International Foundation Programme

The International Foundation Programme at the University of Roehampton offers international students a comprehensive pathway to undergraduate degrees within the university. Designed to develop academic skills, subject knowledge, and language proficiency, this programme prepares students for successful progression to their chosen undergraduate courses across a wide range of disciplines. The programme combines rigorous academic teaching with practical support, enabling students to adapt to higher education study in the UK and to thrive in a multicultural learning environment. Students enrolled in the International Foundation Programme engage with a diverse curriculum tailored to meet the demands of their specific degree pathway, including modules in key academic areas such as humanities, social sciences, business, arts, and sciences. The programme also emphasizes the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, research methods, academic writing, and effective communication, which are vital for university success. Delivered on campus at the University of Roehampton, students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated support services, and opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities that enrich their university experience. The approach of the programme is student-centred, ensuring individual academic development, language improvement, and cultural integration. Upon successful completion, students are guaranteed entry to their selected undergraduate programmes at the University of Roehampton, provided they meet the specified progression requirements. The International Foundation Programme is ideal for international students seeking a structured, supportive route into UK higher education, equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary to excel in their future academic pursuits and beyond.

As part of your programme you will have 20 hours of teaching per week and you will be expected to spend a further 10 to 15 hours undertaking homework, assignments and independent study. This is good practice for university study and will help prepare you for your chosen undergraduate programme.

Throughout the course you will improve your academic reading, writing, speaking and listening. The programme will help you gain a better understanding of grammar use in the English language, and develop your academic vocabulary for your future studies.

You will study:

Essays: using reading in your writing, organisation, critical and analytical skills

Academic vocabulary and grammar development

Seminars: presentation and discussion based on your reading

Lectures: understanding the argument, note-taking and taking an active role

Listening and reading: understanding key ideas in an academic context

Feedback

You will receive feedback on all assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from the Pathway Campus Manager and is intended to help you learn. You are encouraged to discuss assessment with your module tutor. We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of handing in your assessed work.

Academic support

The Pathway Campus aims to provide you with a wide range of academic support services during your studies. You will have access to an academic guidance tutor during your course and will have regular meetings with the Pathway Campus team. You are welcome to drop in to the Pathway Campus office during the hours shown in your programme and module handbooks, and by appointment outside of these hours.

Age requirements

You must be 17 in the month before the course start date, students who are under the age of 18 will be assessed in line with the University’s Safeguarding Policy.

Academic requirements

12 or 13 years of schooling dependent on the education system in country

Additional country specific entry requirements are outlined here

Where UCAS tariff is applicable or relevant, applicants should have an equivalent of 30 UCAS tariff points from either 1 A Level and 1 AS, or a minimum of 2 AS Level qualifications.

• he lower entry requirement shall apply if both a country specific and UCAS equivalent apply

You can check whether your local academic qualifications meet our entry requirements here.

English language requirements

IELTS 4.5 (with no single element below 4.0) for our 3 Term International Foundation Programme

IELTS 5.0 (with no single element below 4.5) for our 2 Term International Foundation Programme

If you have IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements), the University may be able to offer a 4 year CAS to cover both your International Foundation Programme and undergraduate degree at the University of Roehampton. This option will only be available to a limited number of students and therefore, will be awarded on a first come basis.

The International Foundation Programme at the University of Roehampton offers a range of financing options to support international students in funding their studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various sources of financial assistance, including scholarships, bursaries, and external sponsorships. The university provides merit-based scholarships specifically aimed at international students, which can significantly reduce the overall tuition fees. Additionally, students may be eligible for government-sponsored loans or private financial support depending on their country of residence and individual circumstances. The University of Roehampton also recommends that students consider educational loans from their home country's financial institutions, ensuring they have a clear plan to manage repayment post-graduation. It is important for students to carefully review the eligibility requirements for each funding source and to submit all necessary application documents within specified deadlines. International students should prepare proof of their academic achievements, financial stability, and personal statements to strengthen their scholarship applications. The university’s financial aid office offers detailed guidance on the application process, payment options, and budgeting advice to help students manage their expenses effectively throughout their studies. Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek external funding opportunities through national governments, international agencies, and private organizations that support international education. It is recommended that students start investigating funding opportunities early, ideally before their application, to ensure they have sufficient financial resources in place by the start of their course. The university also provides information on part-time work opportunities available on or near campus, which can supplement students’ income and help cover living expenses. Overall, the University of Roehampton strives to make education accessible by providing comprehensive information and support related to financing studies, enabling international students to focus on their academic success without undue financial stress.

The International Foundation Programme at the University of Roehampton is designed to prepare international students for undergraduate study at the university. This programme offers a comprehensive pathway, combining academic subjects with English language support to ensure students meet the necessary entry requirements for their chosen degree. The curriculum typically includes modules in areas such as business, arts, social sciences, and sciences, tailored to match the requirements of the subsequent degree courses. Students arriving on the Foundation Programme benefit from a supportive learning environment, dedicated academic support staff, and access to university facilities and resources. The programme aims to develop students’ subject-specific knowledge, academic skills, and English language proficiency, enabling a smooth transition to undergraduate study. The duration of the programme usually spans one academic year, with entry points throughout the year to accommodate different needs. Assessment methods include coursework, examinations, presentations, and projects, all designed to reflect university-level expectations. Successful completion of the International Foundation Programme grants students direct entry into their chosen undergraduate degrees at the University of Roehampton, subject to meeting progress criteria. The programme emphasizes personal development, intercultural understanding, and preparing students to thrive in a diverse academic environment. Additional support services such as academic mentoring, language workshops, and cultural integration activities are available to enhance the student experience. The programme is ideal for students who have completed their secondary education but do not yet meet the direct entry requirements for their preferred undergraduate programme. It offers a pathway that not only develops academic skills but also boosts confidence and independence, equipping students to succeed in higher education.