Program Overview

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Course Overview

The International Foundation Programme in STEM is designed to support students who have completed their High School education abroad transition into level 4 study in the UK. Emphasis is placed upon building confidence and independence so students can learn effectively within the UK’s academic culture.

What will I study?

The STEM pathway enables students to develop fundamental knowledge contextualised to their chosen area of study. This programme is designed with real-life scenarios and practical applications in mind, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to apply scientific and mathematical theory for problem-solving in various contexts.

Course Progression

To progress to the chosen undergraduate programme at Solent University, students must achieve at least 40% in every unit of the International Foundation Programme – STEM Pathway.

Key Information

• Level: Foundation - NQF Level 3
• Entry Requirements: 12 or 13 years of schooling dependent on the education system in the country
• Tuition Fees: 2025/26: 2 term: £13,500, 3 term: £16,000
• Contact Hours: 16-20
• Duration: 2 or 3 term
• Assessment Methods: Coursework, portfolios, and in-class tests
• Scholarships or Bursaries: Available
• Payment Plans: Available
• Minimum Age: 17 years old - must turn 18 within the first 6 months of the undergraduate programme
• Maximum Class Size: 18
• Start Date: October and January
• Next Application Deadline: TBC
• Location: Southampton

What is an International Foundation Programme?

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

Who’s the programme for?

This programme is for recent high school graduates who would like to study for an undergraduate degree in the UK but do not fully meet the entry criteria (academic and/or linguistic).

Where will this programme lead you?

Once students successfully complete the International Foundation Programme, they 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?

The International Foundation Programme has several objectives:

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

Teaching and Assessment

All pathway programmes are fully embedded, allowing students to study on-campus in Southampton with access to all university facilities. Students will be taught by experienced lecturers and academics who develop English and academic skills in preparation for progression onto the chosen undergraduate course.

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

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

Course Modules

If studying the 2 Term programme, students 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
• Foundation Mathematics
• Problem Solving

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: 12 or 13 years of schooling dependent on the education system in the country
• Country-specific entry requirements: Check the website for more information
• 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
• Age requirements: 17 years old - must turn 18 within the first 6 months of the undergraduate programme

Tuition Fees

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

Course fees cover registration costs, teaching for the course, and access to 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

• Laptop or PC (with Microsoft Office package installed) for assignments: £250
• Stationery and specialist materials for pathway projects: dependent on project type
• Trips organised as part of course requirements: dependent on trip details

Applying for the Course

Students can apply for the course online by clicking the buttons below for their preferred start date, which will direct them to the QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete their application.

2-Term | 3-Term ---|--- Apply for October | Apply for October

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the International Foundation Programme – STEM Pathway, entry requirements, or studying in the UK at Solent, please contact us using the form below or visit our Enquire Now page.

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  • Progression Degrees
  • Entry requirements
  • How to apply

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