International Foundation Year

Core modules

Academic English Skills

This module aims to provide you with thorough training in the language and related academic skills, which will enable you to achieve your academic potential at University. These skills include the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Introduction to Principles of Economics

This module aims to give you an introduction to the principle, concepts and models of micro-economic analysis, providing a framework upon which further economic analysis can be developed. You will be able to apply your knowledge base as well as learn basic skills relating to data analysis and evaluation of economics issues. You will learn about economic principles and basic terminology, goods type, demand and supply, elasticity, market failure and contemporary issues in economics.

Advanced Economics

You will get an introduction to macroeconomics, and learn about economic cycles, economic indicators and growth, inflation, unemployment, balance of payments, and fiscal and monetary policies.

Project Study

You will complete a self-study project on a topic you will choose in consultation with your tutor. By the end of this module, you will be able to produce an extended piece of work in the discipline area of your intended degree course, through an on-going, supervised, self-study approach. The project should use a broad range of source material to present a coherent piece of work, which combines a balanced factual content with a critical commentary.

Subject-specific modules

International Relations

You will be introduced to the main areas of international relations. At the end of this module, you will demonstrate a basic knowledge of the subject, and some of the leading theories used to analyse this subject matter.

Introduction to Business Studies 

This module will help you develop an understanding of the operational and strategic problems facing the business enterprise in the modern market economy. This module considers the practical aspects of setting up, establishing and running a business and looks at the external influences that could have a major impact on the businesses success.

Advanced Business Studies 

You will develop an understanding of the operational and strategic problems facing the business enterprise in the modern market economy, with reference to marketing management, advertising and public relations.

Introduction to Financial Accounting

This module will teach you how to maintain financial records, understand accounting systems and prepare periodic financial statements of sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies.

Introduction to Law

This module will prepare you for entry onto LLB Law or combined honours degrees and will introduce you to the principles which underpin the English legal system, including the mechanics of the legal process, justice in a wider sense, and the personnel who administer it.

Advanced Law

This module will introduce you to basic legal principles and practice. You will develop an understanding of the principles, issues and legislation relating to contract and consumer protection.

Core Mathematics for Business

You will develop and demonstrate core mathematical skills, including algebra and statistics, relevant to your undergraduate degree course. You will study core mathematical principles and tools. You will practise your skills through class work and self-study assignments. You will also practise questions similar to the format of those in your exams.

Introduction to British Politics

This module will introduce you to the study of Politics through discussion of the main issues in the British political system, and the core concepts used by political scientists and political theorists. This module will provide you with the foundation knowledge necessary to succeed in the Introduction to Law, Advanced Law and International Relations modules.