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International Foundation Programme

Why choose this course?

  • If you are an international student and do not have the qualifications and/ or English language level to start a degree, our International Foundation Programme will give you a recognised qualification so that you can move straight on to an undergraduate degree.
  • This course will help you to develop the English and academic skills that you will need during your degree.
  • You will study alongside other international students in a friendly and supportive environment.
  • Our expert tutors will guide and help you to develop your skills.
  • During the specialist modules, you may be taught by the lecturers who will also teach you during your degree.
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Fact file

Start date: September and January

Course length: If you start the course in September you will finish in June*, and have the usual academic Christmas and Easter holiday breaks.  * Students taking technology subject modules only may finish in May. The January course is a fast-track option. This means studying two semesters with no break in between. You will start in January and finish the course at the end of July, and will have just two weeks' break at Easter.

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

This course is available to international students

About this course

The International Foundation Programme will prepare you for a range of degrees in subjects such as business, events management and tourism, law, engineering, design, technology and art and design*.

It is specially designed for international students whose first language is not English, and will include lots of support to improve your English language skills.

You will study full time (15+ hours of class per week plus self-study) for two semesters.

All students study these modules:

  • English for Academic Purposes
  • Academic Skills

You will also study two specialist modules*, depending on the degree that you want to move on to. Examples of specialist modules are:

  • Business Studies
  • IT
  • Law
  • Mathematics for Study in Technology
  • Foundation Electrical and Electronic Principles
  • Visual Studies**

*All specialist modules run according to student demand. If the specialist module closest to your degree specialty is not available, you will be advised on the best module(s) to take. You will still be able to progress onto your intended undergraduate degree.

** Available to September start students only.

Entry requirements

You will need to have completed your secondary school education and have IELTS of 4.5 (TOEFL ibt 49-50, TOEFL cbt 152, TOEFL pbt 475). In order to meet new visa requirements, you must have an IELTS 4.0 (or equivalent) in all areas (speaking, listening, reading, writing). If you are considering the January 'Fast-Track' option it is strongly recommended that you have an IELTS equivalent of 5.0 or above in order to deal successfully with the intensive nature of the course.

How to apply

UK/EU students

International students

Information for international applicants

Applying for an undergraduate degree

Fees and finance

  • Full time: £7,100 (in total)

* These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year and there may be extra costs eg for exams, trips or special modules. There is no fee discount for EU students.

Careers and employability

After successfully completing this course, you can go on to study a range of undergraduate degree courses at the University of Derby. Please contact our admissions team for further details.

Where will I study?

Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

Contact details

General enquiries about admissions and applications, UK and overseas

T: +44 (0)1332 591167
F: +44 (0)1332 597724
E: askadmissions@derby.ac.uk

‌Course enquiries

Contact name: English Team

Contact phone: +44 (0)1332 591864