International Foundation Year in Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture
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. Learn more about how humans can work in harmony with the natural world and choose to progress to a degree in architecture, environmental geography or an engineering subject. You choose a route depending on which undergraduate degree you plan to study. Specialise in one of three routes: architecture, engineering, or physical sciences. Which route you choose impacts the modules you will study.
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.
Your pathway to Cardiff University
Cardiff University International Study Centre puts you on the path to an exciting future. Our International Foundation Year develops your subject knowledge and English language skills, ready for your undergraduate degree. Progress to a respected Russell Group university. Degree programmes are enhanced by industrial collaboration, giving you the skills, experience and contacts to achieve your career goals.
What will I study?
As a student on the this 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 Academic English Skills course teaches students the specific academic language skills they need to develop for success at Cardiff University. The course focuses on the 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.
The overall aim of these modules is to provide students with a foundation in core mathematical concepts and theories in engineering and science disciplines. The module supports students to recall mathematical facts, concepts and techniques, and develop the mathematical background required for their studies at Higher Education in the UK.
The overall aim of the module is to improve students’ understanding and critical appreciation of the ideas, practices and techniques in relation to design thinking processes, focusing particularly on how to structure a project, how to conduct research from a variety of primary and secondary data, and how to produce and generate ideas with on-going evaluation and reflection. Students will practise each stage of the creative process based on a given brief, considering the needs of clients and for a specific audience. Students will practise with appropriate and professional communication skills to boost their confidence in participating and discussing ideas. In addition, this is a preliminary module which consolidates fundamental skills for all future learning in a design project.
The overall aim of the module is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of foundations in physics including phases of matter, thermal properties of matter, elastic properties of solids, waves, electrical circuits, and basic data analytics skills. The module aims to develop students’ physics background, providing them with the sound foundation required for their studies at Higher Education in the UK. The module focuses on student-led activities to boost their confidence when carrying out practical tasks and applying their mathematical skills to solve physics problems. Additionally, students will build their technical English writing skills to critically analyse and discuss results obtained from practical tasks.
Architecture modules
The aim of this module is to explore how cities grow and change and how urbanisation process has impacted urban and public life. Students will be introduced to the factors and processes that have influenced and promoted urban growth and consider their relevance from history to contemporary urban contexts. Students will understand and explore the concepts of diversity, integration, sustainability and social inclusion, and develop the skills for critical thinking and analysis of their environment. In addition, students will gain experience of field work, project work and interaction with local communities to learn what will prepare them for a wide range of urban environment study in future learning.
This module is designed to introduce to students the development of creativity and visual perception through exploration. It seeks to develop some of the essential skills required by undergraduates studying in this field. The module will improve students’ understanding and critical appreciation of the ideas to identify their personal strengths and interests, and introduces concept development through a range of research, media, processes and reflection. In addition, students will demonstrate the ability to move through initial research to development of ideas and refine a final outcome.
Computing modules
This module sets out essential concepts and skills relating to the ability to use computational thinking and coding to create simple computer programs. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the principles of computing (including programming) and how these are applied to the solution of real problems. The emphasis in this module is to continue to develop the students’ relevant computing skills while pointing the contents particularly towards the demands of first year undergraduate study in relevant subject areas.
The aim of the module is to provide students with a foundation in core statistical concepts. The module supports students to recall principles and concepts in statistics and develop the mathematical and statistical background, required for their studies at Higher Education in the UK.
Chemistry, Earth and Ocean Sciences modules
The module will help students to develop skills and confidence in applying fundamental Chemistry concepts as well as thinking analytical. By recognising the crucial role of Chemistry to the chemical or biological and health sciences, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to study these topics in greater depth.
Engineering, Physics and Mathematics modules
The overall aim of the module is to provide students with a foundation in the relationship between mathematical models and methods that can be used to solve practical problems. Students will develop a solid understanding of mathematical notation and relevant technical terminology. The module aims to support students’ transition to undergraduate studies in physical sciences and engineering disciplines at the University of Cardiff.
The overall aim of the module is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of foundations in physics including phases of matter, thermal properties of matter, elastic properties of solids, waves, electrical circuits, and basic data analytics skills. The module aims to develop students’ physics background, providing them with the sound foundation required for their studies at Higher Education in the UK. The module focuses on student-led activities to boost their confidence when carrying out practical tasks and applying their mathematical skills to solve physics problems. Additionally, students will build their technical English writing skills to critically analyse and discuss results obtained from practical tasks.
The aim of the module is to provide students with a foundation in core statistical concepts. The module supports students to recall principles and concepts in statistics and develop the mathematical and statistical background, required for their studies at Higher Education in the UK.
High student satisfaction
100% of students on both MMath Mathematics and BSc Mathematics, Operational Research and Statistics with a Placement Year were satisfied with their course.
Source: most recent National Student Survey
Top 100
in the world for Architecture and the Built Environment.
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
Progress to your degree
After completing your International Foundation Year and achieving the necessary grades, you can transition to your chosen undergraduate degree. Please note that for students wishing to progress to Architecture: the Architecture School will review a Design Portfolio in addition to the grades listed. You must pass this portfolio in order to be offered a place on Architecture. If you are unsuccessful in your portfolio the ISC will support you with alternative options.
| Degree Programme Name | Award | Overall Grade | English Grade | Grade Module |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Results | ||||
For the following degrees the Architecture School will review a Design Portfolio in addition to the grades listed. You must pass this portfolio in order to be offered a place on Architecture. If you are unsuccessful in your portfolio the ISC will support you with alternative option:
- BSc (Hons) Architecture
- MArch Architecture
