International Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities, Law and Social Sciences
The International Foundation Year prepares you for university with English language and study skills practice, as well as subject-specific teaching. When you complete the programme, you will progress to the first year of your undergraduate degree. This pathway allows you to progress to degrees in subjects including English, Journalism, History, Politics and many more. You choose a route depending on which undergraduate degree you plan to study. There are three routes: Law, Arts and Humanities and Social Science. Which route you choose impacts the modules you will study.
Key facts
- Intakes: September (all routes) or January*
*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.
Study the world around you
The International Foundation Year prepares you for your chosen undergraduate degree. At the International Study Centre, you will have support as you adjust to life in the UK, with academic and English language preparation to help you when you progress to Cardiff University.
What will I study?
As a student on the Arts, Humanities, Law and Social Sciences pathway of the International Foundation Year, you will study all of the 'core' modules as well as additional modules depending on which subject route you choose.
The aim of this module is to foster the development of basic research skills. The module will reinforce skills that are essential to university study, supporting and consolidating academic skills of the Academic English Skills module and subject areas.
These modules provide a general introduction to discipline and study of humanities and social science. Students will explore a range of topics which will help them understand the nature of social sciences and the processes that cause change locally and globally. Using a wide range of resource materials, students will be equipped with the key skills required for independent study, their personal lives and future employment.
Students on the programme will have a limited and diverse knowledge and understanding about the concept of globalisation. This module is designed to overcome this as well as providing students with a greater awareness of different theoretical perspectives on globalisation. Students will consider real-world events to explore the impact of increasing global interaction and will be encouraged to reflect upon the rise in global interrelations and their impact on nation states.
The aim of the module is to prepare students to engage in extended research in their chosen discipline. The module allows students to put into practice the knowledge and skills gained in the Academic English Skills and Academic Practice modules by undertaking independent research.
Psychology modules
This is an essential module for students on the International Foundation programme progressing into undergraduate degree programmes in Psychology. Psychology is a science of the mind and the module provides students with a range of key concepts. The module introduces the students to some of the key considerations in the study of psychology. The main focus of study is on the various approaches to the subject in general terms but students will also study the methods by which psychological investigation is undertaken.
Music modules
This module is taught as one of two core music modules for students on the International Foundation Year seeking to progress to undergraduate degrees in music at Cardiff University. The module introduces students to the fundamentals of music, through application of a range of key concepts, developing the requisite skills to successfully progress with confidence onto their chosen undergraduate degree programme. There will be an emphasis on gaining practical skills in musicianship and developing an awareness of the career options available to an aspiring musician.
Please note: modules may be different for students progressing to Music depending on the number of students with the same progression degree aim. Therefore students may study 'Studying Social Life' rather than 'Introduction to Music'.
Progress to your degree
After completing your International Foundation Year and achieving the necessary grades, you can transition to your chosen undergraduate degree. By completing this pathway, you will be able to progress to the following degrees:
Degree Programme Name | Award | Overall Grade | English Grade | Grade Module |
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Making an impact
A top 20 university in the UK for the overall quality of research, impact and environment.
Research Excellence Framework 2021
High ranking subjects
Ranked in the top 100 in the world for both English Language and Literature, and Sociology
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023