International Foundation Year
What is the International Foundation Year?
The International Foundation Year is a university preparation programme designed to improve your English language and academic skills. The pathway programme will help you transition into university learning.
After successful completion, providing you meet the entry requirements, you can progress to the first year of your undergraduate degree at the University. The skills you develop mean you can achieve success in all your ventures; in your degree, in your career and in the world.
Who is this programme for?
The University of Sussex Foundation Year is suitable for those who do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to an undergraduate degree at Sussex, or students who would like some extra support.
You will study a combination of core and subject-specific modules that focus on teaching you the English language, study skills, employability and academic areas most relevant to your chosen degree at Sussex. The teaching styles on this course mirror those at the University, so you will be familiar with Sussex's learning styles before you even start your degree.
Course length
- Two semesters
Entry points
- September, November (Enhanced Induction) and January
Find out more about specific semester dates for this programme.
There are requirements you must meet to study an academic programme at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. Find out more about the specific entry requirements for this programme.
Your course fees will vary depending on the programme you choose to study. Find out more about fees at the University of Sussex International Study Centre.
Choose your subject route
You choose to study one of the two subject routes below, which have different "pathway" options that focus on particular subjects. You choose your pathway based on your intended undergraduate programme, as it provides the deeper level of specialist knowledge you need for degree study.
Business, Media and Social Sciences
Venture into business with a pathway programme that will prepare you to study a degree at one of the UK’s top business schools. Start your career in business today.
Science and Engineering
Boost your scientific and engineering knowledge with an exciting pathway programme at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. Succeed in science at Sussex.
Why study the International Foundation Year?
By studying this programme, you can benefit in the long term by getting an insight into your chosen subject ahead of beginning your university degree. You will be guided through your first year in the UK by our attentive staff, and be given all the emotional and academic support you need to feel comfortable and prepared for success.
Other reasons to study include:
Flexible programmes
At a certain point during your pathway programme, you will have the option to change your chosen progression degree, guided by our expert staff. This gives you the chance to explore the subjects in further depth before choosing the one that interests you the most.
Focus on your career
We know that you may already be thinking about your future career, which is why we have integrated a careers element into our academic courses at the International Study Centre. Our Skills for Success module will guide you towards making the right choices and give you the tools you need to stand out in the competitive graduate job market.
Assess your progress
We will assess your progress regularly to ensure you are on track to complete your course successfully, so that you can go on to study your chosen degree at Sussex. You may take part in exams, seminar discussions, group projects, presentations, laboratory practicals, software exercises and essays as part of your overall assessment.
Improve your English
Need to improve your English language or raise your IELTS score? You can study one of our English language courses online before the International Foundation Year, or Language Lift – studied simultaneously with your course.
Study plan options
| English language level | Semesters | Start date | End date | Progress to the University of Sussex |
| IELTS 5.0 (5.0 in writing) | 2 semesters | September | May | September |
| IELTS 5.0 (5.0 in writing) | 2 semesters plus 3 weeks of additional study and life skills | November | August | September |
| IELTS 5.0 (5.0 in writing) | 2 semesters | January | August | September |
Join us today
Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!