International Study Centre

Extended International Foundation Year in Business, Law and Social Studies

Find out more about studying Business, Law and Social Studies

Your pathway to the first year of your chosen degree in business, law or social studies

This extended programme includes academic modules, study skills and English language training, providing complete preparation for your undergraduate degree.

  • Increase your knowledge of the language used in business, law, and economics
  • Learn the critical definitions required for the study of business, law, and economics at degree level
  • Develop your English language skills
  • Enhance your study skills
  • Strengthen your mathematical ability

Semester 0 modules

Semester 0 is a preparatory course which you must pass before you can progress to semester 1. The International Foundation Year programme starts at semester 1.

This module introduces the key topics to students who have not studied business and law previously. Students need to develop a basic knowledge of key business and law concepts in the UK to progress successfully onto the standard Business and Law Foundation Programme. Development and strengthening of knowledge and understanding will underpin foundation level study and consolidate prior learning acquired in their home country. Students will also develop skills relevant to business and law topics including self-directed study, academic writing, critical thinking and research to prepare them for entry to the programme.

This module introduces, at a basic level, the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills that students will need to study in an HE environment in English and to start to familiarise them with aspects of HE academic culture. The module will also expand students’ active vocabulary in both general and academic English. Finally, the module will extend the students’ knowledge of and ability to use the language structures and phonology needed to function at an overall English language level of CEFR B1.

This module aims to introduce and develop the techniques needed to study mathematics for use in business, laying the foundations needed for future study. It also aims to develop confidence in using mathematical skills so students can communicate effectively using mathematics.

This module aims to introduce students to the concepts of time management, self-evaluation and independent learning, as these are key elements of subsequent modules. Understanding planning, the writing process and how to research is also important for university success, and therefore will also be covered within this module.

Progress to semester 1

To progress to semester one, you need to obtain required grades in modules.

Overall English Study Skills
40% 50% 40%

To develop your understanding of both the operational and strategic problems facing the business enterprise in the modern market economy, with particular reference to marketing management, advertising and public relations (PR). This module will advance students’ knowledge of management processes and themes in contemporary business management.

This module will provide you with an understanding of the principles of Economics and a foundation for further study of the subject within a business or law related degree. You will be taught a combination of micro-economic and macro-economic content, drawing on local, national and international contexts. Students will be able to identify economic concepts and theories in a range of contexts and appreciate their value and limitations in explaining real-world phenomena.

You will develop your English communication skills and learn a range of study skills, including: writing and reading strategies, presentation and seminar participation, organisation of time and materials, meeting deadlines and responding to feedback. When you have completed these modules, you will be able to take notes and write essays in English. You should also have the confidence to give presentations, answer follow-up questions and contribute to seminar discussions.

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the key concepts of business studies. It will help you to develop an understanding of both the operational and strategic problems facing the business enterprise in the modern market economy. This module considers the practical aspects of setting up, establishing and running a business and looks at the external influences that could have a major impact on business success.

This module will introduce you to the concept of law as a subject and the role of law in society. It will also introduce you to the principles which underpin the English legal system, the mechanics of the legal process, justice in a wider sense, and the personnel who administer it.

This module aims to provide you with basic knowledge of mathematics for progression to a degree programme in business related subjects. You will also acquire an understanding of the fundamental concepts of business maths using a selection of real-world applications. The module will enable you to establish a firm foundation in mathematical applications for finance and accountancy.

You will complete a self-study project on a topic that you will take, in consultation with your tutor, from the academic discipline that you will subsequently study at degree level. This will also include computer (word processing) skills.

To introduce students to basic legal principles and practice in contract law and consumer protection. Students will also receive an introduction to the principles, issues and legislations relating to contract and consumer protection.

Optional modules

To provide students with knowledge and an understanding of politics and business in an ever globalized world. The module will address the key challenges, issues and approaches to politics as a global activity, and business in a globalized market.

To provide a basic knowledge of financial mathematics for progression to a degree programme in business related subjects, and to establish a firm foundation in mathematical applications for finance and accountancy.

Study Plans

IELTS Length September - December January - March April - June June - August September
4 (minimum of 4.0 in all skill areas) 3 Semesters   Start your degree
   Extended International Foundation Year

Entry requirements

English language: Academic IELTS for UKVI overall 4.0 (minimum 4.0 in each area)

Nationality: Available to international and EU students

Age: 17+ (view our under-18s guidance)

Academic entry requirements

Good high school graduation grades or equivalent academic study. Please see below. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Country Qualification
Bangladesh Successful completion of High School Certificate at an average grade of 50%
Bahrain Tawjahiya (secondary school leaving cert) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects
China (Mainland) Successful completion of Senior High 2 at an average grade of 70% or Senior High 3 at an average of 65% or above
China (Hong Kong) Successful completion of the HKCEE with 4 x E's in academic subjects or Form 5 in a minimum of 3 academic subjects (grades will be assessed on a case by case basis) or HKDSE with minimum grades 222 in relevant subjects
China (Macau) Successful completion of Form 5 or Senior Middle 2 with an average grade of 60%
Ghana Successful completion of the West African School Certificate (WAEC) with grades 1-8 in 4 relevant subjects
India Successful completion of Standard 10 with 65% or Standard 10+1 with 55%
Indonesia Successful completion of SMU 2/Sikolah Menegah with a average of 7.0
Iran Successful completion of High School Diploma (3 years) with passes in 4 relevant subjects
Japan Successful completion of Kotogakko with a GPA of 2.0
Jordan Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 50% in 4 relevant subjects
Kazakhstan Successful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education
Kuwait Shahadat-al-thanawia-al-a'ama (General Secondary School Leaving Certificate) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects
Korea Korean high school graduation equivalency exam - 60%+ including relevant subjects
Libya Successful completion Secondary Education Certificate with average of 60%
Malaysia SPM school: Form 5, Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 4 subjects to include English and Maths
Mexico Successful completion of Bachillerato with average grade of 65%
Myanmar High School Diploma: 60% PLUS 1 year of further study
Nigeria Successful completion of West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate with grades 1-8 in 4 relevant subjects
Oman Thanawiya Amma (School Leaving Certificate) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects
Pakistan Successful completion of High Secondary Certificate (50%) or SSC (65%)
Qatar Successful completion of Thanawaya Aam Qatari with average grade 60%
Russia Successful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with a GPA of 3.5
Saudi Arabia Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 60% in 4 relevant subjects
Singapore Form 5: Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 4 subjects to include English and
Taiwan Successful completion of Senior High 2 at an average grade of 60% or Senior High 3 at an average of 55% and passes in 4 or more subjects
Thailand Successful completion Mathayom 6 with a GPA of 2.0 in relevant subjects
Turkey Successful completion of Deviet Lisen Bitirme Diplomasi or High School year 3 - minimum overall grade 45%, including relevant subjects
UAE Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 60%
Ukraine Successful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with a GPA of 4.5
Vietnam Successful completion of Year 12 with a GPA of 6.0

Other qualifications

The Diploma of the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) and the Diploma Programme Course (IB Certificate)
 20 / 40 UCAS points
IGCSE 4 passes at A-C in relevant subjects

For courses starting in September 2021, you can choose how you study so you can either join us on campus or start your studies virtually from home and come to campus at a later date. Find out more here.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are now able to accept a wider range of English tests for entry in September 2021.

Joining us on campus

You can start your studies with a UKVI- approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), provided you have met all the programme entry requirements.

The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.

  • IELTS Academic for UKVI
  • Trinity Integrated Skills in English
  • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
  • Language Cert SELT

Starting your studies virtually from home and coming to campus at a later date

You can start your studies virtually with a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) as above or you can provide proof of your English language proficiency with an alternative test. This is possible because you do not need a Student Visa to start virtually from your home country.

You will need to obtain a SELT with the required minimum score to make a Student Visa application in order to come to campus.

The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.

Alternative tests accepted include:

  • IELTS Academic
  • IELTS Indicator
  • Pearson PTE Academic
  • Language Cert International ESOL
  • TOEFL iBT/iBT Home addition
  • Cambridge ESOL
  • Duolingo
  • Linguaskill
  • Oxford Test of English

Progression degrees

Successful completion of this programme leads to a range of undergraduate degrees at LJMU, subject to achieving the required grades. As well as achieving the grades necessary, you will be required to take an Academic English Studies (AES) test at the end of your course. Once you successfully complete this, you will be ready to start your degree at Liverpool John Moores University.

Degree Programmes Award Overall Grade English Grade Additional Grade
Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component -
Business and Public Relations BA (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component -
Business Management BSc (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component -
Business with Finance BA (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component -
Business with International Business Management BA (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component -
Business with Marketing BA (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component -
Computer Forensics BSc (Hons) 55% 50% with 40% in each component -
Computer Games Development BSc (Hons) 55% 50% with 40% in each component -
Computer Science BSc (Hons) 55% 50% with 40% in each component -
Computer Security BSc (Hons) 55% 50% with 40% in each component -
Criminal Justice BA (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component -
Criminology BA (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component -

Student will be interviewed prior to any degree offer being made:

  • Journalism BA (Hons)

*The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the course. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.

If you are applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route it may be necessary for you to submit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of your visa application.

Find out more about valid test providers and approved test centre locations for tests taken on or after 6 April 2015 (as well as information about valid SELT tests if taken before 6 April 2015**). To find out if you are exempt from the SELT requirement and to find out about acceptable English language tests please contact us.

** SELT taken before 6th April 2015 is only valid if used as part of a Student visa application submitted before 5th November 2015. The certificate is subject to the validity periods as outlined in the table in the link above.

Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.