees are available with the Business IFY:

The Business IFY can be joined at two entry points, in January and 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 on 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 assessment, in-class mini tests, and you will produce laboratory reports for physics.

The following degrees are available with this IFY:

The Engineering and Physics IFY is available to start in September or in January.

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 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 Biological Sciences IFY:

BSc (Hons) Biology
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science

The Biological Science IFY can only be joined 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 assessment, in-class mini tests, and project work.

The following degrees are available with the Built Environment IFY:

BSc (Hons) Architecture
BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering
BSc (Hons) Building Surveying
BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying

The Built Environment IFY can only be joined in September.

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

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) Human Biology and Infectious Diseases
BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology
BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Practical 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

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.

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
Introduction to English Law and Systems 40 credits**

There are different kinds of exams across the modules, ranging from traditional end-of-year assessments to continuous assessment, 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 be joined in September only. Students wishing for a January start which offers access to the University’s suite of Undergraduate Law programmes can apply for the January Business pathway)

*This course requires a higher entry level onto the first year of the degree.

**Update: 16 November 2021
Students joining the January 2022 intake will study Mathematics 1 and 2 (40 credits) instead of the Introduction to English Law and Systems module (40 credits). Students will continue to be able to progress onto their Law Undergraduate studies upon successful completion of the International Foundation Year.

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 assessment, in-class mini tests, and project work for Computer Science modules.

The following degrees are available with the Computer Science IFY:

BSc (Hons) Computer Networks

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Professional Experience

BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security

BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security with Professional Experience

BSc (Hons) Media Technology (including Mobile & Internet Television pathway)

BSc (Hons) Software Engineering

BSc (Hons) Software Engineering with Professional Experience

BSc (Hons) Mathematics

The Computer Science IFY can only be joined in September. Students wishing for a January start that offers access to the University’s suite of undergraduate Computer Science programmes can apply for the January Physics and Engineering pathway).

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: Musical Arts
BA (Hons) Music: Popular Music and Recording

The Music IFY can only be joined in September.

Art and Design

When you study the Art and Design IFY, you will be very well prepared for the modules you will take on the first year of your School of Arts and Media 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) Fashion Design
BA (Hons) Fashion Image Making & Styling
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
BA (Hons) Photography
BA (Hons) TV & Radio
BA (Hons) Fine Art
BA (Hons) Film & TV Set Design
BA (Hons) Interior Design
BSc (Hons) Games Design and Production

The Art and Design 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

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 with English Language
BSc (Hons) Psychology of Sport

The Health IFY can only be joined in September.

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.

How will I be taught?

This is a full-time, two-semester course, with at least 24 hours of lessons a week plus coursework to do in your own time.
You will learn in a variety of ways that will be like how you’ll be taught for your degree, including lectures, small classes, seminars, tutorials, workshops, or laboratories.

How will I be tested?
There will be exams at the end of each semester. You will be tested both on your exam performance and on your classwork and homework

What is the format for teaching?
Currently, in the 2021-22 academic year, most of the teaching is taking place face-to-face on our campus and some sessions are online.

Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, government safety advice is changing regularly. This means we may need to change the way we teach/test you in the next academic year.

"In order to bring my foreign qualifications to the level required to proceed on to the degree course, I had to complete an International Foundation Year at Salford. This was an amazing year where I made friends from all over the world. I even went to stay in Hong Kong with some of the friends I made.''

Emily Feltham

BA (Hons) Finance and Accounting with International Foundation Year

…the efforts of all the tutors were remarkable. They encouraged us to speak, corrected our mistakes, and helped us in writing. They supported me a lot.

Ali Aljafar

BA (Hons) Interior Design with International Foundation Year

My favourite part of my course was being put into breakout rooms, whether that was to have a discussion with classmates about a specific topic or prepare a project. It gave me several opportunities to speak with different students, which helped expand my perspective by hearing a variety of ideas.

Lina Mohamed

BSc (Hons) Psychology

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 2020.

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.

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:

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.

Requirements

What you need to know

Entry requirements

English language requirements

International and non-native speakers of English will be required to have a minimum of UKVI IELTS 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.

Subject-specific entry criteria:

You can check the entry criteria for your chosen subject pathway below.

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 English Language and Maths and three other subjects.

Engineering and Physics

International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Language and Maths and Physics and two other subjects.

Biological Sciences

International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Language and Maths and Science (Preferably Biology) and two other subjects.

Computer Science

International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Language and Maths and three other subjects.

Music

International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Language and Maths and three other subjects. You will also be required to provide a portfolio, details of which will be sent to you separately.

Art and Design

Health

International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Language and Maths and three other subjects.

How much?

Type of study	Year	Fees
Full-time international	2021/22	£12,000per year
Full-time international	2022/23	£12250per 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:

Living costs

Money advice for international students

Managing your money

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Applications for our International Foundation Year must be completed online.

Before beginning your application, please read our Guidance notes.

Please be aware of these important dates for the January 2022 intake:
Application deadline: 8 November 2021
Deadline to meet offer conditions: 29 November 2021
Deadline to submit bank statements: 20 December 2021
Teaching starts on: 10 January 2022

Enrolment dates

January 2022

September 2022

January 2023

September 2023

Apply Direct

Open Day

International Foundation Year

In a nutshell

What is a foundation year?

Why study at Salford?

Accreditations and memberships

This is for you if...

All about the course

How will I be taught?

…the efforts of all the tutors were remarkable. They encouraged us to speak, corrected our mistakes, and helped us in writing. They supported me a lot.

My favourite part of my course was being put into breakout rooms, whether that was to have a discussion with classmates about a specific topic or prepare a project. It gave me several opportunities to speak with different students, which helped expand my perspective by hearing a variety of ideas.

Salford Languages

Where will I study?

What about after uni?

Career Links

What you need to know

How much?

Additional costs

All set? Let's apply

Enrolment dates

Looking for more?

Pre-sessional English