International Foundation Year in Business, Media and Social Sciences

Academic English Skills (30 credits) 

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide. 

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context. 

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning. 

Media, Communication and Society (15 credits)  

This module develops your understanding of the role that media plays in shaping today’s social, cultural, business and political world. Throughout the module you will explore a range of contexts where media is used, whilst developing core transferable skills, which are useful in other modules, future study, career and beyond. In the final weeks of the module you will apply your knowledge and practise these skills for a final group assessment.   

Applications of Maths (15 credits)  

The aim of this module is to provide you with opportunities to develop, practice and demonstrate core mathematical skills relevant to a range of undergraduate degree courses at the University of Sussex. Through seminars and independent study, the module will enable you to apply these concepts and skills, including the use of spreadsheets, to real-life situations.

Accounting (15 credits)  

This module is designed to provide you with greater awareness and skills to consider real-world businesses. You will develop an understanding of the importance of good record-keeping and managing finance to a business’s survival and success.  

Business Management (15 credits)  

This module will provide you with an academic experience with a strong emphasis on the development of business knowledge, skills and capabilities appropriate to the rapidly changing global, cultural and technological business environment.  

Economics (15 credits)  

This module will introduce you to the main theories and concepts of how businesses factor micro and macroeconomics into their strategic planning and key decision making. You will develop skills to analyse and correlate economic theory with current national and international affairs, and understand the importance it plays in the wider economy.   

Marketing (15 credits)  

This module provides you with an insight into the fundamentals of marketing and a foundation of knowledge to equip you to succeed in the commercial business environment.  

Organisational Behaviour (15 credits)  

This module will provide you with an insight into organisational behaviour and human resource management. You will gain a foundation of understanding to be developed by further studies, enabling you to know and understand the fundamental aspects of managing staff.

Academic English Skills (30 credits) 

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide. 

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context. 

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning. 

Media, Communication and Society (15 credits)  

This module develops your understanding of the role that media plays in shaping today’s social, cultural, business and political world. Throughout the module you will explore a range of contexts where media is used, whilst developing core transferable skills, which are useful in other modules, future study, career and beyond. In the final weeks of the module you will apply your knowledge and practise these skills for a final group assessment.   

 Applications of Maths (15 credits)  

The aim of this module is to provide you with opportunities to develop, practice and demonstrate core mathematical skills relevant to a range of undergraduate degree courses at the University of Sussex. Through seminars and independent study, the module will enable you to apply these concepts and skills, including the use of spreadsheets, to real-life situations.

Criminology (15 credits)

This module provides you with an introduction to issues and concepts related to the field of criminology, including reference to sociological theory and contemporary case studies, and opportunities to develop your oral and written skills in English through group discussion, assessed presentations and written work, encouraging open debate and critical evaluation.

Economics (15 credits)

This module will introduce you to the main theories and concepts of how businesses factor micro and macroeconomics into their strategic planning and key decision making. You will develop skills to analyse and correlate economic theory with current national and international affairs, and understand the importance it plays in the wider economy.

English Legal System (15 credits)

This module introduces you to the processes and institutions associated with the English legal system. The module covers key terms, concepts, case studies, approaches and perspectives. You will develop your research skills through tutorials, workshops, seminars and lectures. By studying this module, you will also develop your independent learning skills and critical ability.

International Relations and International Development (15 credits)

This module generates a lively interest in the study of global affairs. This module will introduce you to basic topics, themes, concepts, and perspectives in the academic disciplines of International Relations (IR) and International Development (ID). With the purpose of developing specific subject knowledge of the two disciplines, and practicing and developing key, relevant skills.

Politics (15 credits)

This module provides you with an introduction to political ideas and theory, developing your academic skills through practicing research, presentation and written skills through guided tasks and assessment and enabling you to engage in discussion, debate and critical thinking surrounding contemporary political issues.

Academic English Skills (30 credits) 

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide. 

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context. 

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning. 

Media, Communication and Society (15 credits)  

This module develops your understanding of the role that media plays in shaping today’s social, cultural, business and political world. Throughout the module you will explore a range of contexts where media is used, whilst developing core transferable skills, which are useful in other modules, future study, career and beyond. In the final weeks of the module you will apply your knowledge and practise these skills for a final group assessment. 

Criminology (15 credits)  

This module provides you with an introduction to issues and concepts related to the field of criminology, including reference to sociological theory and contemporary case studies, and opportunities to develop your oral and written skills in English through group discussion, assessed presentations and written work, encouraging open debate and critical evaluation. 

Economics (15 credits)  

This module will introduce you to the main theories and concepts of how businesses factor micro and macroeconomics into their strategic planning and key decision making. You will develop skills to analyse and correlate economic theory with current national and international affairs, and understand the importance it plays in the wider economy. 

English Legal System (15 credits)  

This module introduces you to the processes and institutions associated with the English legal system. The module covers key terms, concepts, case studies, approaches and perspectives. You will develop your research skills through tutorials, workshops, seminars and lectures. By studying this module, you will also develop your independent learning skills and critical ability.

International Relations and International Development (15 credits)  

This module generates a lively interest in the study of global affairs. This module will introduce you to basic topics, themes, concepts, and perspectives in the academic disciplines of International Relations (IR) and International Development (ID). With the purpose of developing specific subject knowledge of the two disciplines, and practicing and developing key, relevant skills. 

Politics (15 credits)  

This module provides you with an introduction to political ideas and theory, developing your academic skills through practicing research, presentation and written skills through guided tasks and assessment and enabling you to engage in discussion, debate and critical thinking surrounding contemporary political issues.

Academic English Skills (30 credits) 

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide. 

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context. 

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

Media, Communication and Society (15 credits)  

This module develops your understanding of the role that media plays in shaping today’s social, cultural, business and political world. Throughout the module you will explore a range of contexts where media is used, whilst developing core transferable skills, which are useful in other modules, future study, career and beyond. In the final weeks of the module you will apply your knowledge and practise these skills for a final group assessment.  

Screen Studies (15 credits)  

This module gives you the necessary analytical skills to understand and interpret screen media, and will prepare you for studying film and media at the University of Sussex. You will develop understanding of the core theoretical and practical aspects of screen media and the film industry through studying a wide range of films, shows, music videos, adverts and video games. 

Global Cinemas (15 credits)  

In this module you will study film forms and film movements, engaging with examples from European and global cinema. You will learn how to analyse film texts according to their historical, cultural and social contexts, by engaging with key theoretical debates and textual analysis. 

Creative Media Technologies: Digital Video (15 credits)  

This module will equip you with a basic understanding and awareness of visual media and how to convey meaning through the moving image. You’ll be introduced to many of the technical skills required in filmmaking practices. You will develop your team-working and independent working skills across different types of tasks. You will regularly be expected to present and critically review your work in front of the class. You will also learn how to provide constructive criticism to others and apply it to yourself. 

Creative Media Technologies: Photography (15 credits)  

This module will introduce you to the basic theory and concepts of photography as a medium and develop your appreciation of the possible meanings generated by the still image when placed within different contexts and modes of practice. You will produce a portfolio of photographic work, and experience the creative potential of photography, and some of the historical and critical aspects of photographic practice. 

Media Representation (15 credits)  

In this module you will develop your understanding of representations of social groups, issues, events and places in a wide range of media texts including advertising, film, cartoons and news media, through case studies and regular activities designed to practice and improve analytical and evaluative skills. In doing so, you will deepen your awareness of how media products reflect and shape the social, cultural, historical and political contexts in which they are produced.

Academic English Skills (30 credits) 

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide. 

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context. 

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning. 

Media, Communication and Society (15 credits)  

This module develops your understanding of the role that media plays in shaping today’s social, cultural, business and political world. Throughout the module you will explore a range of contexts where media is used, whilst developing core transferable skills, which are useful in other modules, future study, career and beyond. In the final weeks of the module you will apply your knowledge and practise these skills for a final group assessment. 

Applications of Maths^ OR Pure Maths 1 (15 credits)  

Applications of Maths 

The aim of this module is to provide you with opportunities to develop, practice and demonstrate core mathematical skills relevant to a range of undergraduate degree courses at the University of Sussex. Through seminars and independent study, the module will enable you to apply these concepts and skills, including the use of spreadsheets, to real-life situations. 

Pure Maths 1 

This module aims to provide a solid foundation in mathematics applicable across several disciplines including computing, engineering, life sciences and psychology. The module will develop your confidence in some of the basics such as algebra and calculus, which will prepare you for further study. 

Accounting (15 credits)  

This module is designed to provide you with greater awareness and skills to consider real-world businesses. You will develop an understanding of the importance of good record-keeping and managing finance to a business’s survival and success. 

Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)  

This module will enable you to gain a thorough understanding of the essential algorithms and data structures in computer science. Algorithms are the fundamental building blocks of computer science and an effective knowledge of how to derive original algorithms in addition to an awareness of classic algorithms is an essential skill for all computer scientists. Through engaging activities and practical exercises, you will sharpen your computational thinking abilities, enabling you to effectively analyse and tackle real-world problems in the realm of computer science.

^{^Preferred Module – students on this route are most likely to study this module. You may choose the alternative module given instead.}

Object Oriented Programming (15 credits)  

This module will provide you with an understanding of how to design algorithms to solve a range of real-world problems in the Java programming language. The module will teach you all of the core concepts required within a programming language from an object-oriented perspective. Throughout the module you will learn to analyse the requirements of a problem and design and develop solutions to solve the problem using Java. 

Economics (15 credits)  

This module will introduce you to the main theories and concepts of how businesses factor micro and macroeconomics into their strategic planning and key decision making. You will develop skills to analyse and correlate economic theory with current national and international affairs, and understand the importance it plays in the wider economy.

Mathematics GCSE grade 4 OR pass in Core Mathematics module required for progression to the following degrees:

• Business and Management Studies BSc (Hons)
• Business and Management Studies (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
• International Business BSc (Hons)
• International Business (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
• Law with Business and Management LLB (Hons)

Mathematics GCSE grade 5 OR pass in Core Mathematics module required for progression to the following degrees:

• Geography BA (Hons)
• Geography BSc (Hons)
• Geography and Anthropology BA (Hons)
• Geography and International Development BA (Hons)
• Geography and International Relations BA

Mathematics GCSE grade 6/C or equivalent OR pass in Core Mathematics module required for progression to the following degrees:

• Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)
• Accounting and Finance (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
• Banking and Digital Finance BSc (Hons)
• Banking and Digital Finance (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
• Economics BA (Hons)
• Economics BSc (Hons)
• Economics (with a professional placement year) BA (Hons)
• Economics (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
• Economics and Finance BSc (Hons)
• Economics and International Development BA (Hons)
• Economics and International Relations BA (Hons)
• Economics and Management Studies BSc (Hons)
• Economics and Politics BA (Hons)
• Finance and Business BSc (Hons)
• Finance and Business (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
• Finance and Technology (FinTech) BSc (Hons)
• Marketing and Management BSc (Hons)
• Marketing and Management (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
• Marketing and Management with Psychology BSc (Hons)
• Marketing and Management with Psychology (with a professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
• Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) BA (Hons)