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International Foundation Year

Prepare for your undergraduate degree

The International Foundation Year is a two semester programme preparing you for an undergraduate degree at Cardiff University. There are four routes to choose from, with sub-routes within them related to your chosen degree subject. You will study a combination of English language preparation and subject-specific content and progress to an undergraduate degree when you complete the programme.

Key facts

*This intake is not available for progression to Optometry, Dental Surgery, Medicine, Medical Pharmacology or Pharmacy

  • Length: Two semesters
  • Study mode: On campus

Entry requirements

Check our academic and English language entry requirements

Fees

Visit the Fees page for full details.

Who is the International Foundation Year for?

The International Foundation Year is designed for international students who would like to study an undergraduate degree at Cardiff University. If you don't have the grades required for direct entry, you need to practise your English, or you just want a softer start to your university experience, it could be a great choice for you.

What will I study?

All students will study a module in Academic English Skills. This will support you to develop your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, with a particular focus on the language uses that will prove most useful throughout your studies at Cardiff University. This critical module runs throughout each semester at the International Study Centre, and features particular emphasis on grammar and language skills, whilst also allowing you to stretch yourself in your written and spoken work.

You will also study subject-specific modules, depending on which pathway route you choose.

Awrad from Kuwait

I think there are lots of things and lots of experiences to gain when studying abroad. It teaches you how to be more independent and allows you to view the world in a different perspective.

Awrad from Kuwait
Studied the International Foundation Year in Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture
Progressed to BEng Architectural Engineering 

Choose from four subject routes

Students studying together on campus

Arts, Humanities, Law and Social Sciences

Choose this pathway to progress to degrees in subjects like English, Journalism, History, Politics and many more. There are four routes: Law, Humanities and Social Sciences, Music, and Psychology.

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Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance

Studying business-related subjects will give you the option to progress to a degree in subjects including accounting, business management, financial mathematics, or a dual honours degree with a humanities subject.

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Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture

Choose to progress to a degree in architecture, environmental geography or an engineering subject. Specialise in one of five routes: architecture, chemistry, computing, earth and ocean sciences or engineering, physics and mathematics.

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Health, Medical and Life Sciences

Start your studies and work towards a career in health sciences by selecting one of four routes leading to a range of progression degrees. The routes are: Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacological and Life Sciences, or Psychology.

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How to apply

Find out more about the application process at Cardiff University International Study Centre and learn what information and documents you will need to provide.

Join us today

We're here to support you throughout the application process. Use our online application form and our student enrolment advisors will be available to answer your questions.