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Extended International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences

Learn about studying Engineering, Maths and Science before your degree.

Your pathway to the first year of your chosen undergraduate degree

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

  • You will be introduced to areas within mathematics, chemistry and biology which will allow you to prepare for undergraduate study.
  • The course covers calculus, algebra, chemistry and how it is taught in the UK, and physics and why it is essential for the study of science and engineering in the UK.
  • Develop your English language skills.
  • Enhance your study skills.
  • Strengthen your mathematical ability.

Key facts

  • Three semesters
  • September only

View course-specific entry requirements and course fees.

If you do not meet the English language requirements for your pathway programme, you can join an English language preparation course first.

With multiple entry points throughout the year, visit our semester dates page to see when you can join us.

Semester 0

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.

Semester 0 modules

- Understand the main points in straightforward texts on subjects of personal or professional interest, and distinguish between the main idea and related ideas in a simple academic text in order to answer specific questions.
- Communicate with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts with generally good control over language structures and vocabulary and express ideas clearly despite some influences from the mother tongue. 
- Write a short, simple academic essay on a familiar topic, if provided with a model.
- Take notes during a lecture which are precise enough for use at a later date.
- Effectively participate in a classroom discussion about an academic topic.
- Give a simple presentation on an academic topic and follow most of a clearly structured presentation within your own field. 

The course aims to introduce and develop the techniques needed to study mathematics for use in foundation programmes (such as Engineering, Life Science, Business and Computing), laying the foundations needed for future study. It aims to develop confidence in using mathematical skills so students can communicate effectively using mathematics.

This module focuses on the need for students at this level to extend their knowledge of and ability to use core study skills appropriate for academic study. Time management, self-evaluation and independent learning are key elements of subsequent modules. Understanding planning, the writing process and how to research are also key skills for being a successful university student, and therefore a foundation in these concepts should be studied.

The following modules are dependant on degree route.

Engineering and Computing students

The module aims to provide a basic knowledge of the aspects of computing necessary for progression to the foundation programme in computing.  The module aims to introduce the essential ideas and concepts that underpin computer systems, cyber security and programming.

The module aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge and understanding of several basic Physics concepts that are required for progression onto the International Foundation programme.

Life Science students

This module introduces key concepts in Biology to students who may not have studied the subject before or for a long time. The module feeds into the Foundation Biology 1 and Biology 2 modules (Undertaken in Term 1 and Term 2 respectively of that course) ensuring that students who have a deficit in Biology can access that course.

The module aims to provide a basic knowledge of chemistry necessary for progression to the foundation programme in science. The module aims to introduce the essential ideas and concepts that underpin chemistry and develop scientific thinking. Students will also develop skills in communicating chemistry.

Progress to semester 1

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

OverallEnglishStudy Skills
40%50%40%

For students wanting to progress to Law degrees, they must do the Law module

For students wanting to progress to Finance degrees, they must do the Finance module

Semester 1 and 2 modules

For students wanting to progress to engineering degrees, they will do Applied Maths, Introduction to Computing, Introduction to Engineering, Physics and Pure Maths modules.

For students wanting to progress to life sciences degrees, they will do Maths for Science, Chemistry and Biology modules.

For students wanting to progress to computing degrees, they will do Applied Maths, Coding for Computing, Introduction to Computing, Physics and Pure Maths modules.

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. 

You will be introduced to the relationships between forces, linear motion and energy and the conditions for static equilibrium of a body. You will be provided with an understanding of mathematical modelling of force combinations, non-linear motion and non-uniform motion related to varying forces. The module will enable you to identify the application of theory to practice and develop independent study skills in preparation for progression to engineering programmes.

- Understand key terms and process in cell biology and metabolism.
- Use correct scientific terminology in relation to biological organisms and processes.
- Understand key concepts relating to biological systems.
- Develop skills in learning independently - manage study time and learn actively.

- Understand key ideas in chemistry
- Evaluate and understand key principles
- Understand quantitative aspects of chemical formulae and moles
- Evaluate and demonstrate knowledge of key diagrams

This module builds on the skills learnt in the Semester 1 module Introduction To Computing by ensuring students can utilise their skills to code proficiently.

- Understand the basics of computer systems
- Be able to programme basic coding functions and understand good coding practice
- Understand ethical impacts of using computers, including issues of privacy
- Understand issues relating to cyber security

You will acquire an understanding of how computers can be used to solve mathematics and how mathematics packages may be used to solve engineering problems.

This module provides you with an understanding of mathematics in preparation for studying undergraduate degrees in science. You will develop skill in mathematical application, method and technique.

- Understand basic fundamental physical laws and principles
- Solve problems in physics using appropriate mathematical tools.
- Demonstrate an understanding of concepts in mechanics, materials, waves, Gas Laws, heat transfer, Atomic Physics, electricity and fields.
- Develop skills in learning independently - manage study time and learn actively.

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 skills.

Study plan

English language levelSemestersCourse lengthStart dateEnd date
IELTS 4.0 (4.0 in all skills) or IELTS 5.5 (5.0 in all skills) for Pharmacy MPharm progression degree option3 semesters40 weeksSeptemberAugust

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.

Along with being invited to attend a graduation ceremony organised by the International Study Centre, students who successfully complete their pathway programme will be provided with a transcript and certificate. The award of any certificate is made in line with the Final Transcripts and Awards Certificate Policy and the Certificate and Transcripts for Students on Collaborative Programmes Policy, which are available via the Policy Centre.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
No Results

For more information on your specific course, please visit https://coursecatalogue.ljmu.ac.uk/.

Please note:

*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.

Must complete a portfolio comprising of 5 – 8 drawings to be submitted by the end of May of the academic year:

  • Architecture BA (Hons)
  • Interior Architecture BA (Hons)

Must have studied Biology and Chemistry:

  • Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
  • Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Must have studied Biology:

  • Biology BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology BSc
  • Wildlife Conservation BSc (Hons)

Must have studied Chemistry:

  • Chemistry BSc (Hons)

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.

Along with being invited to attend a graduation ceremony organised by the International Study Centre, students who successfully complete their pathway programme will be provided with a transcript and certificate. The award of any certificate is made in line with the Final Transcripts and Awards Certificate Policy and the Certificate and Transcripts for Students on Collaborative Programmes Policy, which are available via the Policy Centre.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
No Results

For more information on your specific course, please visit https://coursecatalogue.ljmu.ac.uk/.

Please note:

*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.

Must complete a portfolio comprising of 5 – 8 drawings to be submitted by the end of May of the academic year:

  • Architecture BA (Hons)
  • Interior Architecture BA (Hons)

Must have studied Biology and Chemistry:

  • Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
  • Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Must have studied Biology:

  • Biology BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology BSc
  • Wildlife Conservation BSc (Hons)

Must have studied Chemistry:

  • Chemistry BSc (Hons)
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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.

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International Study Centre

LJMU International Study Centre offers a range of pathway programmes to progress to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at LJMU.

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Prepare for Success

Improve your academic expectations, skills and readiness on our free online preparation course – ahead of starting your academic programme.

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.