Two students working together on an engineering project.

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.

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

In this unit the fundamental ideas in Chemistry are introduced, putting the building blocks in place in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The course aims to introduce and develop the chemistry needed, laying the foundations for future study, while also allowing you to develop confidence in using scientific thinking so you can communicate effectively.

- 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. 

- Understand key ideas in mathematics both graphically, written and tabular.
- Identify the mathematical techniques necessary for solving problems using a scientific calculator.
- Interpret mathematics in real life problems, checking that answers are sensible within the context of the problem.

During this module, the fundamental ideas in Physics are introduced, putting the building blocks in place. You may be unfamiliar with the terminology and notations used. The course aims to introduce and develop the physics needed, laying the foundations for future study. It aims to develop confidence in using scientific thinking so you can communicate effectively.

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.

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

Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences

English language: Academic IELTS for UKVI overall 4.0 (minimum 4.0 in each area) or 5.5 overall (minimum 5.0 in each area) for Pharmacy MPharm

Nationality: Available to international and EU students

Age: 17+

Academic entry requirements

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

CountryQualification
BangladeshHSC with overall GPA 3.0 or 50%, with 50% or above in Maths and English. Maximum age 21 years & 364 days
BahrainTawjahiya (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%
GhanaSuccessful completion of the West African School Certificate (WAEC) with grades 1-8 in 4 relevant subjects
IndiaSuccessful completion of Standard 10 with 65% or Standard 10+1 with 55%
IndonesiaSuccessful completion of SMU 2/Sikolah Menegah with a average of 7.0
IranSuccessful completion of High School Diploma (3 years) with passes in 4 relevant subjects
JapanSuccessful completion of Kotogakko with a GPA of 2.0
JordanSuccessful completion of Tawjihi with average of 50% in 4 relevant subjects
KazakhstanSuccessful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education
KuwaitShahadat-al-thanawia-al-a'ama (General Secondary School Leaving Certificate) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects
KoreaKorean high school graduation equivalency exam - 60%+ including relevant subjects
LibyaSuccessful completion Secondary Education Certificate with average of 60%
MalaysiaSPM school: Form 5, Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 4 subjects to include English and Maths
MexicoSuccessful completion of Bachillerato with average grade of 65%
MyanmarHigh School Diploma: 60% PLUS 1 year of further study
NigeriaSuccessful completion of West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate with grades 1-8 in 4 relevant subjects
OmanThanawiya Amma (School Leaving Certificate) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects
PakistanSuccessful completion of High Secondary Certificate (50%) or SSC (65%)
QatarSuccessful completion of Thanawaya Aam Qatari with average grade 60%
RussiaSuccessful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with a GPA of 3.5
Saudi ArabiaSuccessful completion of Tawjihi with average of 60% in 4 relevant subjects
SingaporeForm 5: Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 4 subjects to include English and Maths
TaiwanSuccessful 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
ThailandSuccessful completion of Year 11 (MAW 5) with GPA 2.0 or Year 12 (MAW 6) with GPA 2.0 in last two years, including 2.0 in Maths and Science
TurkeySuccessful completion of Devlet Lise Diploması (High School Completion) - 50% overall including relevant subjects
UAESuccessful completion of Tawjihi with average of 60%
UkraineSuccessful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with a GPA of 4.5
VietnamSuccessful 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
IGCSE4 passes at A-C in relevant subjects

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 UKVI
  • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
  • PSI Skills for English UKVI (4 components)

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

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 Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
No Results

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 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)

New November start

Join us in November to be better prepared ahead of starting your pathway programme in January 2024 with our enhanced induction. Benefit from three additional weeks of study and life skills at no extra cost.

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.

International Study Centre

LJMU International Study Centre offers a great opportunity for international study at UK universities.

A student in the International Study Centre

English Language Courses

Need to improve your English? You can study a range of online English language courses at Liverpool John Moores University International Study Centre.

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.