Programme Structure
During the programme, you will study three compulsory modules, in addition to one or two other modules which are relevant to your chosen degree. At the end of the course, you will automatically progress to your chosen degree, provided you achieve the required grades.
View the programme specification document for this course
Key Facts
- Gives international students the opportunity to progress to an undergraduate programme at a University in the top 1% in the world (QS World Rankings 2018)
- Provides students with English language and study skills they need to be a successful undergraduate
- Ensures students have a broad knowledge of a range of contemporary topics on which to build in their academic careers
Hoa Tran, IFY 2011
Find out about Hoa's experience on the International Foundation Year
Watch the videoThe city of Southampton
Find out about the international maritime city of Southampton
Watch the video
“The IFY course has greatly helped me improve my English in all necessary skills including writing, speaking, listening and reading”
Hoa Tran - International Foundation Year, BSc Sociology and Social Policy
“It is an extremely lively and interesting place, and you will learn a huge amount whilst you’re here. I would highly recommend the course to others.”
Kritsada Yubanyong - Interational Foundation Year followed by BA MusicOther University of Southampton sites
Typical entry requirements
Selection process:
The International Foundation Year may be suitable for those who:
- Are a capable International or EU student who have 11 or 12 years of full time education in their own country
- Want to study at a UK university, but need a year to adapt to the UK higher education system
- Don't have the required English language level for entry to an undergraduate degree programme
Entry requirements:
Our entry requirements (listed by country of origin) outlines the school grades we expect you to have achieved.
Download the list of entry requirements by country
English language level:
To join the IFY you will need one of the following:
- A minimum level of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent with at least 5.5 in each component
- Pearson Test of Academic English 51 in each component
- TEEP 6.0 overall
- FCE Grade A or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University
Applications to combined Economics
IFY Applicants wishing to progress onto an undergraduate programme for the combined Economics programmes are required to have a minimum Grade B in AS level Mathematics.
Please note: BSc Economics is not a degree of progression we can offer through the Foundation Programme.
Applications to BA Music
IFY students will be required to obtain Grade 8 Practical and Theory before progressing onto their undergraduate programme (2nd year of programme).
Applications to BA courses at Winchester School of Art
The IFY will progress onto undergraduate degrees at Winchester School of Art. We will require students to submit a portfolio of their work electronically. Portfolio advice is found here.
This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about
equivalent
entry requirements and qualifications for your country.
Typical course content
On the International Foundation Year you will complete a set of core (compulsory) modules as well as elective (specialised) modules relevant to your chosen degree.
Each week you will have approximately 20 hours of tuition including lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will also spend at least 15 hours a week studying independently with the guidance of your tutors and personal academic advisor.
Your work will include essays, presentations and exams as part of your assessment. In addition, you will have to do a Personal Research Project in your second semester. This will be a study of a topic related to your chosen degree area supported by your academic advisor.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).
Tuition fees
Course fees for 2017/18 full-time UK and EU undergraduate students are typically
£9,250 per year.
Tuition fees for international students differ between each course. Most
part-time courses cost 50% of the full-time fee.
As an international (non-EU) student, you may be eligible for funding from the University, our partners, or organisations within your home country.
Explore funding opportunitiesCosts associated with this course
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
