International Foundation Year (IFY) — Integrated with Law, Arts, Humanities, Management and Social Sciences

The International Foundation Year (IFY) — Integrated with Law, Arts, Humanities, Management and Social Sciences at the University of Southampton is a comprehensive preparatory programme designed to equip international students with the academic skills, subject knowledge, and cultural awareness necessary to succeed in undergraduate studies at the university. This programme offers a unique blend of foundational modules tailored to various disciplines, including Law, Arts, Humanities, Management, and Social Sciences, ensuring students develop a solid understanding of their chosen field while honing essential skills such as research, critical thinking, and academic writing.

Throughout the IFY, students benefit from small class sizes and dedicated teaching support, enabling personalised learning and active participation. The curriculum integrates core modules in English language proficiency, academic skills, and subject-specific content, fostering confidence in both language and discipline-specific tasks. Emphasis is placed on developing independent learning abilities and collaborative work, which are crucial for success at degree level.

The programme also introduces students to the academic culture and expectations of higher education in the UK, helping them transition smoothly into their undergraduate studies. Students will engage in a variety of learning activities, including lectures, seminars, group projects, and assessments, all designed to simulate the university experience and prepare students for the demands of their future degrees.

Additionally, the International Foundation Year features ongoing support services such as language development workshops, mentoring, and pastoral care, ensuring students receive a well-rounded educational experience. Successful completion of the IFY guarantees progression onto a range of undergraduate programmes at the University of Southampton, subject to meeting the specified criteria.

By choosing this integrated foundation programme, students gain not only subject expertise but also the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in a diverse academic community. This programme is ideal for international students aiming to enhance their academic credentials and cultural understanding before embarking on their university journey at Southampton.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

During the programme, you will study four compulsory modules, in addition to one or two other modules which are relevant to your chosen degree. At the end of the course, you will automatically progress to your chosen degree, provided you achieve the required grades.

On the International Foundation Year you will complete a set of core (compulsory) modules as well as elective (specialised) modules relevant to your chosen degree.Each week you will have approximately 20 hours of tuition including lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will also spend at least 15 hours a week studying independently with the guidance of your tutors and personal academic advisor.Your work will include essays, presentations and exams as part of your assessment. In addition, you will have to do a Personal Research Project in your second semester. This will be a study of a topic related to your chosen degree area supported by your academic advisor.

All students take four core modules.

Semester One

Academic English (Semesters One and Two)

• This module has been designed to ensure that students have the specific English language skills needed to study as an undergraduate student. Students are also taught how to show the sources of the information they use in their work by referencing their work using the Harvard referencing convention.

Critical Thinking and Research Skills (Semesters One and Two)

• This module has two elements. First, students are introduced to the key concepts of critical thinking needed to analyse, evaluate and compare arguments and develop different points of view. Secondly students are taught how to research a topic using the resources available at the university. The students use all these skills in the second semester to carry out a research project on a topic related to their chosen undergraduate degree subject.

Contemporary Britain (Semester One)

• This module provides international students with an insight into British life in the twenty-first century. It is designed to give them the cultural and social ‘background knowledge' that British students take for granted and which forms the starting point for many introductory courses in other disciplines.

Semester Two

The Global Society (Semester Two)

• In this module students examine various aspects of globalisation and the effects of this phenomenon on the cultural, economic, political and social life. Students explore how globalisation is changing the world they are living in and build on their studies of contemporary Britain to give them a base of ‘general knowledge' about current global issues for their undergraduate studies.

Subject-specific modules

• Students who are going to study management, law, languages or economics or will have the choice subject-specific modules during the year: e.g. English for Law, Understanding law; Mathematics and statistics; Mathematics for economists, Survey Methods for Business and Social Sciences, Understanding management and organisations.

Students who are not going to study in these areas can select from any of the modules they are interested in, take a module to learn a new language or consolidate their general English.

Requirements

The International Foundation Year may be suitable for those who:

• - Are a capable International or EU student who have 11 or 12 years of full time education in their own country
• - Want to study at a UK university, but need a year to adapt to the UK higher education system
• - Don't have the required English language level for entry to an undergraduate degree programme

Entry requirements:

Our entry requirements (listed by country of origin) outlines the school grades we expect you to have achieved.

English language level:

The UKVI (also known as UKBA) has suspended the consideration of all students where the applicant's English language proficiency was based on the result of a test administered by ETS (the provider of the TOEFL test) in the UK. As a result, the University regrets that it cannot currently accept TOEFL tests taken in the UK. Applicants who have taken their TOEFL test outside of the UK are not affected by this suspension.

To join the IFY you will need one of the following:

• - A minimum level of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent with at least 5.5 in each component
• - Pearson Test of Academic English 51 in each component
• - TEEP 6.0 overall
• - FCE Grade A or an approved equivalent qualification

If you have an IELTS score of at least 5.0 in each component or approved equivalent but need more English language tuition to reach the entry requirement for the IFY, you can apply for a place on our six week pre sessional course, which takes place in August and September.

Applications for LLB Law and combined Economics

IFY applicants wishing to progress onto an undergraduate programme in law or a combined economics programme are required to have very good high school grades which are equivalent to strong AS level results.Please note: BSc Economics is not a degree of progression we can offer through the Foundation Programme.

Applications to BA Music

IFY students will be required to obtain Grade 8 Practical and Theory before progressing onto their undergraduate programme (2nd year of programme).

Applications to BA courses at Winchester School of Art

The IFY will progress onto undergraduate degrees at Winchester School of Art. We will require students to submit a portfolio of their work electronically.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Southampton.

The International Foundation Year (IFY) — Integrated with Law, Arts, Humanities, Management and Social Sciences at the University of Southampton is a preparatory program designed for international students aiming to progress into undergraduate degrees within these diverse disciplines. This foundation year provides students with the essential academic skills, subject knowledge, and cultural understanding necessary to succeed at university level. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines subject-specific modules with academic skills development, English language support, and cultural orientation. Students enrolled in this pathway have the opportunity to choose from a variety of specializations including Law, Arts, Humanities, Management, and Social Sciences, allowing for tailored learning experiences aligned with their future degree ambitions. The duration of the program is typically one year, and it is structured to facilitate seamless progression to undergraduate courses at the university upon successful completion. The teaching methodology incorporates lectures, seminars, tutorials, and group projects designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and independent learning. Students benefit from access to university facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and specialized resource centers, as well as support services such as academic advising and language assistance. The program emphasizes academic excellence and prepares students to meet the rigorous entry requirements of undergraduate programs. It also aims to enhance employability skills through seminars on study skills, teamwork, and communication. Entry requirements generally include a minimum level of English language proficiency, academic qualifications equivalent to high school graduation, and a strong motivation to pursue higher education in the UK. Successful completion of the IFY program guarantees a conditional or unconditional offer of admission to specified undergraduate degree programs at the University of Southampton, fostering a smooth transition from foundation to degree level. The program's integration with legal, arts, humanities, management, and social sciences disciplines makes it an interdisciplinary gateway for students interested in exploring various academic fields, while also ensuring they are well-prepared to undertake rigorous university study.