What is the International Foundation Year?
The International Foundation Year prepares you for undergraduate study at Lancaster. You will focus on English language, study skills and academic modules, and start planning for your future career. After your foundation year, you can progress to your chosen degree at Lancaster – one of the UK’s top ten universities.
Who is the International Foundation Year for?
The International Foundation Year helps ambitious international students hoping to graduate with an undergraduate degree from a top-ranking UK university – but who may not yet meet the entry requirements needed to begin their degree. By completing our programme, students are able to begin their undergraduate degree with confidence.
How does the International Foundation Year work?
When you apply to the International Study Centre at Lancaster, you choose the undergraduate degree you wish to study upon progression to the University. Following successful completion of your chosen course, as well as achieving the required grades, you will progress to your degree programme at the University.
Your degree aim/selected degree path is not fixed. During your first term at the International Study Centre, you will be asked to select three degree choices. You will receive a conditional offer and this will be made unconditional on successful completion of the course – and on achieving the required progression grades. You will be supported in making appropriate degree choices and submitting your application to the University, including advice on completion of your personal statement.
International Foundation Year: fees and entry requirements
We want to make sure you're getting the most out of your programme, which is why we offer different entry requirements in order for you to enjoy your learning experience with us. If you need to improve your level of English before starting your International Foundation Year, we offer English Language Preparation to help you to improve your IELTS grade before beginning your pathway programme. Our English Language Preparation programmes have lower entry requirements, so you still have the opportunity to graduate with a degree from Lancaster.
There are different costs associated with each subject pathway, you can find out more about them on our fees page.
Choose your pathway