Program Overview

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International Foundation Programme Sports Science

Course Overview

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) Sports Science prepares you for university study in the UK. It helps you develop your academic skills and improve your ability to use English in an academic context, together with building your subject knowledge.

Why Study This Programme?

By studying on an International Foundation Programme – Sports Science you will have the opportunity to:

• Study in a friendly environment alongside other international students
• Develop your subject knowledge in the Sports Science field
• Discover and develop the core skills that are expected at the University of South Wales
• Prepare you to manage your time and learn independently
• Gradually adjust to academic study at University and life here in the UK
• Explore and learn subject knowledge relevant for your chosen degree and future career
• Experience academic assessments helping you to prepare for undergraduate study

Course Details

What Will I Study?

Studying on the International Foundation Programme – Sports Science pathway will allow you to explore the subject area which you have chosen for your studies at the undergraduate degree level.

English Term

For those of you who require additional English language support, you will study a 3-term International Foundation Programme that includes a term of English language preparation. This aims to improve your English language skills with a focus on the development of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. You will also study vocabulary, grammatical accuracy and oral fluency.

Studying a term of English allows you to:

• Improve your English language skills so that you are better prepared for the modules and assessments you will need to study on the foundation programme
• Develop your self-confidence and team-working skills by working on a group video project based around a current UK issue
• Become accustomed to how English is applied in a University context
• Make friends with other international students from all over the world whilst improving your English

The term of English is also applicable for those of you who have had little opportunity to study in an English institution or are looking for a more gradual introduction into studying at University.

How Will I Learn?

You will be taught in small groups of a maximum of 18 students and we will provide you with a creative and secure environment in which you will learn new knowledge and skills.

To prepare for your lectures and seminars, you will have access to our online learning platform, where you can access course information, content and your weekly reading lists.

For both face-to-face and blended/online modes of study, modules use a form of digital input e.g. the use of the Internet to present podcasts, videos, blogs or wikis, and electronic voting systems. You will be empowered to use technology to expand and develop your skills, for example, you will become part of discussion groups and interactive exercises such as online quizzes, film and audio clips that will help support students learning and encourage engagement in the modules.

Contact Hours

• 16-20 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops per week
• 20-30 minutes of 1-1 tutorials with your Academic English and/or your Pathway subject tutor per week

Self-Study Hours

• 15-20 hours per week

Assessment

• Coursework, presentations, portfolios, projects and in-class tests

Modules

All modules are core and worth 20 credits unless stated.

3-Term Only:

• Language & Skills for Academic Study (0 credits)

This module focuses on the development of academic vocabulary and grammatical structures and aims to enhance your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The module also aims to enhance your use of functional language through the completion of a group video project based on a current UK issue.

3-Term & 2-Term:

• Academic English

This module aims to develop the core language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) you need to demonstrate for academic study at the undergraduate level.

The module has been designed to help you develop the type of language used in an academic context and help you engage effectively with the teaching environments you will experience at the undergraduate level, together with the types of materials and sources you will be expected to use.

Module content will include: listening to lectures and note-taking; critical reading of semi-academic and academic texts: production of a variety of writing genres; participation in various speaking tasks. You will also enhance your academic vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.

• Academic Language in Context

This module has been designed to help you develop your English language and academic skills in the context of your area of undergraduate study.

You will be introduced to academic reading and listening resources linked to some of the topics covered in the related pathway subject modules. Tasks will focus on developing language and vocabulary related specifically to your subject area.

A team-based learning approach will be adopted in this module and you will work on a group project during the module.

• Applied Academic Skills

The main aim of this module is to help you gradually develop as an independent learner so the scope of the content is wide and varied. A combination of practical and interactive sessions and independent tasks will help you gain and practice skills in:

• Personal and study skills (e.g. time management, assessment planning)
• Digital literacy – basic IT skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, email communication, etc.
• Academic seminar discussions
• The importance of good academic conduct – referencing, citation and avoiding plagiarism
• Preparation for assessment

By completing this module, you will have enhanced your existing ICT skills, developed competence in research and study skills, the ability to work independently and with others and you will have learned how to maximise your opportunities as a student at a UK university.

• Research Project

The module provides you with an opportunity to select an area of interest related to your target degree and explore this in the context of academic study. You will be given several tasks, which help to guide you through each step of the process of developing an academic essay.

During this process, you will develop the key knowledge and skills you will need in your undergraduate degree, such as research skills, essay planning, organising ideas in a written format, and using academic sources.

You will also have an opportunity to enhance your presentation skills by delivering a presentation on the topic of your essay.

• Management Fundamentals

This module is designed to provide you with an opportunity to explore business and management, and to appreciate the extent to which this area of study pervades everyday lives, academia, the workplace and wider society.

You will be encouraged to explore current issues and relevant topics in the subject area, and you will learn how to apply the theories and concepts studied in real-world situations.

The module takes a practical approach and content will be relevant in both the UK context and from wider European and global perspectives.

The topics studied will give you a taste of further themes that can be developed during undergraduate study and also the employment opportunities available beyond the University.

• Biological Sciences Fundamentals

The module provides you with the opportunity to explore various methods and necessary skills required for undergraduate study in the biological sciences.

You are encouraged to explore the role of statistics, scientific argumentation and ethical working practices in relation to current biological scientific topics as reflected in news reports, recent academic publications and historical case studies.

Topics covered in the module will include basic biochemistry and cell structure; applications of enzymes; biodiversity and physiology of body systems; metabolism, microbiology and homeostasis; environment, genetics and evolution

During the module, a problem-based approach will be used, aimed at enhancing your learning experience.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• GCSE/IGCSE – 5 Passes at A-C
• Additional country-specific requirements available
• 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.

English Language Entry Requirements

• UKVI SELT IELTS 5.0 (with no single element below 4.5) or equivalent UKVI SELT – you can join the International Foundation Programme (2-term IFP)
• UKVI SELT IELTS 4.5 (with no single element below 4.0) or equivalent UKVI SELT – you will need to complete an additional term of English before joining the International Foundation Programme (3-term IFP)

Country-Specific Entry Requirements

• Algeria: Completion of secondary School Certificate with a grade of 10/20
• Angola: Completion of secondary School Certificate with a grade of 10/20
• Armenia: Certificate of Education with pass grades
• Azerbaijan: Attestati Secondary School Leaving Certificate with a grade of 3.0/5.0
• Bahrain: Tawjahiya (secondary school leaving certificate) with a grade of 50%
• Bangladesh: Senior School Certificate/Higher Secondary Certificate with pass grades (45% in all subjects)
• Bolivia: Certificado de Ensino Médio/Certificado de Ensino Fundamental/ Titulo de técnico with a grade of 8/10
• Botswana: Cambridge Overseas Schools Certificate with pass grades
• Brazil: Certificado de Ensino Medio with a grade of 5 – 7.5/10
• Bulgaria: Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with a grade of 3.0
• Cambodia: Upper Secondary School Diploma with a grade of 50%
• Cameroon: Baccalaureat with a grade of 10/20
• China: Completion of Senior Secondary School Year 3 with a grade of 60% or Completion of Senior Secondary School Year 2 with a grade of 70%
• Colombia: Bachiller Academico with a grade of 3/5
• Croatia: Svjedodžba o Završnom Ispitu (Certificate of Completed Education) with a grade of 2
• Cyprus (South): Apolytirion with a grade of 13/20 or International Private School with a grade of 60% (including 14/20 in Maths)
• Czech Republic: Maturitní Zkouška/Maturita Vysvědčení o Maturitní Zkoušce (Maturita from vocational/technical schools) with a grade of 4 or below
• Ecuador: Título de Bachiller Técnico Industrial with a grade of 5/7 or The Ecuadorian Senior Secondary School (Bachillerato) with a grade of 12/20 with 13 in Maths
• Egypt: Certificate of Secondary Education with a grade of 50-60%
• El Salvador: Título de Bachiller with a grade of 7/10
• Finland: Ammatillinen Perustutkinto / Yrkesinriktad Grundexamen (Vocational Upper Secondary Award) with a grade of 2
• Gambia: WAEC with a grade of standard pass 5 passes D7
• Georgia: General Education Diploma with a grade of D plus (satisfactory)
• Germany: Realschulabschluss with a grade of 4 or better
• Ghana: WAEC with a grade of standard pass 5 passes or NECO with a grade of 200 UCAS point or A-D average
• Greece: Apolytirion with a grade of 13/20 (including 14/20 in Maths)
• Hong Kong: HKCEE with a grade of 4 passes (E grades) in academic subjects or HKDSE with a grade of 221 in relevant subjects
• Hungary: Szakközépiskola Érettségi Bizonyítvány (Vocational Secondary School Leaving Certificate) with a grade of 2
• India: Completion of Year X with a grade of 65% or Completion of Year XI with a grade of 50% or Completion of Year XII with a grade of 45%
• Indonesia: Completion of SMA with a grade of an average of 6/Average/Pass
• Iran: Successful completion of High School Diploma with pass grades
• Italy: Esame di Stato with a grade of 60%
• Japan: Successful completion of High School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko) with a grade of passed at 2.0 GPA
• Jordan: Certificate of General Secondary Education with a grade of 60%
• Kazakhstan: Diploma of Completed Secondary Education (Attaestat) with pass grades
• Kenya: KCSE with a grade of 5 Passes Minimum A-D Grades
• Kuwait: Successful completion of Secondary Education Certificate with a grade of 60%
• Latvia: Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu with a grade of 5
• Lebanon: Baccalauréat Technique/ General secondary certificate with a grade of Grade 10
• Libya: Successful completion of Tawjihiyya School Leaving Certificate with a grade of 60% in 4 or more relevant subjects
• Lithuania: Pagrindinio Išsilavinimo Pažymejimas (Basic School Leaving Certificate) with a grade of 5
• Malawi: MCSE with a grade of pass overall
• Malaysia: SPM (Malaysia Certificate of Education) or forecast with a grade of average grades 7D UEC with pass grades, C8
• Mauritius: GCSE with a grade of 5 Passes including English at Grade C or above
• Mexico: Bachillerato with a grade of 6/10
• Mongolia: Certificate of Completion of Secondary Education with a grade of 60%
• Morocco: Diplôme du Baccalauréat or Diplôme du Baccalauréat Technique with a grade of 10/20 (pass)
• Nepal: Higher Secondary Education Board Examination with a grade of 55% or School Leaving Certificate (SLC) with a grade of 60% or Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with a grade of 55%
• Netherlands: Hoger Algemeen Voortgezet Onderwijs (HAVO) diploma with a grade of 6
• Nigeria: WAEC (WASSCE)/ NECO with a grade of A to D grades in 5 subjects
• Norway: Vitnemål fra den videregående skole (Certificate of Upper Secondary Education) with a grade of 3 or above
• Oman: Thanawiya amma (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) with a grade of 60%
• Pakistan: Successful completion of High Secondary Certificate with a grade of 50% or SSC with a grade of 60%
• Peru: Pass grades 11/20
• Philippines: High School Diploma with a grade of 80% (B)
• Poland: Świadectwo Ukończenia Liceum Ogólnokształcącego (Certificate of Completion from a General Lyceum) with a grade of 2
• Portugal: Completion of Year 11 with a grade of grade 12 average
• Qatar: Senior Schooling Certificate with a grade of 60%
• Romania: Certificat de Absolvire a Ciclului Inferior al Liceului (Compulsory Education /Junior High School Graduation Certificate) with a grade of 5
• Russia: Lõputunnistus kutsekeskhariduse omandamise kohta (Vocational Secondary Education Certificate) with a grade of 3 or School Leaving Certificate (Attestat) with a grade of average of 3 or above
• Saudi Arabia: Tawjahiya/High School Diploma with a grade of 60%
• Senegal: Baccalaureate/Baccalaureat Technique with a grade of 10/20
• Singapore: GCSE 5 passes with grades A-C (including Maths and English)
• Slovakia: Vysvedčenie o Maturitnej Skúške/Maturita (School leaving certificate) with a grade of 4 or above
• Slovenia: Matura with a grade of 2
• South Africa: High School Leaving Certificate with a grade of 60%
• South Korea: High School Leaving Certificate with a grade of 60%
• Spain: Título de Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) with a grade of 5
• Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan O Levels with a grade of credit pass or above or General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) with a grade of 60%
• Sweden: Slutbetyg från Grundskola (Compulsory Education Leaving Certificate) with a grade of 10/E
• Taiwan: Senior High 2 with a grade of 60% or Senior High 3 with a grade of 55%
• Tanzania: Certificate of Secondary Education/Secondary School leaving Certificate with a grade of 5 passes A-D Grades minimum
• Thailand: Mathayom (MAW) 5 with a grade of GPA 2.5 or Mathayom (MAW) 6 with a grade of GPA 2.0
• Tunisia: Diplôme du Baccalauréat with a grade of 5 passes A-D Grades minimum
• Turkey: Successful completion of Deviet Lisen Diplomasi OR High School
• Ukraine: School Leaving Certificate (Attestat) with a grade of average of 3 or above
• United Arab Emirates: Tawjihiya/Thanawihya/General Secondary School Certificate with a grade of pass grades or Technical Diploma with a grade of 60%
• United States of America: High School Diploma with a grade of GPA 2.0
• Uzbekistan: O’rta Ma’lumot To’g’risdia Shahodatnoma (Certificate of Completed Secondary Education) with a grade of average of 3 or above or Diploma of Academic Lyceum with a grade of average of 3 or above or Attestat (Certificate of general secondary education issued after 2018)
• Venezuela: Successful Completion of Título de Educación Media General with a grade of 15/20 or Titulo de Tecnico Medio with a grade of 10/20
• Vietnam: Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học (Upper Secondary School Graduation Diploma) Completion of Year 11 with a grade of GPA 6.5 or Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học (Upper Secondary School Graduation Diploma) Completion of Year 12 with a grade of GPA 5.0
• Zimbabwe: ZIMSEC with a grade of 5 credits including English

Fees and Finance

Tuition Fee 2025/2026

• 2-term – £12,500
• 3-term – £15,000

Scholarships and bursaries are available, subject to eligibility, contact us for more information.

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.

Which Courses Can I Go On to Study?

Following the successful completion of your programme, with a pass mark of at least 40% in each module, you will progress on to the undergraduate degree programme you applied for at the University of South Wales.

• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy
• BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
• BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning
• BSc (Hons) Football Coaching & Performance