International
International Foundation Certificate
For the best possible start to your studies in the UK, join our International Foundation Certificate programme.

The International Foundation Certificate programme offers you the opportunity to grow in confidence in academic study. Through the development of key skills and the exploration of diverse themes and cutting-edge developments across a number of subject areas you will prepare yourselves for your future Undergraduate studies.
York campus
- Duration – 1 year full-time
- Start date – September 2020
Minimum Entry Requirements
school leaving certificate showing good grades.
4.5 IELTS for UKVI
Tuition Fees
UK and EU 2021 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2021 entry £12,750 per year full time
Course overview
This programme offers you the perfect opportunity to meet people from a variety of cultures while sampling academic content across different subject areas. You will have the opportunity to improve your English language skills and develop independent learning strategies.
The programme offers 18 hours of teaching and guided study per week. You will spend significant contact time with academics in order to develop subject specific knowledge related to your chosen degree. You will also get the opportunity to take part in a UK field trip as part of a degree-related project.
On successful completion of the programme you will be guaranteed a place on the Undergraduate programme of your choice at York St John University.
On this programme you will learn the skills necessary to succeed in British higher education. You will:
- gain exposure to UK academic culture
- study content relating to your chosen degree subject
- develop independent learning strategies
- experience different teaching and learning styles
- complete multiple assessments
Our International Foundation Certificate year will develop your expertise in key areas including:
- academic listening, reading and writing skills
- critical thinking skills
- English language systems
- academic presentation skills
- academic discussion skills
Course structure
Semester 1
Modules include:
- English language studies (or independent study module)
- Global issues 1
- Subject area 1 (6 hours study in the academic school of your choice)
- Group work skills
Semester 2
Modules include:
- English for academic purposes
- Advanced English language studies (or independent study module)
- Global issues 2
- Subject area 2 (18 hours study in the academic school of your choice)
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The minimum entry requirements for this course are:
- A secondary school leaving certificate showing good grades.
- IELTS for UKVI 4.5 (with a minimum of 4.0 in each skill).
You must be over 18 years of age when you join the programme.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. These can be accessed through our Admissions webpages.
Fees and funding
Find out more about funding your Foundation Year by visiting the Funding Advice pages of our website. Further help and advice is available through our Money Advice service.
The York St John University tuition fee for EU students joining the 2020 International Foundation Certificate programme is £9,250 per year. The fee for International students is £12,750 per year for international students.
Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
Whilst studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING COSTS
View our accommodation webpages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.
Apply for this course
You can apply directly to the course via our ‘Apply Now’ links. You will need to create a login and password and complete the online form.
Why choose a foundation year at York St John?
Gain confidence
This foundation year will immerse you in UK academic culture giving you the confidence to progress to Undergraduate study.
Progression guaranteed
On successful completion of the programme you will be guaranteed a place on the Undergraduate programme of your choice at York St John University.