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 three subject streams are available, which act as an excellent introduction to studying your chosen subject at Undergraduate level.
On the International Foundation Programme you take a series of skills and subject-based modules. Each module is worth 10 or 20 credits, and during the year you will work towards 120 credits. Your English language ability will determine whether you will also need to study English language modules.
English language modules - 40 credits
If you do not meet the English language entry criteria for your proposed degree programme, then you will take two academic English language skills modules worth 20 credits each.
Study & IT skills modules - 20 credits
All students take a 20 credit Key Skills module which includes study skills and IT.
Subject based modules - 60 or 100 credits
You will also take several subject based modules, worth a total of 60 credits, for students who are taking English language skills modules or 100 credits, for students who are not taking English language skills modules
If you are taking the Engineering, Health Science or Science streams, there are some modules which can be taken as options and are chosen in discussion with the Programme Director, depending on the requirements of the Bachelors degree to which you wish to progress onto.
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Business & Social Sciences
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Engineering
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Health Science/Science
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Business English
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Mathematics 1
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Mathematics 1
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Competition and Economic Environment
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Mathematics 2
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Mathematics 2
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eBusiness
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Biological Science Foundations
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Biological Science Foundations
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Foundations of Management
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
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Fundamentals of Chemistry
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International Perspectives in Organisations
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Fundamentals of Physical Sciences
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Fundamentals of Physical Sciences
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Organisational Behaviour
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Introduction to Website Development Skills
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Introduction to Website Development Skills
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Managing Financial Resources
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Fundamentals of Computing
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Fundamentals of Computing
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Managing Quality
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Mechanical Engineering
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Technical English
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The Marketing Environment
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Fundamentals of Electronic Engineering
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Academic Language Skills 1 - If Applicable
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Academic Language Skills 2 - If Applicable
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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?
You will be on the same campus as the other Aston University undergraduate and postgraduate students and you will live in the same accommodation and have access to all the same facilities. Most of your lecturers will also teach on the other degree programmes and you will meet them again in your undergraduate studies.
What students say about IFP
What staff say about IFP
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:
*We may consider 17 year olds in exceptional cases and upon evidence of a UK based guardian
To take the International Foundation Programme, you will need a valid IELTS or TOEFL 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.
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IELTS |
TOEFL iBT |
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Minimum 5.5 overall, with a minimum 5.0 in each section
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Minimum 71 overall, with a minimum 17 in each section bar speaking which is 19
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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:
Download the IFP Application Form (Word)
You must:
For alternative methods of payment, or if you can't download the application form, please contact us: international@aston.ac.uk
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