Course overview
Build the knowledge and academic confidence needed for undergraduate study.
Build broad academic and subject foundations for progression to degrees across business, arts, computing, law, science and the social sciences.
Course overview
This flexible international foundation supports students who do not yet meet direct undergraduate entry requirements. Core academic modules combine with subject choices in areas such as business, law, computing, arts and science, preparing students for a wide range of eligible Oxford Brookes degrees.
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 and pathway modules
International Foundation
Compulsory and pathway modules
International Foundation
- Academic Skills 1
- Academic Skills 2
- University Study Skills
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Communication and Culture
- Extended Research Essay
- Business Fundamentals (Business and Technology students)
- Economics for Business (Business and Technology students)
- Ideas and Ideologies (recommended for Arts, Humanities and Law students)
- Foundations of Computer Programming (Computer Science students)
02Optional modules
International Foundation
Optional modules
International Foundation
- Chemistry (Science students)
- Genetics and Ecology (Science students)
- Human and Cell Biology (Science students)
- Maths and Statistics for University Study
- Being Human: Love, Sex and Death (recommended for Arts, Humanities and Law students)
- Development Studies (recommended for all students)
- English Law (recommended for all students)
- Global Issues (recommended for all students)
- Tourism and Hospitality (recommended for Business students)
- Literature, Art and Media (recommended for Arts, Humanities and Law students)
- Perspectives on Britishness (recommended for Arts, Humanities and Law students)
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.
Module choices allow students to demonstrate academic skills in the subject area relevant to their intended degree.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic entry
- British A levels: 32 UCAS Tariff points, equivalent to EE, 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
- UKVI-approved SELT IELTS 5.0 with 5.0 in every skill; the test must be taken at an approved centre.
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 confidence and explore subject knowledge before degree-level study.
Prepare for progression to an eligible Oxford Brookes undergraduate degree.
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 degree progression
- Arts and media progression
- Computing progression
- Law progression
- Science progression
- Social sciences 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.