Business
Foundation Year
Foundation year
International Foundation Year
Attendance
Full-time
Course
One year
Next enrolment
January 2022
In a nutshell
The International Foundation Year (IFY) prepares non-native speakers of English students who want to study for an undergraduate degree at university in the United Kingdom.
This course is for you if you have finished high school in your own country but don't yet have the qualifications to go straight on a UK university programme.
This course provides you with tuition in English and Study Skills as well as subjects relating to your chosen degree course. When you pass the IFY at the required standard you will then be able to progress onto over 80 degree courses at the University of Salford.
For course start dates please check the "Degrees available with IFY" section below.
You will:
- Develop the skills needed to make a success of your chosen degree
- Be taught by highly experienced University staff
- Be taught English language classes which are accredited by the British Council
- Learn in a top 10 UK University English Language Centre (EL Gazette, 2020)
International
students accepted
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
1.
You are a non-native speaker of English who wants to study for an undergraduate degree at university in the United Kingdom
2.
You have finished high school in your own country but don't yet have the qualifications to go straight on a UK university programme
3.
You want a guaranteed entry onto the linked degree programme if you pass
All about the course
The IFY is the first year of a full-time, minimum four year undergraduate degree course. You will automatically progress on to one of over 80 undergraduate degrees at the University of Salford when you pass the IFY at the required standard.
You can join the IFY at two entry points, in January and in September. It is a full-time two semester course with at least 24 hours of lessons a week plus homework.
During this course you will complete classes in English and study skills which will help you develop the skills needed to make a success of your chosen degree. Even if you have some previous knowledge of English you will need to know how to write academic English, undertake projects in English, understand lectures and take notes, give presentations and carry out academic research. All English language teaching is accredited by the British Council.
In addition to English and Study Skills you will (usually) study two additional subjects, which will depend on the degree you eventually wish to study. Below is the range of undergraduate degrees available with the IFY.
Degrees available with IFY
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:
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 Management with Innovation and Technology
BSc (Hons) Business with Human Resource Management
BSc (Hons) International Business Management
BSc (Hons) Business Management with Marketing
The Business IFY can be joined at two entry points, in January and in September.
*This course requires a higher entry level onto the first year of the degree.
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:
- BEng / MEng Acoustical and Audio Engineering
- BEng / MEng Aeronautical Engineering
- BEng Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies
- BEng / MEng Civil Engineering
- BEng Electronic Engineering
- BSc (Hons) Mathematics
- BEng / MEng Mechanical Engineering
- BSc (Hons) Physics
This 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 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
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) 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
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.
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
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 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 at two entry points, in January and in September.
*This course requires a higher entry level onto the first year of the degree.
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 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
The Computer Science IFY can only be joined in September.
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
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 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.
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.
FACILITIES
You will have access to the Language Resource Centre which offers state-of-the-art audiovisual and IT facilities for the teaching and learning of languages. It provides a high-speed network environment giving access to advanced software packages used by language students for a range of purposes, including computer-assisted language learning and oral summarising.
Other useful links:
askUS - go to the student advice site for information on all areas of your university life.
Life at Salford - including information about facilities on campus.
What about after uni?
Once you have passed the IFY at the required standard you will then be able to progress onto over 80 degree courses at the University of Salford.
Career Links
As University of Salford student you can use our Careers Service from your first day to help you towards your future career.
Visit our website for more information.
What you need to know
The IFY is the first year of a full-time, minimum four year undergraduate degree course. You will automatically progress onto one of over 80 undergraduate degrees at the University of Salford when you pass the IFY at the required standard.
This course is based at our Peel Park campus.
International students can apply.
Entry requirements
English language requirements
International and non-native speakers of English will be required to have a minimum of UKVI IELTS with an overall band score of 4.5 (with no less than 4.0 in any band).
Alternatively, the following tests can be taken in place of UKVI IELTS:
- Pearson PTE Academic UKVI - 48 Overall with no less than 43 in any band
- LanguageCert International ESOL - 39 overall in SELT B1 with no less in 33 in any band
IFY specific entry criteria
Students who have not completed their education in the English Schooling System and have studied in a country with fewer than 13 years of school, and have not taken A-levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, may need to complete a foundation year before they enrol for a UK university degree. The following entry criteria is based on the UK equivalent of Secondary School Education and what would have been achieved upon 12/13 years of schooling for an international applicant. You should also visit your country page, to find the details of what other qualifications we accept from your country.
Business
International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at C grade or equivalent including Maths.
Engineering and Physics
International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at grade C, including equivalent GCSE Mathematics and Physics at grade C.
Biochemistry
International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at grade C, including GCSE Biology and Chemistry at grade C.
Social Sciences
International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK GCSE C standard. You will also be asked to complete an assignment. Details will be sent after the application is received, but may contain a personal statement, an article review and an essay question.
Computer Science
International Secondary School qualification equivalent to a minimum of UK 5 GCSEs at grade C, including GCSE Mathematics at grade C, or an equivalent qualification.
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:
Money advice for international students
All set? Let's apply
Applications for our International Foundation Year must be completed online.
Before beginning your application, please read our Guidance notes.