International Foundation Programme (4-year Degree Programme)
Study a comprehensive programme* leading to a range of degrees at the University of Cumbria on one integrated visa for the entire duration of your degree.
It will prepare you for studying at undergraduate level. You will gradually be developing the skills needed for university study with classroom teaching that is interactive and supportive.
You will study core modules including English and tailor your learning by taking related streams for your chosen progression degree.
*Subject to validation and regulatory approval.
You will study the following modules:
Semester 1:
- Communication Skills
- Qualitative Research Skills
- Introduction to Visual Arts
Semester 2:
- Creative Writing
- Cultural Studies
- Foundation of Digital Art and Media
Upon successful completion of the International Foundation Programme, you may progress to one of the following programmes:
- BA (Hons) Film and Television
- BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects
- BA (Hons) User-Experience and User-Interface (UX/UI) Design
- BA (Hons) Games Design
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design*
- BA (Hons) Illustration*
- BA (Hons) Fine Arts*
- BA (Hons) Photography*
- BA (Hons) Wildlife Media*
The International Foundation Programme will be studied at the International College at Lancaster campus with the main degree programme being offered from the University of Cumbria Brampton Road, Carlisle campus.
*We would love to see some of your work so will request a small portfolio from you following submission of your application.
You will study the following modules:
Semester 1:
- Communication Skills
- Qualitative Research Skills
Chosen Stream Modules
- Fundamentals of Management
- Foundations of Law and Psychology
Semester 2:
- Academic English: reading and writing skills
- Quantitative Research Skills
Chosen Stream Modules
- Introduction to Statistics
- Social Issues in Contemporary Society
Upon successful completion of the International Foundation Programme, you may progress to one of the following programmes:
-
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling & Psychotherapy* (You will need to provide an Overseas Police Check and undertake a UK Criminal Background Check for entry to this programme)
*The International Foundation Programme will be taught from the International College based a the University of Cumbria Lancaster campus whilst the remainder of the programme will be taught at the stunning Ambleside campus in the heart of the English Lake District.
**The International Foundation Programme will be taught from the International College based at the University of Cumbria Lancaster campus whilst the remainder of the programmes will be taught at the Fusehill Street, Carlisle campus, a city on the border with Scotland and close to the English Lake District.
You will study the following modules:
Semester 1:
- English Language Development and Proficiency
- Foundations of Mathematics
- Introduction to Programming
Semester 2:
- Exploring Research: Foundations for Inquiry
- Web Development
- Data Structures and Algorithms
Upon successful completion of the International Foundation Programme, you may progress to the following programme:
You will study the following modules:
Semester 1:
- English Language Development and Proficiency
- Foundations of Mathematics
- Foundations of Health and Social Care
- Introduction to Medical Biosciences Laboratory Techniques
Semester 2:
- Exploring Research: Foundations for Inquiry
- Foundations of Biology for Health Sciences
- Professional Practice in Health and Social Care
- Bioethics and Biomedicine
Upon successful completion of the International Foundation Programme, you may progress to one of the following programmes:
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science*
- BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care
- BA (Hons) Sport, Coaching and Physical Education
- BSc (Hons) Registered Nurse (all fields)*
- BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy*
- BA (Hons) Social Work*
- BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography*
*Progression to these degrees is subject to meeting professional body requirements and successful interview. This includes a criminal background and medical check (undertaken when in the UK) and will require you to have a higher IELTS score at point of entry. IELTS scores required at the end of the foundation year are available here.
Key facts for International Foundation Year Programme
| Start dates: | September 2025 January 2026 |
| Qualification Level: | RQF Level 3 |
| Visa type: | Integrated visa (International Foundation Programme + Degree Programme) |
| Tuition fee: | £14,900 |
Minimum English Language Level:
Academic IELTS 5.5 overall (with no component below 5.5)
Please contact us for more details.
Academic Entry Requirements:
- Please see country specific entry requirements.
- Each application will be considered individually and assessed on their ability to succeed on the International Foundation Programme.
Country specific entry requirements:
- Academic Entry Requirements vary depending on where you studied. Please see the link for details for your country.
Minimum Age Requirement:
All students must be 18 years of age at the time of enrolment for their programme.
Join us today
Our admissions advisors are here to help with your application and answer any questions you have about studying with us.