International Foundation Programme (IFP)

Study from a wide range of subject modules to guarantee a place on an undergraduate degree course at the University of Reading with the International Foundation Programme.
If you are planning on coming to the UK to study, and you don't have British A level qualifications or the equivalent, the International Foundation Programme (IFP) offers you the opportunity to prepare for an undergraduate degree at a British university.

This programme will be taught online so that you can study at Reading from wherever you are in the world.

There are two entry points for the IFP, one in September and one in January.

Upon passing the IFP and having met the specific entry requirements for your chosen degree, you will be guaranteed a place on your chosen degree course at the University of Reading in September of the same year.

The online delivered IFP is a University-led foundation programme and is subject to the same quality and assessment procedures as the rest of the University. We have taught the IFP for more than 35 years and have an international reputation for excellence both in our teaching and for the support we give our students. You can apply for scholarships to help fund your time here and, if you are aged 17 or over, you will be eligible for a place in halls on our award-winning campus.

You will be taught by the same academics as the campus based IFP. Teaching will be through a mix of recorded lectures and live online seminars and tutorials. In these live interactive sessions, you’ll get to know your tutors and classmates and build relationships, which will support you throughout your studies. You will have access to the huge online library resources of the University of Reading as well as the study and welfare support that is available. Additionally, you will be assigned an Academic Tutor who will meet with you online at least twice a term to review your progress and offers personal support and guidance throughout the programme.

You will study academic skills and a selection of subjects relating to your chosen pathway. For instance, if you are hoping to study Law at undergraduate level, you will typically study two of the following modules, in addition to the compulsory Law module:

An Introduction to Business and Management
Economics
Information Systems and Statistics
Law and Mathematics for Finance
Economics and Business
Sociology
Mathematics for Economics and Business
Politics
Psychology
Depending on your English language skills you may have to take the International English module. You will be taught by the same experienced University academics who teach these subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Additionally, an academic tutor will be assigned to support and guide you through your studies.

By the end of the programme you will be able to present ideas and arguments with accuracy and confidence both orally and in writing. You will also have the transferable skills necessary for undergraduate study.

Around 80% of students who take the IFP at the University of Reading qualify to progress on to their chosen undergraduate degree. Graduates have enjoyed successful careers in a wide range of industries, including accountancy, law, food science, pharmacy, financial services, and investment banking.