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International Foundation Programme

Key facts and benefits

  • A range of one-year programmes specifically designed to prepare international students for a university education in the UK.
  • An excellent introduction to studying your chosen subject
  • Coaching to help improve your English language skills.
  • Progression routes onto all Aston undergraduate degree programmes upon successful completion of IFP.

  • Internationally recognised course.

  • Access to all Aston University academic, welfare, social and sports facilities.


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

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

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studying

What is the International Foundation Programme?

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.

Follow the links below to view core International Foundation Programme modules and find out what undergraduate progression paths are available.

Core Modules

Mathematics 1

Mathematics 2

Academic language Skills 1 or Study Skills*

Academic Language Skills 2

Elective Modules
(Select 2)

Physical Science and
Engineering Foundations

Introduction to Engineering and Applied Science

Mechanical Engineering
Foundations

Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering Foundations

Electronic Engineering Foundations

Computing Foundations

Biological Science Foundations

*For students with IELTS 5.5 or above
ifp progress
Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
BEng/MEng Chemical Engineering
BSc Biological Chemistry
BSc Chemistry
BSc Applied Chemistry

Computer Science
BSc Computing Science
BSc Computing for Business
BSc Multimedia Computing

Electrical, Electronic and Power Engineering
BEng Communications Engineering
BEng/MEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering
BEng/MEng Electronic Engineering & Computer Science

Engineering Systems & Management
BSc Construction Project Management

Mathematics

BSc Mathematics
BSc Mathematics with Computing
BSc Mathematics & Business
BSc Mathematics with Economics

Mechanical Engineering & Design
BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering
BEng Electromechanical Engineering
BEng Design Engineering
BSc Transport Product Design
BSc Industrial Product Design
BSc Product Design & Management

Logistics and Transport Management
BSc Logistics Management
BSc Transport Management

Life and Health Sciences
BSc Healthcare Sciences (Audiology)
BSc Biological Sciences
BSc Biomedical Sciences
BSc/MOptom Optometry
BSc Psychology
MPharm Pharmacy
BSc Psychology and Business
BSc Psychology and English Language
BSc Psychology and Sociology
Competition and the Economic Environment

Organisational Behaviour

Managing Financial Resources

Marketing

Socially Responsible and Sustainable Business

Managing Human Resources

Study Skills and IT

English for Business Studies

Modules for Students who
meet the Year 1 English
Requirements -

E-business

Managing Quality

For students who don’t
meet the year 1 English
requirements -

Academic English Skills 1

Academic English Skills 2

Please note, modules may be subject to change
ifp progress
BSc Accounting for Management

BSc Business and Management

BSc Business Computing and IT

BSc Business and International Relations

BSc Business, Management and Public Policy

BSc Business and Politics

BSc Business and Sociology

BSc Economics and Management

BSc Finance

BSc Human Resource Management

BSc International Business and Economics

BSc International Business and Management

BSc International Relations (Joint Honours)

BSc Logisitcs Management

BSc Marketing

BSc Politics with International Relations

BSc Politics (Joint Honours)

BSc Social Policy (Joint Honours)

BSc Sociology

BSc Sociology (Joint Honours)

BSc Transport Management

Learning, teaching & assessment

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

Entry requirements

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:

Entry requirements by country

 *We may consider 17 year olds in exceptional cases and upon evidence of a UK based guardian

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. 

If you only hold the minimum listed below, you will be required to undertake English language modules as part of the programme.



IELTS  TOEFL iBT  Pearson


Minimum 5.5 overall, with a minimum 5.0 in each section

 Minimum 71 overall, with a minimum 17 in each section bar speaking which is 19
 Minimum 48 overall with a minimum 42 in each section

How to apply

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.

If you have any queries, please contact us: international@aston.ac.uk

What happens next?

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