International Study Centre

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.

Core modules

These modules are designed to develop your English communication skills and to ensure you learn a range of study skills, including writing and reading strategies, presentation and seminar participation, organisation of time and materials, meeting deadlines and responding to feedback. By the end of the course we would expect you to be able to take notes and write essays in English. You should also have the confidence to give presentations, answer follow-up questions and contribute to seminar discussions.

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 and computing degrees, they must choose Pure Maths, Applied Maths and Physics modules.

For students wanting to progress to life science degrees, they must choose Maths for Science, Chemistry and Biology 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.

You will be given an introduction to physiological processes in animals and plants with an emphasis on mammalian physiology (especially human). You will also acquire an understanding of biologically important molecules and cells and tissues in preparation for progression to degree programmes in biological and biomedical sciences.

You will be provided with an understanding of the core concepts of physical chemistry. This will include inorganic and organic chemistry, and an overview of contemporary science.

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.

You will learn the principles of atomic physics, materials, heat and gases, oscillations and waves in preparation for undergraduate degrees in engineering. You will also be introduced to electricity and electronics and develop independent study skills to support your learning.

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 Plans

IELTS Length Sep - Dec Jan - Mar Apr - Jun Jun - Aug Sep
4.5 (minimum of 4.0 in all skill areas) or 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each area) for Pharmacy MPharm 2 Semesters     Start your
degree
4.5 (minimum of 4.0 in all skill areas) or 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each area) for Pharmacy MPharm 2 Semesters    
   International Foundation Year    Vacation

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+ (view our under-18s guidance)

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 Successful completion of High School Certificate at an average grade of 50%
Bahrain Tawjahiya (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%
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 Korean high school graduation equivalency exam - 60%+ including 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 4 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 High School Diploma: 60% PLUS 1 year of further study
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 Form 5: Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 4 subjects to include English and Maths
Taiwan Successful 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
Thailand Successful completion Mathayom 6 with a GPA of 2.0 in relevant subjects
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.

For courses starting in November 2021 or January 2022, you can choose how you study so you can either join us on campus or start your studies virtually from home and come to campus at a later date. Find out more here.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are now able to accept a wider range of English tests for entry in November 2021 or January 2022.

Joining us on campus

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
  • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
  • Language Cert SELT

Starting your studies virtually from home and coming to campus at a later date

You can start your studies virtually with a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) as above or you can provide proof of your English language proficiency with an alternative test. This is possible because you do not need a Student Visa to start virtually from your home country.

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

The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.

Alternative tests accepted include:

  • IELTS Academic
  • IELTS Indicator
  • Pearson PTE Academic
  • Language Cert International ESOL
  • TOEFL iBT/iBT Home addition
  • Cambridge ESOL
  • Duolingo
  • Linguaskill
  • Oxford Test of English

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 Programmes Award Overall Grade English Grade Additional Grade
Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component -
Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component
Architectural Engineering BEng (Hons) 55% 50% with 40% in each component -
Architectural Technology Bsc (Hons) 55% 50% with 40% in each component -
Architecture BA (Hons) 60% 50% with 40% in each component -
Audio and Music Production BSc (Hons) 55% 50% with 40% in each component
Biochemistry BSc (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component
Biology BSc (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component
Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component
Biotechnology BSc (Hons) 50% 50% with 40% in each component -
Building Services Engineering BEng (Hons) 55% 50% with 40% in each component
Building Services Engineering (Project Management) BSc (Hons) 55% 50% with 40% in each component

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)

*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.

Find out more about valid test providers and approved test centre locations for tests taken on or after 6 April 2015 (as well as information about valid SELT tests if taken before 6 April 2015**). To find out if you are exempt from the SELT requirement and to find out about acceptable English language tests please contact us.

** SELT taken before 6th April 2015 is only valid if used as part of a Student visa application submitted before 5th November 2015. The certificate is subject to the validity periods as outlined in the table in the link above.

Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.