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International Foundation Year in Law, Social Science and Humanities
What is the International Foundation Year in Law, Social Science and Humanities?
This route leads to a wide range of degrees at the University of Leeds, in areas ranging from XXX. You will study core and subject-specific modules, which are carefully tailored for your academic development and chosen area of study. The programme aims to improve your academic and English language skills, as well as honing your academic voice, helping you to succeed in your undergraduate study at a world top 100 university.
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 the partner University.
This module introduces students to the key concepts, approaches, and disciplines of social science and how they help us understand society, human behaviour, and social change. By exploring themes such as education, media, crime, globalisation, and power, students develop foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills. The module also builds essential research and communication skills to support successful progression to undergraduate study in social science or related fields.
This module is designed for international foundation year students, providing a foundational understanding of law and its practical applications. It introduces students to the key concepts, principles, and frameworks of the English legal systems. The module equips students with essential skills, including the ability to evaluate legal resources, apply legal reasoning, and present coherent legal arguments. This module is an essential foundation for students seeking to progress to law or related disciplines. It ensures the students gain both the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in higher education while fostering independent thought and engagement with key legal concepts in a supportive learning environment.
The Project Skills module aims to develop students’ academic and project-based competencies while fostering their ability to address complex sustainability challenges (“wicked problems”) within the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Law, guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating sustainability perspectives, students will learn to apply disciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to real-world issues, enhancing their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
The module is delivered in two phases. In the first phase, students will build core academic skills, including effective academic writing, critical evaluation of sources, and accurate referencing, while gaining a foundational understanding of sustainability and the nature of wicked problems. In the second phase, students will apply these skills in an investigative project, working individually and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to explore and develop evidence-based solutions to real-world sustainability challenges. Through this process, they will strengthen their abilities in project planning, teamwork, and communication, preparing them for further academic study and professional contexts.
Why study Law, Social Science and Humanities at the University of Leeds?
If you're interested in Law, Social Sciences and Humanities, the University of Leeds is famous for its international rankings, research excellence, employability and opportunities to develop practical and global perspectives.
Global reputation and rankings
The Law, Social Sciences and Humanities courses are internationally recognised and gain strong global rankings, including 69th worldwide for Law and 53rd worldwide for Arts & Humanities.
Research-led teaching
The Faculty of Social Sciences emphasises that teaching is informed by internationally recognised research. Students learn from academics whose work addresses major global and societal challenges, supported by interdisciplinary research centres and collaborations with organisations around the world.
Practical learning and professional development – School of Law
The School of Law offers numerous opportunities to build practical legal and transferable skills, including:
- Award-winning pro bono and community engagement projects
- Mooting, debating and negotiation competitions.
- An alumni mentoring scheme that connects students with experienced legal professionals.
- Strong academic and pastoral support throughout their studies.
Students will benefit from strong employer links and a global alumni network of 18,000+ law graduates across more than 115 countries, including judges, senior lawyers, political leaders and business professionals.
Career focused
Leeds is ranked among the top 10 UK universities most targeted by graduate employers in the High Fliers Graduate Market Report 2026. You can connect with dedicated career advisers, join commercial law, public sector career events, and connect with strong alumni networks.
Gain individual support with the International Study Centre
Designed for international students, this programme takes a unique, focused approach to teaching and curriculum. Your learning will be structured in the same way as University teaching, with an aim to individually support you as you enter into the British education system.
University of Leeds subject rankings
Ranked 69th in the world and 11th in the UK for Law and Legal Studies
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Top 100 in the world for Sociology
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Law is ranked 40th in the world for Employability
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Ranked 15th in the UK for Criminology
(Guardian University Guide 2026)
Ranked 53rd in the world for Arts & Humanities, and 77th for Social Sciences & Management
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
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 Name | Award | Overall Grade | English Grade | Grade Module |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Results | ||||
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.
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.
English language courses
Our online English Language preparation courses will help you develop your English language skills to the level required to begin your chosen pathway programme.