International Foundation Year Integrated with Law, Arts, Humanities, Business and Social Sciences
The International Foundation Year (IFY) is for talented students from outside the UK who have had at least 11 or 12 years of full-time education. It is for students who may not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to an undergraduate degree programme in a British university.
Introducing your
degree
This is the course page for the International Foundation Year - integrated with Law, Arts, Humanities, Business, Economics, Social and Political Sciences at the University of Southampton. Find out everything about the Foundation Year and what studying here involves.
In this course page we explain a range of key information about the course. This includes typical entry requirements, modules you can take and how assessment works.
Overview
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, from the list below, provided you achieve the required grades.
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.
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.
Year
1
All students take three core modules.
Semester One
Academic English (semesters one and two) This module has been designed to ensure that students have the specific English language skills needed to study as an undergraduate student. Students are also taught how to show the sources of the information they use in their work by referencing their work using the Harvard referencing convention.
Critical Thinking and Research Skills (semesters one and two) This module has two elements. First, students are introduced to the key concepts of critical thinking needed to analyse, evaluate and compare arguments and develop different points of view. Secondly students are taught how to research a topic using the resources available at the university. The students use all these skills in the second semester to carry out a research project on a topic related to their chosen undergraduate degree subject.
The Global Society (semesters one and two)
In this module students explore a wide range of concepts, trends and problems which impact upon global society today. These could include the globalised economy, the role of international organisations, international aid, health, human rights, and the effects of globalisation on cultural, economic, political and social life. The module gives students foundational general knowledge about current global issues which is essential for their undergraduate studies.
Semester Two
Subject-specific modules Students who are going to study management, law, languages or economics or will have the choice subject-specific modules during the year: e.g. English for Law, Understanding law; Mathematics and statistics; Mathematics for economists, Survey Methods for Business and Social Sciences, Understanding management and organisations.
Students who are not going to study in these areas can select from any of the modules they are interested in, take a module to learn a new language or consolidate their general English.
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).
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Name
Award
Year of entry
Mode of study
UK/EU
International
Foundation International Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities, Law and Social Sci
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.
Learning & Assessment
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.
By the end of the year you will have gained:
– effective academic study skills
– the English language skills you need for your undergraduate degree
– an understanding of the demands and requirements of British University life
– an introduction to your chosen field of academic study
