Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UOIFPSSH - International Foundation Programme Social Sciences and Humanities

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Preparatory Diploma Level
Possible interim awards Preparatory Certificate
Total credits for course 120
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Social Professions
Subject Area Education
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 1 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) functions as a preparatory year for undergraduate degree entry. IFP subject pathway routes:
• Architecture and Interior Design;
• Art, Media and Design;
• Business Management;
• Computing, Technology and Mathematics;
• Social Sciences & Humanities;
• Law;
• Sciences;

Through these routes, IFP students study a mix of: modules covering academic English language, academic skills, researching and presenting, and subject or discipline focused modules.

As a level 3 course, the IFP introduces students to the fundamentals of their chosen discipline, as well as improving their English language within an academic context and introducing them to key academic study and critical thinking skills they will need at level 4 when they start their degrees. It familiarises them with teaching and learning styles in Higher Education in the UK. The year also aims to develop their independent learning, supporting them to become confident and proactive students, able to operate effectively within a large university in London.

Students will gain a solid introduction to their subject and related areas. They will also become familiar with the different ways of studying their discipline at HE level through lectures, classroom discussion, peer-led sessions, 1-1 tutorials, practical sessions/workshops, library research, web-based learning and class visits. The University’s VLE is used to disseminate information and to support and, in some pathways, to assess student learning. Students can post material on the VLE and conduct on-line discussions for group seminar preparation and tutor-led sessions. They will also have access to e-packs and other language support tutorials and resources through VLE links.

Students can access a range of facilities across the university, depending on which pathway they study. The IFP Office is situated in the Learning Centre on the North campus and the core Foundation English classes are currently held nearby. The Learning Centre has recently been refurbished, providing allocated group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive and regularly reviewed range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. In addition, there are ‘all access’ areas with comfortable seating and IT facilities in the Tower building and the Learning Centre as well as the ‘Green Lounge’ in Benwell Road.

Course aims

The IFP aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills in their pathway subject areas as well as the academic study and critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate their ideas effectively orally and in writing, using appropriate academic English that will allow them to progress to undergraduate degree. It also aims to develop their understanding of different learning and teaching styles in HE in the UK and to build their confidence through their experience.

Course learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:

1. produce the English language (general academic and pathway specific) needed to be ready for undergraduate study
2. understand what is expected of a student in a UK Higher Education Institution and be able to use the independent learning and studying skills needed to make the transition to the next year of study
3. understand some of the fundamental concepts/key issues in the pathway subject and its application to the student’s intended course of study
4. access and evaluate information independently, making effective use of paper-based, visual and electronic sources and acknowledging their sources correctly in written and oral work
5. communicate ideas about their subject and other related disciplines orally, visually and in writing at a level appropriate for undergraduate study
6. demonstrate technical skills in the pathways that involve workshops and laboratory practice (including awareness of relevant health and safety issues)

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Module Code

IF3101
IF3058
IF3059
IF3060
IF3061
IF3070
IF3063

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO6

Assessment strategy

Students are assessed through a variety of methods including project work, portfolios, journals, problem solving exercises, in-class tests, practical datasheets, individual and group-led oral presentations, group-led seminars, essays and examinations.

Formative feedback is provided through regular short in-class and on-line tests, ‘crits’, peer assessment and discussions and tutor oral and written responses.

Course specific regulations

The course conforms to both the University’s Undergraduate Curriculum Framework and the University Academic Regulations.

Modules required for interim awards

Progression to level 4 is subject to a completion and pass (40%) of four x 30 credit or three x 30 credit and two x 15 credit modules or one x 30 credit and six x 15 credit modules (or other variation leading to a total 120 credits). Progression to a particular level 4 course is dependent on passing the appropriate modules from the appropriate pathway. Students are advised of the appropriate route during the admission process and at induction and programme planning.

The cores for the Preparatory Year are listed in section 27. For intermediate awards, any combination of the modules from the course specification would be appropriate, such that for a Preparatory Certificate, 60 credits have been awarded, and for a Preparatory Diploma 120 credits have been awarded.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Throughout the programme students will be required to reflect on their learning, identify areas of strength and weakness and develop action plans in response to these reflections. This will occur informally through tutor and peer feedback and also formally through reflective writing as part of the assessments and the written and oral response from tutors to this. We expect that through this experience of reflective learning, students will start to understand the value of being proactive, independent learners, ready for their first year of undergraduate study.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

The IFP is a bridge to undergraduate study in different subject areas. The students will then receive further support, information, advice on guidance on career destinations.

Career opportunities

If you pass the International Foundation Programme (IFP) you'll be automatically offered a place on a social sciences and humanities-related undergraduate degree.

You can study the IFP from September to June or from January to July. You can then join your chosen bachelors degree in the following September.

Entry requirements

You should have:

  • good results in 12 years of education, and to have completed high school or similar in your own country

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2016/17 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2016 Last validation date 04 Jul 2018  
Sources of funding FUNDED ENTIRELY BY STUDENT TUITION FEES
JACS codes V900 (Historical and Philosophical Studies): 100%
Route code IFPSSH

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
IF3058 Reflecting on Self and Society Core 15 NORTH AUT MON AM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
IF3059 Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
IF3060 Researching Discrimination Core 15 NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
IF3061 Researching Inequality Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
IF3063 Media, Crime and 'Race' Core 15 NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
IF3070 Identity, Power and Society Core 15        
IF3101 Foundation English Core 30