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 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 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) | 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. |
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 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 | |||
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, November or January
All students must be 18 within six weeks of their LJMU enrolment date
New November start
If you want to be better prepared for the start of your January programme of study, join us in November.
Semester dates
| October 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/10/2022 | - | 19/1/2023 | |
| 22/1/2023 | - | 4/5/2023 | |
| November 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 27/11/2022 | - | 4/5/2023 | |
| 7/5/2023 | - | 3/8/2023 | |
| January 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 15/1/2023 | - | 4/5/2023 | |
| 7/5/2023 | - | 3/8/2023 | |
| October 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10/2023 | - | 18/1/2024 | |
| 21/1/2024 | - | 2/5/2024 | |
Fees
Our programmes offer students great value for money. Discover our different fees and find out how much your programme is.
Find your fees
English Courses
Need to improve your English? You can study a range of English language courses at Liverpool John Moores University International Study Centre.
Improve your English
Prepare 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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