International Foundation Programme

You must be at least 18* years old at the start of the IFP in September and must have attained excellent grades in your secondary school leaving certificate (Year 12) or equivalent. Please use the link below to view entry requirements by country

English Language Requirements

To take the International Foundation Programme, you will need a valid IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson result. The table below indicates the minimum requirements for English language requirements. 

Tuition fee (2013/14 session): £12,000

Programme Duration: This programme runs for one academic year (September to June)

Our admissions department will assess your suitability for the IFP and the undergraduate degree programme you have selected. They will get back to you initially via email with an admissions decision and guidelines for the next steps in the process.

Useful Links

The International Foundation Programme is a one year course designed for International students who do not have the required GCE A levels or equivalent qualifications for entry to Aston University undergraduate degree programmes. The programme is equivalent to the UK’s Year 13. 

Progression onto an undergraduate degree

You are guaranteed a place on an undergraduate degree if you successfully complete the International Foundation Programme and meet the specific academic and English language grades for the relevant programme. 

Subject streams

There are two subject streams available which act as an excellent introduction to studying your chosen subject at Undergraduate level. 

The programme also provides students whose first language is not English the opportunity to improve their academic English communication skills. Additional English language modules are included for students who require this to meet the entry requirements of their degree programme.

The International Foundation Programmes are externally examined so that you can be assured of their high quality.  The Academic English language modules are taught by CELCA (Centre for English Language & Communication at Aston) which has a long tradition of teaching excellence in the field of English as a Foreign Language.

How will I be taught and assessed?

The programme is taught over three teaching terms, beginning at the end of September and ending in June the following year. It has been designed to ensure that you gain the right skills, experience and knowledge for degree level study.

A combination of teaching methods is used so that you will be prepared to progress onto the undergraduate programme of your choice.

Where will I be based?

As an International Foundation Programme student you will study and live alongside undergraduate and postgraduate students on our campus in the centre of Birmingham. You will also use the same facilities as other students including computer facilities, laboratories and the library. Many of your lecturers also teach on the other degree programmes so you will meet them again in your undergraduate studies.

What students say about IFP

What staff say about IFP

When you apply to the IFP, you must also select which undergraduate degree programme you want to progress onto.

Apply online (Select All as University School) Or alternatively you can download the form by clicking on the link below:
You must:

• Supply copies of your academic and English language qualifications achieved so far
  

• Give details of the courses you are currently studying, along with any results you are waiting for 
• Select which undergraduate degree programme you want to progress on to.