Two Kingston ISC students working together

International Foundation Year

What is the International Foundation Year?

The International Foundation Year is for international students who want a well-rounded, supportive introduction to an undergraduate degree at Kingston University London. Taught in three interesting subject pathways, this programme will help you transition into university lifestyle and ensure your success while studying abroad.

Key Facts

Three terms

Find out more about specific term dates for this programme.

September, November (Enhanced Induction) and January

Find out more about entry requirements and course fees for this programme.

Why study the International Foundation Year?

This programme is designed to prepare you to enter the first year of your undergraduate degree. By studying the International Foundation Year, you will benefit from:

a base of knowledge in your course subject area
the level of English language required for your undergraduate studies
bettered academic study skills
a focused approach to teaching
smaller-sized classes with lessons catered to you
a useful introduction to campus life.

Once you have successfully completed the programme, and achieved the required grades, you will be well-equipped to start your chosen undergraduate degree at Kingston University London.

What you will study

The International Foundation Year is made up of several core and route-specific modules that will better your understanding of your chosen subject area. Depending on your choice of pathway, you can cater your modules to benefit your future career path. The course will also incorporate English language tuition, which will be focused on improving your speaking, writing and academic language skills, and prepare you for learning in a second language.

English language tuition

If you need to improve your level of English language to enter the International Foundation Year, additional English language training is available. You will need an Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (with no skills less than 4.5) or equivalent to study the English Language Preparation Online International Foundation Year.

Please visit the entry requirements page for more information.

Prepare for Success

5 weeks before you start your programme, you will be automatically enrolled in our complimentary online programme Prepare for Success. You'll benefit from useful insights into studying abroad and have the opportunity to gain key skills before you start your pathway programme.

A Kingston University student sat in a computer lab

International Business, Economics and Accounting

Prepare for a degree in Business at this entrepreneurial university. This pathway will cover key industry areas, including marketing, advertising and business economics, to give you the base of knowledge you'll need to study a range of enterprising degrees.

Students in a class at Kingston International Study Centre

Law and Social Sciences

With this pathway, you'll be prepared for degrees in a range of subjects, such as criminology, law, journalism, human rights and sociology. You will gain knowledge of a wide variety of topics, such as politics, economy and social studies and more.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

This pathway is for those with scientific minds, who are hoping to study a degree in the above fields. You will be prepared for your undergraduate studies with an introduction to topics like computing and physics.

Kingston University students talking to a tutor

How to apply

See how to apply for a course at the International Study Centre and view the documents you need to provide with your application.

Assessments during the programme

There are assessments at the end of each module, which are a combination of examinations, coursework, presentations and extended essays. Continuous assessment is also a feature of the course with lectures, small group seminar work and self directed study.

"I have a passion to improve people’s lives. I’ve got an idea on how to better distribute medicines in Nigeria and I am planning to open my own consultancy once I graduate. I chose Kingston because of the great job they’re doing with start-up companies."

Innocent from Nigeria

Studied International Foundation Year in Science, Engineering and Computing

Progressed to BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science

Join us today

Our student enrolment advisors are available to answer your questions and help you with your application. We can’t wait to meet you.