IFP International Foundation Programme - September

Semester 1

Academic and Communication Modules

Introduction to Academic Skills and Communication

Develop the academic skills, communication techniques, and critical thinking needed to progress successfully to undergraduate study in a UK university. You will learn how to write in an academic style, evaluate and use sources effectively, and communicate your ideas clearly through structured academic discussion. These skills provide a strong foundation for study across a wide range of subjects.

Subject-specific Modules

Foundation Chemistry 1

Learn how the structure of molecules influences their properties and develop an understanding of why chemical reactions occur. You will apply your knowledge in the laboratory while building practical laboratory skills and learning how to work safely and effectively in a scientific environment.

Foundation Biology 1

Understand the fundamental principles of animal biology and cell biology that provide the foundation for further study in the biological sciences. You will also develop the analytical and practical laboratory skills needed to support your future undergraduate studies.

Foundation Physics

This module provides a basic understanding of physics, physical concepts, and their associated skills, together with the skills of independent learning.

Mathematics for Science

Learn the mathematical skills that provide a strong foundation for undergraduate study in mathematics, science, and related subjects. You will develop your understanding of arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus, and apply these skills to solve a range of mathematical problems.

Psychology and Research Methods

This module introduces you to the scope and nature of psychology as a science. It will focus on psychological research by introducing you to the scientific method and basic data analysis.

Semester 2

Academic and Communication Modules

Further Academic Skills and Communication

Build on the academic skills and practices developed in Semester 1 by working more independently and engaging more critically with academic tasks. You will strengthen your collaborative communication skills, reflect on your learning, and apply your academic skills to longer and more complex assignments that reflect undergraduate study.

Subject-specific Modules

Foundation Chemistry 2

Develop a deeper understanding of the principles that explain why chemical reactions occur and how they can be predicted. You will continue to apply your knowledge through laboratory work while strengthening your practical skills and confidence in safe laboratory practice.

Foundation Biology 2

Build on your understanding of animal and cell biology while deepening your knowledge of the concepts needed for further study in the biological sciences. You will consolidate your analytical and practical laboratory skills, preparing you for undergraduate-level study.

Further Mathematics

Learn the mathematical techniques needed to solve problems involving vectors, matrices, kinematics, advanced integration, and differential equations. You will develop the mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills that support further study in science and mathematics.

Quantitative Methods for Science

Develop your understanding of statistics and the core quantitative methods used in mathematics, science, and related disciplines. You will learn how to analyse data, solve statistical problems, and apply theoretical knowledge using practical numerical techniques.

Psychology and the Body

This module introduces you to the scope and nature of psychology as a science. The focus of this module will be on acquiring knowledge and understanding of the biological basis of thought, behaviour, and emotions.

Semester 1

Principles of Business and Management

This module introduces students to themes and theories of business and management and enables them to develop their ability to think critically, organise their thoughts logically, and argue persuasively in business and management contexts.

Mathematics for Finance and Economics

This module provides a solid foundation in key areas of mathematics specifically designed for programmes in Finance and Economics. Through the development of techniques for analysing and solving a range of mathematical problems, students acquire core mathematical skills, enabling them to engage confidently with the mathematics required in the first year of their undergraduate studies.

Foundation Information Systems

An introduction to information systems and their application in a clear and supportive way. Students will gain an understanding of how data is collected, organised and used to improve efficiency, accuracy, collaboration, and decision-making in various disciplines.

Foundation Economics Microeconomics

The module introduces students to the basic principles of microeconomics, the study of how individuals and companies make choices regarding the allocation and utilisation of resources. Students will learn the neoclassical model of demand and supply, market failures and the behaviour of firms.

Psychology and Research Methods

The module aims to introduce students to the scope and nature of psychology as a science. It will focus on psychological research by introducing students to the scientific method and basic data analysis.

Foundations of Law (English Legal System)

The module will prepare students to study Law at undergraduate level by providing them with an introduction to the core principles related to the English Legal System. 

Introduction to Sociology

This module aims to introduce students to the idea of sociology as a social science and how it might differ from psychology and biology. Students will be introduced to a number of important sociological perspectives and shown how sociologists collect their data by looking at qualitative and quantitative research methods and the factors that influence the choice of research topic and method. 

Arts and Design Practices 1

An introduction to art and architecture is provided through a series of practical projects. These projects support the creation of a digital portfolio. Through this process, key skills are developed and strengthened to prepare for further undergraduate study.

Semester 2

Principles of Marketing and Organisational Behaviour

This module equips students with knowledge of marketing and organisational behaviour, including business ethics and sustainability, marketing mix, leadership and organisational structure  and how they impact decision-making and business operations. Students will explore how these functionalities interact within an increasingly complex and dynamic global business environment.

Quantitative Methods for Finance and Economics

This module introduces the key elements of statistics. The module develops core quantitative techniques that prepare students for more advanced study in finance and economics. Through learning how to analyse and solve a range of statistical problems, students develop both theoretical understanding and practical numerical skills.

Foundation Data Analysis

This module provides a supportive introduction to data analysis that connects everyday data use with discipline-specific applications. It enables students to see data not as abstract mathematics, but as a practical tool for understanding the world, solving problems, and making justified decisions in both their academic studies and future careers.

Foundation Economics - Macroeconomics

An introduction to the basic principles of macroeconomics. Students will learn the models and theories economists use to understand the economy's overall performance and how governments can use macroeconomic policy instruments to achieve a country's macroeconomic policy objectives and address macroeconomic conflicts. Develop basic mathematical and statistical skills and their application in economic decision-making.

Psychology and the Body

The module aims to introduce students to the scope and nature of psychology as a science. The emphasis of this module will be on acquiring knowledge and understanding of the biological basis of thought, behaviour, and emotions.

Introduction to the Law of Obligations and Negligence

An introduction to the principles of the law of obligations and negligence in tort, while developing students’ knowledge and the ability to explore, analyse, evaluate and critique legal issues, concepts and theories.

Government and Politics

The module provides students with an understanding of the nature of political concepts, institutions and ideologies and assists them to develop the ability to interpret and analyse political information and evaluate political arguments. 

Arts and Design Practices 2

An introduction to graphic design, digital media, film, and performance is provided through a series of practical projects. These projects support the development of a digital, public-facing blog. Through this process, key skills are developed and strengthened to prepare for further undergraduate study.

Semester 1

Principles of Business and Management

An introduction to the themes and theories of business and management, enabling students to develop their ability to think critically, organise their thoughts logically, and argue persuasively in business and management contexts.

Mathematics for Finance and Economics

This module provides a solid foundation in key areas of mathematics specifically designed for programmes in Finance and Economics. Through the development of techniques for analysing and solving a range of mathematical problems, students acquire core mathematical skills, enabling them to engage confidently with the mathematics required in the first year of their undergraduate studies.

Foundation Information Systems

An introduction to information systems and their application in a clear and supportive way. Students will gain an understanding of how data is collected, organised and used to improve efficiency, accuracy, collaboration, and decision-making in various disciplines.

Semester 2

Principles of Marketing and Organisational Behaviour

This module equips students with knowledge of marketing and organisational behaviour, including business ethics and sustainability, marketing mix, leadership and organisational structure  and how they impact decision-making and business operations. Students will explore how these functionalities interact within an increasingly complex and dynamic global business environment.

Quantitative Methods for Finance and Economics

An introduction to the key elements of statistics. The module develops core quantitative techniques that prepare students for more advanced study in finance and economics. Through learning how to analyse and solve a range of statistical problems, students develop both theoretical understanding and practical numerical skills.

Foundation Data Analysis

This module provides a supportive introduction to data analysis that connects everyday data use with discipline-specific applications. It enables students to see data not as abstract mathematics, but as a practical tool for understanding the world, solving problems, and making justified decisions in both their academic studies and future careers.