International Foundation Programme (IFP)

Program Overview

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International Foundation Programme (IFP)

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) will prepare you for undergraduate study in the UK.

Why study the International Foundation Programme at Middlesex University?

The programme is aimed at students with intermediate to advanced levels of English, who have completed secondary school with good grades, but would like to improve their study skills to meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Middlesex.

During the course you will be introduced to a range of subjects taught on our undergraduate programmes, and we will offer you individual support in choosing and applying for your degree. The course will prepare you to begin an undergraduate course with confidence and settle into student life at Middlesex.

You will also:

• improve your academic language skills and general level of English
• develop your study skills and independent learning ability
• become familiar with living and studying in the UK
• be introduced to a range of undergraduate subject areas
• receive support in choosing and applying to your degree

What will you study on the International Foundation Programme?

The programme incorporates a streamlined, integrated design based on four modules with a common underlying core theme. The core theme provides a stimulating learning platform which will relate to real life scenarios. Possible core themes include tourism, sustainability, education, environment or hosting a global event.

The core theme will also include a series of sub-themes covered in three week blocks, which will introduce you to a range of subjects taught on undergraduate programmes. These subject 'tasters' aim to inform your future choice of undergraduate degree and may include business, media, communications, global and social sciences subjects.

About your course

All students will study modules as follows, depending on their pathway:

Science & Technology: Computer Science, Technology and Engineering

• Academic Skills and Writing - IFP0610
• Mathematics for Science and Technology - MSO0600
• Foundations of Computing and Technology - IFP0640
• Computing, Digital Technology and Engineering Theory and Practice - SAT0600

Science & Technology: Design Engineering and Maths

• BEng Design Engineering
• BEng Mechatronics and Robotics
• BEng Electronic Engineering
• BEng Computer Systems Engineering

Science & Technology: Psychology

• Academic Skills and Writing - IFP0510
• Fundamentals of Business Mathematics - MSO0207
• Foundations of Social Science - IFP0530
• Literature for Social Sciences and the Law - LAW0701 or Introduction to Business - MGT0006 or Digital Production - MED0200 or Art & Design Portfolio - DES0004

Business & Law: Accounting & Finance, Economics, Management, Marketing, Tourism

• Academic Skills and Writing - IFP0510
• Fundamentals of Business Mathematics - MSO0207
• Foundations of Business - IFP0520
• Introduction to Business - MGT0006

Business & Law: Law & Politics, Sociology & Criminology

• Academic Skills and Writing - IFP0510
• Foundation Mathematics (Law) - MSO0208
• Foundations of Social Science - IFP0530
• Literature for Social Sciences and the Law - LAW0701

Teaching and learning

How is the International Foundation Programme taught?

• Teaching by specialist subject lecturers and guest lecturers
• Small class sizes with high-levels of support
• 16 hours of supervised study per week including lectures, seminars, labs and individual tutorials
• Individual and group tasks/projects
• Support using library facilities and learning resources

Academic support

• Ongoing academic support in seminars, workshops, advice sessions and online
• Individual programme planning and advice sessions to help you apply for your undergraduate degree
• Support services to help you settle into life at Middlesex and in the UK.

Facilities and support

Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas with and 600 computer spaces, with some areas open 24 hours a day

Entry requirements

International

Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:

• Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
• Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
• Work placements and networking with top London employers
• Career support to get you where you want to go after university
• Global alumni network and connections

Qualifications

In addition to qualifications such as A level and International Baccalaureate, we accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office.

English language

You'll need good English language skills to study with us. The most common qualification we accept is the IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum 5.5 in all sections). We also normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

Visas

To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa.

Interviews

You won't be required to attend an interview for this course.

Fees and funding

The International Foundation Programme is a 1 year programme and the tuition fee is £14,500 for September 2026 entry.

Additional Course costs

The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

• A free electronic textbook for every module
• All printing and copying required for your study
• Self-service laptops available for loan for a maximum of 24 hours
• Audio-visual equipment available for loan, including digital stills cameras, digital video recorders, digital audio recorders

Progression routes

Psychology Programmes

• BSc Psychology*
• BSc Psychology with Counselling*
• BSc Psychology with Criminology*
• BSC Psychology with Neuroscience*

Computer Science Programmes

• BSc Computer Networks and Security
• BSc Computer Science (Systems Engineering)
• BSc Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
• BSc Information Technology

DEM Programmes

• BA Product Design
• BSc Honours Architectural Technology
• BEng Design Engineering
• BEng Mechatronics and Robotics
• BEng Electronic Engineering
• BEng Computer Systems Engineering

Business Programmes

• BA Accounting and Finance*
• BSC Business Accounting
• BA Business Management
• BA Business Management (Finance)
• BA Business Management (Human Resources)
• BA Business Management (Innovation and Entrepreneurship)
• BA Business Management (Marketing)
• BA International Business
• BA International Tourism Management
• BA Marketing
• BSc Banking and Finance
• BSc Business Economics
• BSc Economics

Law Programmes

• BA Criminology
• BA Criminology (Policing and Investigations)
• LLB Law
• BA Sociology with Criminology

Student testimonial

Ana Maria Franco Combita from Colombia completed a one-year International Foundation Programme at Middlesex before progressing onto the BA International Politics.

"During the IFP I really improved my English, but also learned how to reference, write essays in English and use the library. It was really great that the pace of the IFP was slow – we started small, with short essays, and then built up to more difficult work over the year, before we were ready to start our degree.

In the first year of your degree, they assume you already know everything – so I feel like the IFP gave me a head start. I actually became the student rep for my course in the first year of my degree because I already knew how to use the library and reference my work. That was really cool. If it wasn't for the IFP I would have been in the same position as everyone else.

The best part about the IFP was getting to know people from all over the world. It was great to experience so many different opinions and cultures in class. It's a glimpse into the real world! At home, we would have a debate in class and we'd talk about other countries or cultures, but we wouldn't really understand them. Here at Middlesex, we'll have a debate and people from all over the world will actually be taking part.

The tutors on the IFP were really supportive. I did really well on the course, and because of that my tutor recommended me for a scholarship for my first year of my BA International Politics degree, and I was successful! I'm really grateful to her for that.

I like being in London, but its really different to life back in Colombia – life goes very fast here! But it does captivate you, you feel busy and useful. I've learned lots in London, and I've discovered myself in many ways. In a sense, I even feel more proud of being Colombian after coming here, because everyone around you is different. It's a great experience."

Ana Maria Franco Combita