International Foundation Programme

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

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.

To start the IFP in September, you will need to have completed your secondary school education and have a minimum IELTS of 4.5 or equivalent overall. In order to meet new visa requirements, you must have a minimum of IELTS 4.0 (or equivalent) in all areas (speaking, listening, reading, writing).

To start the ‘Fast-Track’ IFP in January, you will need to have completed your secondary school education and have a minimum of IELTS of 5.0 or equivalent overall, with a minimum of 4.5 (or equivalent) in all areas (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in order to deal successfully with the intensive nature of the course.

• Full time: £7,710 (in total)

* These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. 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.

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.