Program Overview

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International Foundation Programme - Applied Science

Overview

This programme has been designed specifically to support international students who wish to study an undergraduate degree from a wide range available at Northumbria University.

This specific pathway is for Applied Science which has a combination of Science modules alongside an English module and an Academic Practice module.

These modules will enable you to develop key skills and understanding in language, study skills, critical thinking, and a good understanding of knowledge relevant to Science.

Key Facts

• Learn the skills you need to succeed in your undergraduate science degree
• Develop your awareness of academic culture in the UK as you integrate into student life within a UK university
• Upon successfully completing your International Foundation Programme you will be guaranteed a place on a science-based undergraduate degree at Northumbria University
• Progress onto courses in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Nutrition and Sport Science

What Will I Study?

This course will introduce you to life studying in the UK and will develop the core academic and English language skills you will need to progress on to an undergraduate degree with Northumbria University.

The modules on this programme will focus on helping you to meet the requirements of your target course, where you will develop your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills alongside learning study techniques, how to read academic texts, and report writing.

In the Pathway specific modules, you will develop your knowledge of biomedical science, biology, and chemistry in key areas. You will do this by understanding knowledge, testing changes or reactions in practical lab sessions and then being able to report on your findings. In these modules, you will learn how to investigate and explain your tests while considering the wider view of science in real-world contexts.

Study Plan

IELTS	Oct-Dec	Jan-Mar	Mar-Jun	July-Aug	Sept
4.5	International Foundation Programme – Applied Science (12 month)	Start your undergraduate degree at Northumbria University
5.0	International Foundation Programme – Applied Science (9 month)	Summer break	International Foundation Programme – Applied Science (9 month)
5.5			International Foundation Programme – Applied Science (6 month)

How Will I Be Taught and Assessed?

Contact Hours

• 16 – 18 hours per week, in seminars, lectures, workshops, labs and tutorials, plus additional lab time

Self-Study Hours

• 20 – 22 hours per week – a total of 40 hours per week overall study time with lectures and seminars

Guidance Tutor

• Your first point of contact for anything outside the classroom that affects your learning
• Meet at the start of each term
• You can arrange to meet them at any point and they may contact you if necessary

Assessment

• You will be assessed continually through each module, and receive feedback from tutors to support your learning and skills development for use in the summative assessment.

Which Courses Can I Go On to Study?

Upon successful completion and subject to specific entry requirements, you can go on to study a range of Science undergraduate degrees at Northumbria University.

To progress and be eligible for entry onto our undergraduate degree programmes you must achieve at least 40% in your International Foundation Programme.

Please note that our undergraduate degrees are currently being reviewed, however, we have previously offered the opportunity for students to progress on to the following courses:

• Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
• Biology BSc (Hons)
• Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
• Chemistry BSc (Hons)
• Criminology and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
• Food Science and Nutrition BSc (Hons)
• Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
• Nursing Science Registered Nurse (Adult) BSc (Hons)
• Nursing Science Registered Nurse (Child) BSc (Hons)
• Nursing Science Registered Nurse (Learning Disabilities) BSc (Hons)
• Nursing Science Registered Nurse (Mental Health) BSc (Hons)
• Physics BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Astrophysics BSc (Hons)
• Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• GCSE/iGCSE – 5 passes at A-C

We welcome applications from students who have obtained good grades in their upper secondary education.

We also now accept the following:

• China – Successful completion of Senior Middle School 2 with a minimum average of 70% or higher, or successful completion of Senior Middle School 3 with a minimum average of 60% or higher
• India – Standard 11 with 55%, Standard 12 with 50%.
• Malaysia – SPM Malaysia School Certificate, Forecast results accepted – UEC pass grades also accepted.
• Senegal – Baccalaureate/Baccalaureat Technique 10/20

Depending on your chosen degree course, specific subject requirements may apply. Our team will be able to help confirm the details for you.

For other country-specific entry requirements, please check our Entry Requirements. Alternatively, please contact our team who will be able to help you.

English Language Requirements

There are multiple entry levels to the International Foundation Programme depending on your IELTS level:

• 4.5 with no single sub score below 4.0, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre will study the 12-month programme
• 5.0 with no single sub score below 4.0, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre will study the 9-month programme
• 5.5 with no single sub score below 5.5, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre will study the 6-month programme

For the Nursing Science Registered Nurse progression degrees below, please note that you are required to meet the entry requirements for the International Foundation Programme, which are:

• 9-Month: An IELTS score of 6.0 with no single sub score below 5.5 or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved Centre.
• 12-Month: An IELTS score of 5.5 with no single sub score below 5.0 or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved Centre.

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

Age Requirements

You must be over 16 years old

If you are under 18 at the start of the International Foundation Programme, you will need to include with your application a signed consent form by your parent or legal guardian. You can find a copy of this on our How to Apply page.

Modules

12 and 9 month IFP students only

• English for University Studies (0 credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the skills needed to study in a UK university. You will learn about UK Higher Education culture, and acquaint yourself with the many university support mechanisms to develop your skills and thrive at university.

This will be learnt through a number of ways including onsite communicative and task-based learning. This will engage you in the active use of the English language and encourage you to study at university more proactively and independently.

In addition, you will also be introduced to your subject specialisms and the International Foundation Programme as a whole.

Students on the 12-month International Foundation Programme will study 2-terms of this module.

All students will study the following modules:

• Professional Development Planning
• English for Foundation - Optional (based on IELTS score)
• Academic Practice
• Project - Optional (based on IELTS score)
• Ethical Practices in Action (Optional - all students except those progressing onto Nursing Science Registered Nurse)
• Introduction to Chemistry
• Introduction to Biology
• Mathematics for Medical Sciences - Optional (for students progressing onto Nursing Science Registered Nurse)

Fees and Finance

Tuition Fee 2025/26

• IELTS 4.5 will study the 12-month programme: £21,250
• IELTS 5.0 will study the 9-month programme: £17,250
• IELTS 5.5 will study the 6-month programme: £11,750

Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University Pathway student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

Some students may need to purchase some equipment for their modules such as scientific calculators or materials for specific modules. It is wise to allow for a budget of up to £300 a year to cover these costs.

You do not need to purchase learning materials, as these will be available to you via the Virtual Learning Environment or from the library.

Scholarships and Bursaries for International Students

Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying this programme.

All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.

How to Apply

When you are ready you can apply online to study the International Foundation Programme – Applied Science. Applying online allows you to upload all of your supporting documents and you will automatically receive your student application number.

Please note: For 2025 applications you will be redirected to the Northumbria website to select which intake you would like to apply for.

Supporting Documents

For us to assess your application in a timely manner, it is important that you provide us with the following documents:

• Fully completed application form
• Personal email address must be included on the application form
• Transcripts and/or certificates (including a certified translation if not in English)
• Passport – copy of personal details page
• Proof of financial sponsorship if applicable
• Reference
• Confirmation of immigration history including copies of previous and current visas if applicable

You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.