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Accelerated International Foundation Year in Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance

With the Accelerated International Foundation Year, you’ll gain all the high-quality academic and English language teaching you need for success at Cardiff University in just 22 weeks. Once you successfully complete this intensive programme and achieve the required grades, you can progress to the first year of your chosen undergraduate degree. 

You will study a subject route depending on your chosen progression degree. You have four options: Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Economics, or Financial Mathematics. The route you choose will impact the modules you’ll study during your time with us.

Key facts

  • Entry Point: March
  • Length: 22 weeks

Entry requirements

Check our academic and English language entry requirements

Fees

Visit the Fees page for full details.

Your pathway to a business career

With the Cardiff University International Study Centre, you’re on the way to an exciting future. The Accelerated International Foundation Year prepares you for your life and studies at Cardiff University. Once you have progressed to Cardiff, your degree programmes are enhanced by industry collaboration, so you can gain the skills, experience, and professional network you need to achieve your goals.

What will I study?

You will study a blend of core modules, designed to prepare you for studying at a UK university, and subject-specific modules where you’ll gain the knowledge needed for your degree.

Core modules

The Academic English Skills course teaches students the specific academic language skills they need to develop for success at Cardiff University. The course focuses on receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) skills through practice in semi and authentic task-based activities which build a strong foundation in preparation for each student's future studies. This critical module places particular emphasis on developing academic reading and research skills; research-based writing along with presentation and seminar speaking skills.

This module is designed as in introductory course to the fundamental principles of mathematics and statistics, providing students with the necessary skills in statistical analysis essential for students' undergraduate studies in Economics, Finance, and Business disciplines. It offers students valuable opportunity to develop practical skills, equipping students to effectively apply quantitative analysis in real-world contexts. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are thoroughly prepared to navigate the multifaced terrain of Economics, Finance, and Business, where a deep understanding of quantitative aspects is vital for informed decision-making and problem-solving.

Accounting and Finance modules

This module is carefully structured to elevate students’ comprehension of business management concepts while applying this knowledge to address intricate sustainability challenges, often referred to as “wicked problems,” within in the realms of Economics, Business Management and Finance. By infusing sustainability into the curriculum, students are poised to apply business management concepts and cultivate investigative project skills, empowering them to tackle real-world issues as guided by the United Nation's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals.

This module provides essential knowledge and applications of the principles, and techniques in accounting and financial management.  It aims to cultivate problem-solving abilities grounded in logical thinking, methodical data analysis, effective communication, and informed decision-making. Attaining a solid grasp of accounting topics within this module equips students with a robust foundation, laying the groundwork for their undergraduate studies at Cardiff University.

Business Management modules

This module is carefully structured to elevate students’ comprehension of accounting while applying this knowledge to address intricate sustainability challenges, often referred to as “wicked problems,” within in the realms of Economics, Business and Finance. By infusing sustainability into the curriculum, students are poised to apply accounting knowledge and cultivate investigative project skills, empowering them to tackle real-world issues as guided by the United Nation's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals.

This module has been designed to provide students with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted world of business. As students continue their academic journey, it becomes ever more essential for them to build a strong foundation of knowledge. This foundation will equip students with the confidence and expertise needed to successfully navigate the intricate world of contemporary business. Students will be prepared to tackle complex business challenges, make strategic decisions, and contribute effectively to the success of organisations in diverse industries. This module serves as a crucial stepping stone toward students' future careers in business and management.

Economics modules

This module is carefully structured to elevate students’ comprehension of business management concepts while applying this knowledge to address intricate sustainability challenges, often referred to as “wicked problems,” within in the realms of Economics, Business Management and Finance. By infusing sustainability into the curriculum, students are poised to apply business management concepts and cultivate investigative project skills, empowering them to tackle real-world issues as guided by the United Nation's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals.

This module provides a thorough grounding in both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, with a particular focus on nurturing an economist’s mindset. It empowers students with the analytical capabilities required to evaluate business and economic data, including government policies and interventions. Establishing a strong grasp of economic concepts through this module serves as a sturdy foundation for students as they embark on their undergraduate journey at Cardiff University.

Financial Mathematics modules

This module is carefully structured to elevate students’ comprehension of business management concepts while applying this knowledge to address intricate sustainability challenges, often referred to as “wicked problems,” within in the realms of Economics, Business Management and Finance. By infusing sustainability into the curriculum, students are poised to apply business management concepts and cultivate investigative project skills, empowering them to tackle real-world issues as guided by the United Nation's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals.

This module provides essential knowledge and applications of the principles, and techniques in accounting and financial management.  It aims to cultivate problem-solving abilities grounded in logical thinking, methodical data analysis, effective communication, and informed decision-making. Attaining a solid grasp of accounting topics within this module equips students with a robust foundation, laying the groundwork for their undergraduate studies at Cardiff University.

Professionally accredited

AACSB accredited business school

Top 100

in the world for Marketing.

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Progress to your degree

Once you’ve completed the programme and achieved the necessary grades, you can progress to your chosen undergraduate degree at Cardiff University.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
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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.