Access Course

International Foundation Programme

Course details

Study options

Full-time: 1 year

International fee

£14,900 per year (2024/25)

Course level

Access

Start date

September

Course description

The International Foundation Programme is designed to give you a recognised English language qualification so you can progress onto your chosen degree. It 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.

What you will study

The International Foundation Programme allows you to develop your English language skills alongside studying a wide range of subject modules. The programme takes a full academic year to complete (September-June) and to pass it you must gain 120 credits.

All students must take two core modules:

Academic English (60 credits)

This module aims to bring your overall level of English to the equivalent minimum of IELTs 6.0 in all skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
A pass in this module is a requirement to pass the programme and proceed to an undergraduate degree.
A pass in this module is also a legal requirement set by the UKBA in order for you to get a visa for undergraduate study (non EEA nationals).

Academic Skills (20 credits)

This module will teach you the essential academic skills you will need for undergraduate study (eg academic research, project writing and giving presentations) focusing on areas which international students may find different to the academic culture in their own country.

You will then choose from the below subject based modules, embedded in the University's different colleges:

*All subject modules run according to student demand. If the specialist module closest to your degree is not available, you will be advised on the best alternative module(s) to take.

Entrance view of Kedleston Road campus in the daytime.

Discover Derby Uni as an International student

We understand that joining us from outside the UK affects what you need to know about studying with us, so here are all the digital ways you can find out more about our University.

Find out how you can Discover Derby UniFind out how you can Discover Derby Uni

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

Teaching is carried out in classes using group and discussion based teaching techniques to help build confidence and learn from each other. Tutors use academic articles, reading texts, listening excerpts and relevant current themes to stimulate discussion and provide opportunities for students to improve their written and spoken english. 

Assessments are both formal and informal and include language tests, group discussions, written reports and presentations. 

Who will teach you

Michael Croker
Programme leader

As a tutor with the Derby English Language Centre (DELC) Michael Croker runs the International Foundation Programme (IFP) here at the University of Derby. He also helps run the In-sessional courses provided by the DELC, which offers support to international students, and teaches on the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses that run throughout the year. 

View full staff profileView full staff profile

Entry requirements

Please note that should you wish to continue directly onto a degree programme you will need to check the minimum entry requirements for that programme to ensure you are able to progress.

English language requirements

IELTS: 4.5 (with at least 4.0 in each skills area)

Fees and funding

2024/25

 Full-timePart-time
UK

N/A

N/A

International

£14,900 per year

N/A

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


International students

Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.

Apply through UCASApply directly to the University

Careers

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.

Contact us

EnquiryEmailPhone
Michael Croker M.Croker@derby.ac.uk +44 (0)1332 592233

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

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† Additional information about your studies

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.

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.