A student checks her phone while standing in the foyer of the Law and Psychology building which is also home to the Language Centre.

IFP International Foundation Programme

Develop your English language ability in a tailored programme for international students that equips you with the academic and study skills you need to obtain a guaranteed place on an Edge Hill University degree.

  • Download Course Leaflet

  • You can opt out at any time at the bottom of each email or by getting in touch.

    See our full privacy notice for details of how we use your information.

    • International Students Can Apply

    Overview

    Covid-19 - International Foundation Programme Essential Information

    View essential information and videos about the changes to teaching and learning and campus facilities from September 2020
    Course Length: 1 Year Full-Time
    Start Dates: September 2021, September 2022
    Subjects: International Study
    Location: Edge Hill University

    The International Foundation Programme has been specifically developed for international students who want to study for an undergraduate degree but do not possess British A-Level qualifications (Year 13) or equivalent or who need to improve their English language proficiency. You may have just finished, or be about to finish, your studies in high school and be looking for a programme that will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for undergraduate study and develop your study skills. The programme offers two routes. Route A is for those who need to improve their English language proficiency and includes more language development. Route B is for those who have a higher level of English Language but need to improve their knowledge of their target discipline.

    • Ask Our Students
    • Contact Us
    • Student Support
    • Language Centre building
    • Language Centre

    In Depth

    What will I study?

    You will be introduced to the subject area you have chosen for your degree studies and will develop the academic and critical thinking skills required for success at this level. You will also advance your English language skills.

    How will I study?

    The programme is delivered by lectures, tutorials and small group seminars and you will also be expected to undertake private study.

    How will I be assessed?

    You will be assessed through assignments, coursework and examinations.

    Who will be teaching me?

    You will be taught by a team of tutors who understand the needs of international students and who are committed to supporting you at all times to make your studies both stimulating and enjoyable.

    A Great Study Environment

    Two students chat while sat near the bottom of a flight of stairs in the Law and Psychology building. The building is also home to the Language Centre.The Language Centre is accredited with the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK, as well as BALEAP, the global forum for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) professionals. It has also been recognised as a centre of excellence by EL Gazette, a key English language teaching industry publication.

    The Language Centre is located on the ground floor of the new £6m Law and Psychology building. The three-storey building includes a 265-seat lecture theatre, seminar and tutorial rooms, and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning.

    The facilities include a dedicated language laboratory with 16 computer stations, a reading corner and work space. The language laboratory is used for teaching and also as a self-study facility, enabling you to participate in language learning activities in 15 different languages.

    You can also access the EAP Toolkit, an online learning resource which provides practice opportunities in academic writing, reading, critical thinking, listening, note-taking, communication, vocabulary and grammar.

    Modules

    Expand All

    IFP1003Critical Analysis and Systematic Thinking for Higher Education (20 credits)

    Critical Analysis and Systematic Thinking for Higher Education provides you with a flexible approach to reflecting on your own academic experiences to date. You will critically analyse your knowledge, understanding and skills acquisition and seek to relate them to practical applications of group working, academic debate and presentations. The module will provide tailored approaches and support materials that you can engage with in-class and with support from specialised tutors.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    IFP1004English Grammar and Pronunciation (10 credits)

    English Grammar and Pronunciation helps you to strengthen the fundamental English skills that you will need for success with your academic work. The aim of the module is to improve your production of clear and lucid spoken English and enhance your understanding of spoken and written English.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    IFP1005Developing Academic Study Skills (10 credits)

    Developing Academic Study Skills introduces you to a range of academic study and personal development skills in order to provide a foundation for studying at degree level. You will also develop an appreciation of the Higher Education context in which study and personal skills are required.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    IFP1009Literature Review (10 credits)

    Literature Review enables you to carry out effective literature reviews through developing your ability to survey scholarly articles, books, journals and other sources relevant to a particular topic. You will gain experience in identifying particular issues within areas of research or theory relevant to your chosen discipline and will enhance the skills needed to provide a description, summary and evaluation of the literature surrounding your chosen subject area.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    You will study the following additional modules on Route A which is designed for those who need to improve their International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.

    IFP1001General English 1 (20 credits)

    General English 1 enhances and develops English reading, speaking, listening and writing skills to enable you to achieve at least a passing grade in a First Certificate of English (FCE of Cambridge ESOL Examinations), B2 level of the Common European Framework, or IELTS 5.5-6.0.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    IFP1002General English 2 (20 credits)

    General English 2 enhances and develops English reading, speaking, listening and writing skills to enable you to achieve at least a passing grade in a Certificate in Advanced English (CAE of Cambridge ESOL Examinations), C1 level of the Common European Framework, or IELTS 6.0-6.5.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    IFP1006English for Specific Academic Purposes (20 credits)

    English for Specific Academic Purposes helps you to strengthen the fundamental English skills that you will need for success with your academic work. Through a series of workshops, lectures, assignments, online tasks, practical work and small group and individual projects, you will improve your English in relation to meeting specific academic requirements.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    IFP1007Introduction to Subject/Discipline Studies (10 credits)

    Introduction to Subject/Discipline Studies presents an overview of the curriculum related to your chosen subject/discipline area to enable you to undertake specific study which will provide a sound foundation of relevant skills, knowledge and understanding.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    You will study the following additional modules on Route B which is designed for those who have a higher level of English language but need to improve their knowledge of their target discipline.

    IFP1010Introduction to Subject/Discipline Studies (20 credits)

    Introduction to Subject/Discipline Studies presents an overview of the curriculum related to your chosen subject/discipline area to enable you to undertake specific study which will provide a sound foundation of relevant skills, knowledge and understanding.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    IFP1012Academic Writing (20 credits)

    Academic Writing develops concepts such as counter arguments, writing to persuade, comparing and contrasting, formulating effective introductions and conclusions. Different report styles will be introduced including layout, heading/subheading differences and recommendation sections. Elements of writing such as comparisons, discussions and using examples/evidence will also be discussed. The stages of writing, in terms of, planning, organising, rewriting and proof reading will be explored and you will develop your skills in order to produce third person, formal, evidence-backed pieces of writing that contain references both within the text and in the form of a bibliography.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    IFP1013English Literacy (10 credits)

    English Literacy demonstrates a range of techniques employed by writers in order to influence the reader. Biased writing, emotive language and factual pieces will be analysed. The module will also develop your critical reading skills by demonstrating how the use of certain words, structures and views can be presented in such a way as to influence the reader’s opinion. Strategies used to dispute and support an argument will be considered as will ambiguities in text.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

    IFP1015Subject Development (20 credits)

    Subject Development is designed to offer an introduction to a given discipline area if you have no conventional qualifications in your chosen subject at A Level. The module offers the opportunity of study within a subject-specific context, provides a grounding in the essentials of your subject, and develop the appropriate subject-specific terminology to help you participate with confidence in discussions.


    Assessment: Coursework: 75%, Practical(s): 25%.

    Timetables

    You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

    Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

    Entry Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    You must be at least 18 years of age at the start of this programme and provide evidence of successful educational achievement in your country of origin (equivalent to a Year 12 Leaving Certificate).

    English Language Requirements

    • Route A: International students require IELTS 5.0, with a score no lower than 4.0 in each individual component;
    • Route B: International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.0 in each individual component.

    If your current level of English is half a band lower (with no element lower than 4.0), you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

    Students who are from a majority English speaking country may be exempt from the language requirements.

    Please note, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations require you to complete a Home Office Approved IELTS prior to entry.

    Career Prospects

    What are my career prospects?

    Your English Language ability will be equivalent to at least IELTS 6.0 on successful completion of the programme, with no individual element below 5.5, which will allow you to progress to degree level study in the following subject areas:

    • Accountancy
    • Advertising
    • Animation
    • Business and Management
    • Computing
    • Education
    • English
    • Health
    • Law
    • Media
    • Psychology

    Finance

    Tuition Fees

    Tuition fees for the International Foundation Programme are £12,250 for international students joining the course in academic year 2020/21 and £12,500 for international students joining the course in academic year 2021/22.

    Financial Support

    Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

    Apply

    How to Apply

    Apply directly to Edge Hill University.

    Download the international undergraduate application form and notes for guidance (doc).

    Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applydirect to access the relevant application form.

    Further information about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

    Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

    Get in Touch

    If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

    Course Changes

    Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

    25th November 2020 - Language Centre Accreditation

    The Language Centre is accredited with the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK, as well as BALEAP, the global forum for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) professionals.

    Covid-19 - International Foundation Programme Essential Information

    International Foundation Programme Course Statement

    Weekly delivery to consist of 15 hours of on-site teaching per week, supported by online learning comprising asynchronous (discussion board, review of resources) learning activities and academic support.

    Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020

    In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.

    Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020

    In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.