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.
- Two semesters
- October or January
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.
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 level | Semesters | Course length | Start date | End date |
| IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills) | 2 semesters | 27 weeks | October | May |
| IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills) | 2 semesters | 30 weeks | November | August |
| IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills) | 2 semesters | 27 weeks | January | August |
Business, Law and Social Sciences
English language: Academic IELTS for UKVI overall 4.5 (minimum 4.0 in writing and minimum 4.0 all other areas)
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.
| Country | Qualification |
| Bangladesh | HSC with overall GPA 3.0 or 50%, with 50% or above in Maths and English. Maximum age 21 years & 364 days |
| Bahrain | Tawjahiya (secondary school leaving cert) average grade 60% or above, including relevant subjects |
| China (Mainland) | Senior High 2 with 65% overall and min 60% in 4 academic subjects or senior High 3 60% overall Senior High 3 from Specialized secondary school or secondary technical vocational school70% overall and a min of 60% in 4 academic subjects |
| 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 | SH3 8th Grade average in rank or SH2 7th grade average in rank. Korean High school graduation equivalency exam - 40%+ inc 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 3 subjects to include English and Maths |
| Mexico | Successful completion of Bachillerato with average grade of 65% |
| Morocco | Successful completion of Diplôme du Baccalauréat with grade average of 10 |
| Myanmar | Basic Education High school Matriculation with 60% achieved overall, inc 40% in 4 relevant subjects. |
| 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 | Completion of O levels with minimum 4 subjects, grade DDDD or NA level, minimum 2-3 in 6 subjects |
| Taiwan | Senior High 3 - passes in 4 or more subjects, with 50% average in High School Exam from Year 12/SH3 or 60% average from Year 11/SH2 |
| Thailand | Successful 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 |
| 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/GCSE/O-Levels | 4 passes at A-C in relevant subjects (excluding native language). new grades 9-4 in English and Maths. |
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 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.
| Degree Programme Name | Award | Overall Grade | English Grade | Grade 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.
In this section
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.
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.