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International Foundation Year in Business, Law & Social Studies

International Foundation Year

What is the International Foundation Year in Business, Law and Social Studies?

This route leads to a wide range of degrees at the University of Leeds, in areas ranging from mathematics, economics and finance to law and social policy. You will study core and subject-specific modules, which are carefully tailored for your academic development and chosen area of study. Find out about the modules you will study and what kind of work you will be undertaking as a part of this pathway.

Key facts

Two semesters

Find out the specific term dates for this programme.

September, November (with Enhanced Induction) or January

Find out more about the entry requirements and course fees for this programme.

Modules

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including 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.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

This module will equip you with basic skills in analysing markets and assessing how the macro and micro economic environment impacts on the strategic decision-making of firms. The module aims to build a familiarity with basic economic concepts and an interest in economic issues which will provide a foundation for more advanced economics courses.

This module will introduce you to a variety of mathematical concepts that are embedded within the business contexts commonly used in undergraduate programmes in business, management, finance and economics. There will be an equal focus on the foundational methods and topics to develop mathematical skills, such as percentages, ratios, algebra and statistics, with the practical application of these mathematical findings to financial and business real-world scenarios and activities such as double entry, cash flow forecasting, financial reporting and ratio analysis. These skills will culminate in enabling you to prepare and present findings and quantitative information in an appropriate business format.

The module provides you with an opportunity to identify and research a topic aligned to your progression degree. It will equip you with fundamental scholarly, research and transferable skills, necessary for progression onto an undergraduate course.

This module introduces you to three interlinked social sciences: politics, criminology, and sociology. Concepts and case studies are introduced and understood through three inter-related lenses to provide you with a wide-ranging understanding of international issues.

This module introduces you to the law and legal system in England and Wales, including its underlying principles, the personnel who administer it, the mechanics of the legal process, and justice in broader perspectives. It also introduces you to the core principles in Criminal Law, Tort Law, and Contract Law.

Why study Business, Law and Social Studies with us?

This International Foundation Year pathway will prepare you to progress on to multiple degrees at the University of Leeds, which is one of the UK’s leading universities. With highly-ranked facilities and dynamic approaches to teaching, some of the benefits that come with choosing to study here are as follows.

School of Law

The University of Leeds houses the School of Law, a world-leading and diverse collective of scholars who are committed to exploring contemporary issues and supporting their students to become highly employable graduates.

Leeds University Business School

Leeds University Business School is a leading, triple-accredited education body. Academics and professionals make up a world-ranked team who are proud to present their students with the tools to follow on to a successful working career.

Important career insight

Strong enterprising links to major businesses come with a degree from the University of Leeds. This pathway will enable you with skills and knowledge that are valued by industry professionals.

Support tailored to you

This programme is designed for international students, with a unique, focused teaching approach put in place to welcome you into the British education system. Your learning will be structured in the same way as University teaching, to wholly support and prepare you for your next step.

University of Leeds subject rankings

16th in the UK for Business, Management and Marketing (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

11th(=) in the UK for Economics (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

17th in the UK for Law (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

20th in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)

Progression Degrees

You will be required to take an Academic English Skills test at the end of your programme, details of English language grade requirements below. This means that once you successfully complete the International Foundation Year, you will be ready to start your degree at the University of Leeds.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
No Results

Please note that places are limited on the following progression degrees, so you are advised to apply and confirm your place as soon as possible:

  • Business Economics BSc
  • Business Management BA
  • Business Management with Marketing BA
  • Business Management and the Human Resource BA
  • Economics BSc
  • Economics and Finance BSc
  • Human Resource Management BA
  • International Business BSc
  • International Business and Finance BSc
  • International Business and Marketing BSc
  • Law LLB

Depending on your progression degree, you will study modules related to your chosen subject.

Students must study the Law route

  • Criminal Justice and Criminology BA (Hons)
  • Law LLB (Hons)

Students can study either the Business or Law route

  • Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
  • Education BA (Hons)
  • International Development BA (Hons)
  • International Relations BA (Hons)
  • Politics BA (Hons)

Students must study either the Business, IB + Finance or Mathematics route

  • Economics and Geography BA (Hons)

Students must study the Business route

  • Social and Political Sciences BSc (Hons)
  • Social Policy, Sociology and Crime BSc (Hons)
  • Sociology BA (Hons)

I’m becoming a better person

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How to apply

Discover how to apply for a programme at the International Study Centre. You can also find the documents you need to provide alongside your application.

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International Study Centre

Study abroad programs at the International Study Centre offers opportunities for international students to study in the UK. Discover how to progress to an undergraduate degree at the University of Leeds.

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English language courses

Develop your English language levels before you start your pathway programme with a dedicated course.

Join us today

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!