The International Foundation Programme is designed to give you a recognised English language qualification so you can progress onto your chosen degree. It will prepare you for a range of degrees in subjects such as business, events management and tourism, law, engineering, design, technology and art and design*.
It is specially designed for international students whose first language is not English, and will include lots of support to improve your English language skills.
You will study full time (15+ hours of class per week plus self-study) for two semesters.
- If you are an international student and do not have the qualifications and/ or English language level to start a degree, our International Foundation Programme will give you a recognised qualification so that you can move straight on to an undergraduate degree.
- This course will help you to develop the English and academic skills that you will need during your degree.
- You will study alongside other international students in a friendly and supportive environment.
- Our expert tutors will guide and help you to develop your skills.
- During the specialist modules, you may be taught by the lecturers who will also teach you during your degree.
The International Foundation Programme allows you to develop your English language skills alongside studying a wide range of subject modules. The programme takes a full academic year to complete (September-June) and to pass it you must gain 120 credits.
All students must take two core modules:
Academic English (60 credits)
This module aims to bring your overall level of English to the equivalent minimum of IELTs 6.0 in all skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
A pass in this module is a requirement to pass the programme and proceed to an undergraduate degree.
A pass in this module is also a legal requirement set by the UKBA in order for you to get a visa for undergraduate study (non EEA nationals).
Academic Skills (20 credits)
This module will teach you the essential academic skills you will need for undergraduate study (eg academic research, project writing and giving presentations) focusing on areas which international students may find different to the academic culture in their own country.
You will then choose from the below subject based modules, embedded in the University's different colleges:
- Construction Science
- Introduction to Design
- Organisms and their Environments
- Introduction to Environmental Science
- Psychology of Education
- Sociology of Education
- Foundation Electrical and Electronic Principles
- Preliminary Mathematics
- Research Methods and Data Handling
- Academic and Practical Skills
- Creative Studies
- Creative Skills: 2D and 3D Making
- Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Principles of Chemistry
- Contemporary Issues in Business
- Business Communication and Decision Making
- Further Mathematics
- Introduction to Computational Mathematics
- Programming Fundamentals
- Engineering Science
- Introduction to Structural Analysis and Dynamics
- Introduction to Law
- Mathematics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Fundamentals of Sport & Exercise Science
- The Art of Sport and Exercise: A Foundation
*All subject modules run according to student demand. If the specialist module closest to your degree is not available, you will be advised on the best alternative module(s) to take.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Teaching is carried out in classes using group and discussion based teaching techniques to help build confidence and learn from each other. Tutors use academic articles, reading texts, listening excerpts and relevant current themes to stimulate discussion and provide opportunities for students to improve their written and spoken english.
Assessments are both formal and informal and include language tests, group discussions, written reports and presentations.
- The equivalent of GCSE English language (grade A-C or 9-4)
- The equivalent of GCSE maths (grade A-C or 9-4)
- A personal statement to demonstrate a commitment and ability to study at this level
Please note that should you wish to continue directly onto a degree programme you will need to check the minimum entry requirements for that programme to ensure you are able to progress.
English language requirements
IELTS: 4.5 (with at least 4.0 in each skills area)
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
International students
Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Apply through UCASApply directly to the University
After successfully completing this course, you can go on to study a range of undergraduate degree courses at the University of Derby. Please contact our admissions team for further details.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us If you start the course in September you will finish in June*, and have the usual academic Christmas and Easter holiday breaks.
* Students taking technology subject modules only may finish in May.
Download programme specification
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.