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University of Bath International Foundation Year

1 year course, licensed to Bath College, starting in September 2024

We have paused admissions to the International Foundation Year for 2024 entry while we process applications already received. Please check this web page in April for further updates.

Gain the academic knowledge, understanding and skills to allow you to secure guaranteed progression into a wide variety of University of Bath undergraduate degrees.

The University of Bath International Foundation Year (IFY) is a one-year full-time course.

It is delivered by Bath College, our partner organisation in the centre of Bath, where all your teaching will take place. This means you will be a registered student there while you are on the course.

The course caters for international students with high academic potential and superb motivation, but not the precise qualifications to allow direct entry on to one of the University's degree courses. Running for nearly 20 years and annually attracting a diverse range of nationalities, the IFY has been consistently successful in producing high-calibre, academically prepared Bath undergraduates.

More information

Read the International Foundation Year course brochure.

Hear from our students about studying on the IFY course.

Watch our students talk about living and studying in Bath.

Progression

As a candidate on the IFY, you will find yourself on a dedicated track to the University of Bath. You will target a specific Bath degree, study three relevant subjects in a diverse learning environment, and work to achieve a set of specific grades that allow automatic progression to your desired degree course.

Progression is guaranteed if you achieve the published progression grades for your chosen degree. You do not need to apply through UCAS to secure your undergraduate place. Your application will be handled centrally by the University.

As a student on the IFY you'll have access to the top-class sporting facilities on the University Campus. Find out more at teambath.com.

Undergraduate funding

The IFY Scholarships Scheme will cover the 2024/25 academic year. 20 of the top-performing students progressing out of the year to the University of Bath in 2025/26 will each receive a £2,000 fee waiver against their Year 1 University tuition fees.

See the terms and conditions for the scholarship.

Course structure

This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2024 and ends in 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

The week before your International Foundation Year (IFY) programme begins you will attend an induction week held at Bath College, with a special session organised at the main University campus.

The IFY is structured as a modular course divided into two 15-week semesters, and at the start of the course you'll complete an English language assessment to determine whether you will study English for Academic Purposes alongside your other subjects.

You will take three units relevant to your intended degree programme, one of which may be English for Academic Purposes.

Each unit is designed to develop your knowledge and expertise in your chosen subject area, whether it's business, science, engineering or social science. As well as enhancing your English language capabilities, the IFY curriculum is specifically designed to cover the key principles, theories and practical skills which are the standard entry criteria for the University. You will also take a non-credit bearing study skills module over the course of the year.

Depending upon which units you study, the pattern of assessment on the IFY varies between 50% and 80% for written exams, 10% and 20% for practicals/presentations, and 20% and 40% for coursework.

You will study three of the following academic subjects, depending on your progression degree and initial English assessment:

  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • English for Academic Purposes
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Social Science

You will also take classes in Introduction to Higher Education Study Skills, and attend regular tutorials to support your studies and personal development.

Learning and assessment


Learning

  • Laboratory sessions
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Practical sessions
  • Tutorials

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Practical work
  • Written examination

Entry requirements


The IFY is open to international students only. UK students are not eligible to apply.

You will need a high standard of secondary education, with excellent results showing on your school transcripts and exam certificates, especially in subjects related to your chosen degree.

You must also be able to show evidence of your English language level, with a valid IELTS certificate. The minimum IELTS requirements are:

  • 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each part for progression degrees in the School of Management
  • 5.5, with at least 5.0 in each part, for all other progression degrees

Your IELTS certificate must show that you took the test at a centre specifically authorised by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and the test report will show your UKVI number. When you register for the test, make sure you confirm that you want to take it for visa and immigration purposes.

Find out more about entry requirements for the International Foundation Year.

Application information


Course enquiries


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