International Foundation Year

Course facts

Course length: 4 years as part of an extended version of one of the degrees listed below.

Entry level

For this course you will have successfully completed your High School Diploma or equivalent outside the UK.
You will have gained some additional experience in the form of a significant period of work experience, additional study or similar, with a minimum level of English of IELTS 4.5 or equivalent.
In addition where courses require specific subject expertise (for example, mathematics for engineering courses), you must demonstrate this prior to entry onto the International Foundation Year.

For further information about language qualifications, and latest updates about courses attached to the International Foundation Year, contact the International Recruitment Office.

Note

There are different UCAS codes for the main degree and the degree with an International Foundation Year. You must ensure that the correct UCAS code, as listed above, is entered on your application form.
The International Foundation Year (IFY) starts in September; there is also a later start in January. Students who start in January finish in August. Contact the International Recruitment Office for further details.

Business, Sport and Tourism Pathway

Course length: 4 years as part of an extended version of one of the degrees listed below.

Course title 
 UCAS code 
 BA (Hons) Accountancy
 N4Q3
 BA (Hons) Adventure and Extreme Sports Management  N898
 BA (Hons) Business Management
 N2Q3
 BA (Hons) Business Management with Placement  NN1G
 BA (Hons) Digital Marketing  N506
 BA (Hons) Fitness Management and Personal Training  CN68
 BA (Hons) Football Studies
 C6Q3
 BA (Hons) International Business
 Management
 N1RY
 BA (Hons) International Tourism Management   N8QJ
 LLB (Hons) Law  M1Q3
 BA (Hons) Marketing  N209
 BA (Hons) Marketing with Advertising Management
 N590
 BA (Hons) Outdoor Learning and Watersports Management  N89W
 BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching  C6QJ
 BA (Hons) Sport Studies  C6QA
 BA (Hons) Sports Studies with Business
 C6ND
 BA (Hons) Tourism Management  N83F


Creative Industries and Society Pathway

Course length: 4 years as part of an extended version of one of the degrees listed below.

Course title  UCAS code
BA (Hons) Advertising   N561
BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Feature Writing  P5Q3
BA (Hons) Media Culture and Production  P3QH
BA (Hons) Photography  W644
BA (Hons) Popular Music and Record Production  JW93
BA (Hons) Public Relations and Communication  P2Q3
BA(Hons) Screenwriting   W8Q3
BA (Hons) Sport Journalism  P5QH
BA (Hons) Television and Video Production  PP34


 

Maritime and Technology Pathway

Course length: 4 years as part of an extended version of one of the degrees listed below.

Course title  UCAS code
BA (Hons) Architectural Technology K1Q3
BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology G5Q3
BSc (Hons) Computing G403
BSc (Hons) Computer Networks with Web Design G4QH
BSc (Hons) Construction Management K2Q3
BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering H6QH
BEng (Hons) Engineering with Business H1NC
BSc (Hons) Geography with Marine Studies F8F7
BSc (Hons) Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering HH3T
BSc (Hons) Maritime Business N9Q3
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Design H300
BSc (Hons) Media Technology H6QJ
BSc (Hons) Ship and Port Management J6QH
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering G6Q3
BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering J9QJ
BSc (Hons) Sound for Film, Television and Games J9QA
BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design H5Q3


Course overview

The International Foundation Year at Southampton Solent University forms an integral part of a range of extended degree programmes for students whose first language is not English.
It is suitable for you if you wish to improve your English skills before continuing your studies on your chosen degree course here at the University. You should reach a standard broadly equivalent to IELTS 6.0.
You will study English in a context which relates to your later studies and the practical areas of academic life in the UK and at Solent in particular, removing any uncertainty and giving you a head start in your academic career.

In addition to direct tuition in English, you can use our Language Centre, giving you the chance to learn at your own pace, using our multimedia facilities. You are also trained in the use of information and communication technologies, and in independent learning.

Why people choose Solent|

Course content

Year 1

All students take Business English Lower Intermediate; Academic Skills for Undergraduate Study 1; Business English Upper Intermediate; Academic Skills for Undergraduate Study 2.

Business, Sport and Tourism Pathway
The UK Economy and Institutions; one option from: Business Issues in the Contemporary World; Foundations of Finance; Introduction to Sport and Fitness; Law and Society; Tourism in the Contemporary World; Work and the Media in the UK.

Technology Pathway
Background to the UK Economy; Degree-related Project.

Creative Industries and Society Pathway
Background to the UK Economy; Working in the Media Industry.

Assessment

The IFY consists of 100% coursework, which includes a mixture of directed learning, in-class tests, in-class presentations, portfolio and assignment work.

Projects/work experience

There is a degree-related project on the Maritime and Technology pathway.

Key career skills

English language, academic skills, subject content, communication, evaluation and problem solving

Career opportunities

The International Foundation Year prepares you for continued undergraduate study at Solent.

Student quote

Aiste Ksenofontovaite

“I am very happy about the tutors at the University because they are completely different to my country. They are very polite, helpful and interested in improving students’ skills and knowledge, as well as very punctual.

“When I started my studies at the University I was surprised by how much the course leader looks after students, because sometimes we need more time to understand the task, or need things explained a bit more, and they are very patient and nice with us, even if they have to explain the same thing five times!

“Students come to a seminar and they know that they will always learn something new and interesting, and it is not just facts, it is facts with examples which is really helpful to remember things.

“I am really happy that I have had the opportunity to study at this university.”

Javier Ibanez

“The IFY is not just a one-year long English course. It’s a chance to learn the skills and tips I’ll need to make the most of my degree over the next few years.”

Contact us

For further information on the course, please contact:
The Faculty of Business, Sport and Enterprise
Tel: +44 (0)23 8031 9888
Email: fbse@solent.ac.uk|

International students, please contact the International Recruitment Office:
Tel: +44 (0)23 8031 9129
Fax: +44 (0)23 8031 9412
Email: international@solent.ac.uk|