Course overview
Build the knowledge and academic confidence needed for undergraduate study.
Prepare for an undergraduate business or technology degree through academic skills, economics, business fundamentals and a choice of specialist modules.
Course overview
This pathway supports international students who do not yet meet direct degree entry requirements, want to strengthen academic skills or are returning to education. It combines core study skills, business and economics with optional computing, law, tourism and global-issues modules, and guarantees progression to an eligible Oxford Brookes degree after successful completion.
Course structure
Published duration: 24 weeks across 2 semesters. Modules are organised below by semester, status or pathway choice.
Location and delivery
Teaching is full-time and based at Headington Campus in Oxford.
Curriculum
Explore the published modules in a clear course structure.
01Compulsory modules
International Foundation
Compulsory modules
International Foundation
- Academic Skills 1
- Academic Skills 2
- University Study Skills
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Culture and Communication
- Extended Research Essay
- Business Fundamentals
- Economics for Business
02Optional modules
International Foundation
Optional modules
International Foundation
- Foundations of Computer Programming
- Maths and Statistics for University Study
- Development Studies
- English Law
- Global Issues
- Ideas and Ideologies
- Tourism and Hospitality
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Assessment can include essays, reports and presentations as well as creative outputs such as films, websites, posters and blogs.
Academic and subject modules build research, communication, quantitative and problem-solving capability for degree study.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic entry
- British A levels: 48 UCAS Tariff points, equivalent to DD, or an accepted equivalent qualification.
- GCSE Maths grade 4 or equivalent is required for relevant progression degrees; a foundation mathematics module may be required if this is not held.
- The normal minimum age is 18; applicants aged 17 may be considered case by case if they turn 18 during the academic year.
English language
- IELTS 5.5 overall with 5.5 in every skill, or an accepted equivalent.
International and non-standard entry
Equivalent international qualifications and non-standard applications are considered against the current published requirements for the route.
Application documents
- Completed application form.
- Qualification certificates and transcripts, with certified translations where required.
- Evidence of English-language ability where applicable.
- Passport and immigration documents where required for international applicants.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Fees should be reconfirmed for the selected intake before enrolment.
Tuition does not normally include accommodation, living costs, travel, optional equipment, books or other personal study costs.
Funding your study
Funding eligibility depends on the exact course, progression arrangement and personal circumstances and should be confirmed before application.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Build academic, business, economics and critical-thinking skills.
Progress to an eligible Oxford Brookes business or technology degree after successful completion.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Progression and career directions
- Business and management degree progression
- Computing degree progression
- Hospitality and tourism progression
- Economics progression
- Marketing progression
- Technology progression
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
Where is this course taught?
The course is taught at Oxford Brookes University's Headington Campus in Oxford.
When can I start?
Published start months are January, September.
Who awards the qualification?
The awarding university is Oxford Brookes University.