International Foundation Programme (IFP)

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) will prepare you for undergraduate study in the UK. You will gain high levels of support as we help you settle into student life in London, and build the skills and confidence needed for successful degree study.

Why study the International Foundation Programme at Middlesex University?

The programme is aimed at students with intermediate to advanced levels of English, who have completed secondary school with good grades, but would like to improve their study skills to meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Middlesex.

During the course you will be introduced to a range of subjects taught on our undergraduate programmes, and we will offer you individual support in choosing and applying for your degree. The course will prepare you to begin an undergraduate course with confidence and settle into student life at Middlesex.

You will also:

• improve your academic language skills and general level of English
• develop your study skills and independent learning ability
• become familiar with living and studying in the UK
• be introduced to a range of undergraduate subject areas
• receive support in choosing and applying to your degree

What will you study on the International Foundation Programme?

The programme incorporates a streamlined, integrated design based on four modules with a common underlying core theme. The core theme provides a stimulating learning platform which will relate to real life scenarios. Possible core themes include tourism, sustainability, education, environment or hosting a global event.

The core theme will also include a series of sub-themes covered in three week blocks, which will introduce you to a range of subjects taught on undergraduate programmes. These subject 'tasters' aim to inform your future choice of undergraduate degree and may include business, media, communications, global and social sciences subjects.

To find out more about this course, please download the International Foundation Programme (PDF)

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

Entry requirements by country

Fees and funding

The International Foundation Programme is a 1 year programme and the tuition fee is £14,500 for September 2025 entry.

Additional Course costs

The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

• A free electronic textbook for every module
• All printing and copying required for your study
• Self-service laptops available for loan for a maximum of 24 hours
• Audio-visual equipment available for loan, including digital stills cameras, digital video recorders, digital audio recorders

Progression routes

Psychology Programmes

BSc Psychology*

BSc Psychology with Counselling*

BSc Psychology with Criminology*

BSc Psychology with Education*

BSC Psychology with Neuroscience*

Computer Science Programmes

BSc Business Information Systems

BSc Computer Networks and Security

BSc Computer Science (Systems Engineering)

BSc Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

BSc Information Technology

DEM Programmes*

BA Product Design

BSc Honours Architectural Technology

BEng Design Engineering

BEng Mechatronics and Robotics

BEng Electronic Engineering

BEng Computer Systems Engineering

Business Programmes

BA Accounting and Finance*

BSC Business Accounting

BA Business Management

BA Business Management (Finance)

BA Business Management (Human Resources)

BA Business Management (Innovation and Entrepreneurship)

BA Business Management (Marketing)

BA Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics)

BA International Business

BA International Tourism Management

BA Marketing

BSc Banking and Finance

BSc Business Economics

BSc Economics

Law Programmes

BA Criminology

BA Criminology (Policing and Investigations)

LLB Law

BA Sociology with Criminology

Student testimonial

Ana Maria Franco Combita from Colombia completed a one-year International Foundation Programme at Middlesex before progressing onto the BA International Politics.

"During the IFP I really improved my English, but also learned how to reference, write essays in English and use the library. It was really great that the pace of the IFP was slow – we started small, with short essays, and then built up to more difficult work over the year, before we were ready to start our degree.

In the first year of your degree, they assume you already know everything  - so I feel like the IFP gave me a head start. I actually became the student rep for my course in the first year of my degree because I already knew how to use the library and reference my work. That was really cool. If it wasn't for the IFP I would have been in the same position as everyone else.

The best part about the IFP was getting to know people from all over the world. It was great to experience so many different opinions and cultures in class. It's a glimpse into the real world! At home, we would have a debate in class and we'd talk about other countries or cultures, but we wouldn't really understand them. Here at Middlesex, we'll have a debate and people from all over the world will actually be taking part.

The tutors on the IFP were really supportive. I did really well on the course, and because of that my tutor recommended me for a scholarship for my first year of my BA International Politics degree, and I was successful! I'm really grateful to her for that.

I like being in London, but its really different to life back in Colombia – life goes very fast here! But it does captivate you, you feel busy and useful. I've learned lots in London, and I've discovered myself in many ways. In a sense, I even feel more proud of being Colombian after coming here, because everyone around you is different. It's a great experience."

Ana Maria Franco Combita

We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.