The International Foundation Year provides:

  • Student A one year course for overseas students whose home educational system does not provide the necessary specialisation for direct admission to Honours courses.
  • A range of modules aimed at bridging the gap between current qualifications and the knowledge and skills required for Honours degree courses.
  • An excellent opportunity for students to improve their English while studying at a university in the UK prior to starting an Honours degree programme.
  • Teaching on campus, by Keele University staff.
  • Regular contact with a personal tutor, at least weekly.
  • Accommodation on campus.

"As an international humanities student, I came to Keele with a lot of fear and anxiety about learning in a new environment. However, such hindrances were quickly overcome as a result of the excellent programme offered by the Foundation Year. Now, as a year one student, I am positive and self-assured about my future and I owe it all to the Foundation Year programme."

Arden Ennis: Foundation Year student 2011-2012, now studying English and History.

Entry Requirements and Fees

To enter the International Foundation Year, you must have the following minimum qualifications:

  • IELTS level 5 (with at least level 5 in all subtests) or an equivalent English language qualification
  • A national high school leaving certificate/diploma , or academic qualifications equivalent to UK 'A' levels grade C or 'AS' levels grade B
  • A numerate or mathematics qualification equivalent to GCSE/'O'level grade C

The fee for this course is £8,880 (2013/14 entry).  Any students who continue their degree studies at Keele receive a discount of £1,000 per year for each further year of undergraduate study here.

How to Apply

All applications must be made through UCAS. The UCAS course code is Y002.

Course Content

All students take core skills modules in English Language. In addition, they take modules related to the degree subjects which they wish to study after the International Foundation Year. Each student will be appointed a personal tutor who will arrange a meeting at least once a week and oversee academic development, as well helping in other ways with regard to being a Keele student. The choice of modules studied is individual to each student and tutors will help with discusions about tailored options. 

The main focus of the International Foundation Year is English Language development appropriate to preparing students for academic study: this covers all aspects of listening, speaking, reading and writing. However, the programme is designed to address the whole learning experience and individual approaches to study. Students have opportunities to consider their learning style and reflect on what influences their own learning. Relevant information and advice about studying and how to make the best use of the available resources will also be given.

Assessment is through a combination of examination and coursework, so all students are aware of their level of attainment throughout the programme. After successfully completing this year students should have reached the required English Language level to enter Year One of most of Keele's degree programmes.  They will also have developed skills and knowledge relating to their chosen degree subject and be familiar with University teaching and campus life.

Progression

There is a progression agreement guaranteeing a place on a Keele degree programme for all students completing the International Foundation Year, subject to the obtaining of certain threshold marks.

Alternatively, students may choose to continue their studies at another university, by applying through UCAS.

Further information

For further information, please contact:

Ms Catherine Gillions
International Foundation Year Programme Leader
Foundation Year Centre
Keele University
Staffordshire  ST5 5BG

Tel: 01782 733454

Email: c.e.gillions@keele.ac.uk

How to Apply

UCAS code Y002: International Foundation Year