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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 a business, law or social studies degree

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

Is this programme for me?

On the Business, Law and Social Studies route, you will:

  • learn about the importance of financial management, and the operational and strategic challenges facing the businesses.
  • gain understanding of the concepts and models of micro-economic and macro-economic analysis.
  • develop core mathematical skills that will be relevant to your undergraduate degree.
  • gain business skills, including decision-making and problem solving.
  • for Law, you will study the English legal system, the mechanics of the legal process, justice and those who administer it.

Key facts

  • Two semesters
  • October, November* or January

*Enhanced Induction

View course-specific entry requirements and course fees.

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

Why study the International Foundation Year in Business, Law and Social Studies?

  • LJMU is a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business which is dedicated to improving the quality of business education worldwide.
  • 86% of LJMU School of Law graduates are in work or further study 15 months after completing LLB Law*.
  • Staff in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences are research active and produce world-leading research that has real-world impact.

*Discover Uni

What will you study?

Over the two-semester programme, you will study a number of core modules that relate to your chosen progression degree. The modules have been designed by expert academics at the International Study Centre, in collaboration with LJMU, to ensure you have the skills you need to succeed upon progression to the University.

Core modules

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 your knowledge of management processes and themes in contemporary business management.


- Demonstrate an understanding of how markets operate
- Demonstrate and understanding of basic macroeconomic concepts
- Use skills of self-directed learning, time management, writing and IT to compile a portfolio of work.

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. 

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 the 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 skills.

This will introduce you to basic legal principles and practice in contract law and consumer protection. You will also receive an introduction to the principles, issues and legislations relating to contract and consumer protection.

Optional modules

Please note: students wanting to progress to the Financial Accounting degree will study the Introduction to Accounting & Finance module.

The aim of this module is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of international businesses, relationships and trade in an ever globalising economy. The module will help students understand how businesses conduct their affairs internationally, including references to key international organisations such as United Nations. It will introduce students to the key concepts of the business environment focusing on cultural and political influences.

This module will introduce you to basic book-keeping and accounts for progression onto degree programmes on business-related subjects. To establish a firm understanding of accounting concepts and principles.

Study plan

English language levelSemestersCourse lengthStart dateEnd date
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills)2 semesters27 weeksOctoberMay
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills)2 semesters30 weeksNovemberAugust
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills)2 semesters27 weeksJanuaryAugust

Progression degrees

Successful completion of this programme leads to a range of postgraduate 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
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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.

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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.

An LJMU student on graduation day.

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.