International Foundation Programme

Program Overview

International Foundation Programme

Course Description

The International Foundation Programme is designed to give you a recognised English language qualification so you can progress onto your chosen degree. It will prepare you for a range of degrees in subjects such as Business, Events Management and Tourism, Law, Engineering, Design, Technology and Art and Design.

Study Options

• Full-time: 1 year
• International fee: £14,900 per year (2025/26)
• Start date: September

Course Structure

You will study full-time (15+ hours of class per week plus self-study) for two semesters.

• If you are an international student and do not have the qualifications and/or English language level to start a degree, our International Foundation Programme will give you a recognised qualification so that you can move straight on to an undergraduate degree.
• This course will help you to develop the English and academic skills that you will need during your degree.
• You will study alongside other international students in a friendly and supportive environment.
• Our expert tutors will guide and help you to develop your skills.
• During the specialist modules, you may be taught by the lecturers who will also teach you during your degree.

What You Will Study

The International Foundation Programme allows you to develop your English language skills alongside studying a wide range of subject modules. The programme takes a full academic year to complete (September-June) and to pass it you must gain 120 credits.

• All students must take two core modules:
  • Academic English (60 credits)
  • Academic Skills (20 credits)
• You will then choose from the below subject-based modules, embedded in the University's different colleges:
  • Construction Science
  • Introduction to Design
  • Organisms and their Environments
  • Introduction to Environmental Science
  • Psychology of Education
  • Sociology of Education
  • Foundation Electrical and Electronic Principles
  • Preliminary Mathematics
  • Research Methods and Data Handling
  • Academic and Practical Skills
  • Creative Studies
  • Creative Skills: 2D and 3D Making
  • Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Principles of Chemistry
  • Contemporary Issues in Business
  • Business Communication and Decision Making
  • Further Mathematics
  • Introduction to Computational Mathematics
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Engineering Science
  • Introduction to Structural Analysis and Dynamics
  • Introduction to Law
  • Mathematics
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Fundamentals of Sport & Exercise Science
  • The Art of Sport and Exercise: A Foundation

How You Will Learn

Teaching is carried out in classes using group and discussion-based teaching techniques to help build confidence and learn from each other. Tutors use academic articles, reading texts, listening excerpts, and relevant current themes to stimulate discussion and provide opportunities for students to improve their written and spoken English.

Assessments are both formal and informal and include language tests, group discussions, written reports, and presentations.

Who Will Teach You

• Michael Croker (FHEA): Programme Leader

Careers

After successfully completing this course, you can go on to study a range of undergraduate degree courses at the University of Derby. Please contact our admissions team for further details.

Entry Requirements

• The IFP requires a 4.5 IELTS overall with a minimum allowance of 4.0 in no more than one skill.
• The equivalent of GCSE English language (grade A-C or 9-4)
• The equivalent of GCSE maths (grade A-C or 9-4)
• A personal statement to demonstrate a commitment and ability to study at this level

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26
  • Full-time: £14,900 per year
  • Part-time: N/A

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

• Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.