
International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences
Maths and Science modules designed for success at LJMU.
Your pathway to the first year of an engineering degree
The programme includes academic modules, study skills and English language training, providing complete preparation for your undergraduate degree in Engineering.
Is this programme for me?
On the International Foundation Year in Engineering, you will:
- gain understanding of mechanics and mathematics relevant to your undergraduate study
- develop your knowledge of physics and learn about atomic physics, materials, heat and gases and oscillations and waves
- if you choose Life Science, you will focus on biology and chemistry, developing their knowledge in key areas such as cell biology, physiological processes in animals and plants, inorganic and organic chemistry, and an overview of contemporary science.
Why study the International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences?
- Upon successful completion of the programme, you will join LJMU which is ranked in the UK top 35 for Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering (The Guardian University Guide 2022).
- You will have the option to progress to professionally-accredited degrees.
- Develop your English skills, and receive support from a dedicated faculty.
What will you study?
Throughout the two-semester programme, you will study core modules that will improve your subject knowledge and English level.
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 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.
Optional modules
For students wanting to progress to engineering degrees, they will do Applied Maths, 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, and Pure Maths modules.
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 acquire an understanding of mathematics in preparation for studying undergraduate degrees in science and engineering. You will also develop skills in mathematical application, method and technique, as well as independent study skills.
Progress to semester two
To progress to semester two, you need to obtain required grades in modules.
Overall | English | Study Skills |
40% | 50% | 40% |
Study plan
English language level | Semesters | Course length | Start date | End date |
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills) or IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in all skills) for Pharmacy MPharm progression degree option | 2 semesters | 27 weeks | October | May |
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills) or IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in all skills) for Pharmacy MPharm progression degree option | 2 semesters | 30 weeks | November | August |
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills) or IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in all skills) for Pharmacy MPharm progression degree option | 2 semesters | 27 weeks | January | August |
Entry requirements
English language: Academic IELTS for UKVI overall 4.5 (minimum 4.0 in writing and minimum 4.0 all other areas) or 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 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.
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 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 Name | Award | Overall Grade | English Grade |
---|---|---|---|
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)
In this section
Key facts
Course length: Two semesters
Entry dates: October or January
All students must be 18 within six weeks of their LJMU enrolment date
Semester dates
October 2023 | |||
---|---|---|---|
1/10/2023 | - | 18/1/2024 | |
21/1/2024 | - | 2/5/2024 |
January 2024 | |||
---|---|---|---|
14/1/2024 | - | 2/5/2024 | |
5/5/2024 | - | 1/8/2024 |
Fees
Our programmes offer students great value for money. Discover our different fees and find out how much your programme is.
Find your feesEnglish 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.
Improve your EnglishPrepare for Success
5 weeks before your selected course you will be automatically enrolled in our Prepare for Success online programme in order to help you get everything you need.
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