Program Overview

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Course Overview

The International Foundation Programme at Solent University is designed specifically to support you in the transition from an overseas High School education, to undergraduate study in the UK. Alongside language development units, you will also build your confidence and independence, developing your study skills. The inclusion of subject-specific pathways prepare you for your chosen subject area, enabling you to familiarise yourself with some of the theories and terminology that you can expect to encounter at undergraduate level.

This particular pathway develops your knowledge and skills in business and management, with a particular focus on external business pressures and management theory.

Course Progression

To progress on to your chosen undergraduate programme at Solent University, you will need to achieve at least 40% in every unit in your International Foundation Programme.

You will be advised at the point of an offer if there are any further progression requirements for your chosen undergraduate programme.

Subject to successfully meeting the above, you will be able to progress on to the following programmes from the International Foundation Programme – Business and Management Pathway:

• BSc (Hons) Accountancy and Finance
• BSc (Hons) Business Management
• BSc (Hons) Business Management with Digital Technologies
• BSc (Hons) Business Management with Finance
• BSc (Hons) Business Management with Marketing
• BSc (Hons) Construction Management
• BA (Hons) Fashion Management with Marketing
• BSc (Hons) Football Studies
• BSc (Hons) International Business Management
• BSc (Hons) Maritime Business
• BA (Hons) Music Business
• BSc (Hons) Shipping and Port Management
• BA (Hons) Sociology
• BSc (Hons) Sport Management

What Will I Study?

The Business and Management pathway is specifically designed to develop your knowledge and skills in business and management, with a particular focus on external business pressures and management theory. By exploring the business world through different perspectives, you will develop an understanding of the environment in which businesses operate and the role different functions within a business play. This Pathway also introduces you to management theories and examines the role of a manager.

The Business and Management pathway will equip you with the essential skills to maximise your learning and will leave you well placed for successful undergraduate study in a wide range of disciplines, from business and management to marketing or human resources.

What is an International Foundation Programme?

An International Foundation Programme is a subject-specific course which prepares you for university study in the UK by developing your academic skills and your ability to use English in an academic context, together with helping to develop your subject knowledge.

Who’s the Programme For?

If you are a recent high school graduate, who would like to study an undergraduate degree in the UK, but you do not fully meet the entry criteria (academic and/or linguistic), this programme is for you.

It is specifically designed to support your transition from high school to the UK higher education system if you are an international student who:

• Needs to improve your English language and academic skills in the context of the UK higher education system
• Prefers to adapt to the British culture in an academic context before starting an undergraduate degree.

Where Will This Programme Lead You?

Once you successfully complete the International Foundation Programme you will be able to meet the entry requirements and be well equipped to progress to undergraduate study at Solent University.

What Benefit Will You Get From the Programme?

Specifically, the International Foundation Programme has a number of objectives:

• Equip you with appropriate learning and study skills to support your study experience, academically and personally, at an undergraduate level and above
• Develop and ensure you have the required level of English ability to engage successfully with undergraduate study at a UK University
• Enhance your ability to work with academic subjects at undergraduate level.
• Develop your confidence and independence and your ability to learn effectively within the UK’s academic culture.
• Introduce you to the learning, teaching and assessment regimes adopted at undergraduate level and above at UK universities
• Learn specific knowledge relevant for your chosen degree and future career

Teaching and Assessment

The International Foundation Programme is fully embedded so you will be studying your course on-campus in Southampton, with access to all of the university facilities that you can expect for your undergraduate studies at Solent.

Throughout your studies, you will be taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their experience to develop your English and academic skills in preparation for progression on to your chosen undergraduate course.

Course contact time: 16-20 hours/week Additional study time: 15-20 hours/week for self-study and individual learning

You will be taught through a mix of teaching methods which may include: lectures, seminars, and workshops.
You will also meet with your tutors individually for additional academic support.

Assessment for this programme is through a mix of coursework, presentations, portfolios, projects and in-class tests.

These programmes are delivered as part of a partnership between Solent University and QA Higher Education. The programmes are validated by the University and delivered by QA Higher Education staff.

Course Modules

If you are studying the 2 Term programme, you will study Terms One and Two.

Terms One and Two

All units are 20 credits, unless otherwise stated.

• Academic English
• Academic Language in Context
• Language & Skills for Academic Study
• Applied Academic Skills
• Research Project
• Business Environment
• Management Fundamentals

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

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

Country-Specific Entry Requirements

To find out more information on the specific entry requirements for your country please click below

English Language Requirements

• 2 term programme: IELTS 5.0 overall (with no single element below 4.5) from a UKVI Approved Centre.
• 3 term programme: IELTS 4.5 overall (with no single element below 4.0) from a UKVI Approved Centre.

Students with IELTS 5.5 (with no single element below 5.5) can benefit from an integrated CAS to study this IFP, meaning you only make one visa application for the duration of your studies.

Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.

Age Requirements

• Minimum age: 17 years old – you must turn 18 within the first 6 months of your undergraduate programme

Tuition Fees 2025/26

• 3 term programme: £16,000
• 2 term programme: £13,500

Your course fees cover registration costs, teaching for the course and access to the learning resources at the University and Student Support Services. They do not include the cost of course books, stationery and photocopying/printing costs, accommodation, living costs, travel, hobbies, sports or other leisure activities.

Additional Costs

You will need a laptop or PC (with the Microsoft Office package installed) to prepare your assignments.

You should be prepared to buy any stationery (pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, etc.) you need for your classes as well as specialist materials you may need for your pathway projects. This figure is very dependent on the type of project you decide to complete.

There may occasionally be trips organised, which may form part of your course requirements.

We would suggest allowing an additional £250 to cover these costs.