Integrated Foundation Degrees
Have you missed out on achieving the entry requirements for university? Are you thinking about returning to studying but feel that a degree is beyond your reach? Find out more about the degrees we offer with an Integrated Foundation Year.
What is an Integrated Foundation Year?
An Integrated Foundation Degree incorporates an extra year prior to starting on one of our three-year courses. This additional year has been specially designed to prepare you in gaining the study skills and subject knowledge required for the rest of your honours degree.
Over 50 of our courses are available with an Integrated Foundation Year, covering a broad range of subject areas that includes Business and Management, Social Sciences, Psychology, Engineering, and Journalism to name a few. If you want to improve your career prospects by having a universally-recognised qualification, we can offer you one of our four-year Integrated Foundation routes that matches your ambition.
Who is an Integrated Foundation Year suitable for?
Opting to study for a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year will appeal to a variety of different applicants. Many students on our Integrated Foundation courses come to us with no formal qualifications but with relevant and valuable work experience.
The IFY route may be suitable for those who have been out of education for some time and would benefit from building on their academic skills, or for anybody who's embarking on a new career path. They might also be a great option for those applicants who have just missed the grades required for direct entry onto their chosen course.
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I couldn’t recommend the IFY route enough for people who are in the same boat as me.
Jess Barlow
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The IFY enabled me to become familiar with the campus and facilities prior to my LLB.
Jake Bowman
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The IFY allowed me to go back to education, with a year to gain the necessary skills for my degree.
Lauren Arnison
What are the benefits of an Integrated Foundation Year?
There are many advantages to studying for one of our Integrated Foundation Degrees. First and foremost, alongside gaining an introduction to your chosen course, you'll develop essential academic skills such as writing, communication, problem-solving, and independent study. The extra year will allow you to build your confidence in a Higher Education environment so you'll feel more prepared going into the first year of your degree.
You'll also have the opportunity to get to know the people you'll be studying with for the next few years and benefit from receiving full support from academic staff, including one-to-one tutorials where you can seek valuable advice and make sure you're on track with your studying.
Our Integrated Foundation Year courses
Take a look below to find the right course for you.
Undergraduate courses

BA (Hons) Marketing with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our BA (Hons) Marketing course with an integrated foundation year. Combining a solid foundation of theoretical marketing practice with real-world projects in the Marketing Hub, this exciting course allows you to specialise in the areas of marketing you're passionate about.
Find out more about Marketing with Integrated Foundation Year
BEng (Hons) Sustainable Design Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of BEng Sustainable Design Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year. Study a unique course focused on the techniques used to analyse engineering systems. Develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional engineer. Understand and apply manufacturing and management techniques.
Find out more about Sustainable Design Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with an integrated foundation year. Gain well-rounded knowledge in the scientific investigation of human health and disease. Develop a comprehensive understanding of biomedicine. Acquire specialist knowledge in microbiology, immunology, pathophysiology and clinical biochemistry. Gain real-world experience by undertaking a placement. Graduate and work in a wide range of roles, in the NHS and in clinical laboratories and drug companies.
Find out more about Biomedical Science with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Biopharmaceutical Science with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of BSc (Hons) Biopharmaceutical Science with an Integrated Foundation Year. Work in the challenging field of drug discovery and development. Play a vital role in sustaining the health and wellbeing of our society. Grow your employability and gain real world experience with a 48-week placement. You could find yourself working with multinational companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca.
Find out more about Biopharmaceutical Science with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Physiological Sciences with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our BSc (Hons) Physiological Sciences course with an integrated foundation year. Understand how the human body functions in order to diagnose and treat abnormalities and disease. Gain an in-depth understanding of how cells, tissues, and organs work. Graduate fully-equipped to work as a researcher or scientist for employers including the NHS, medical research institutions, clinical laboratories, drug companies and molecular biology companies.
Find out more about Physiological Sciences with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Tourism and Aviation Management with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of BSc (Hons) Tourism and Aviation Management. This course will give you both academic and practical insight into the fascinating sectors of tourism and aviation and will help to prepare you for a range of related careers. Cover key concept areas including marketing, global tourism, aviation safety and security, the environment and hospitality.
Find out more about Tourism and Aviation Management with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
Study criminals and their crimes with a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology course. This course will directly prepare you for application to postgraduate forensic psychology courses and graduate jobs in prisons, rehabilitation units, and secure hospitals as well as in public services, social work and teaching positions. Specialist forensic psychology modules will develop your knowledge and skills. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work-based placement to gain real-life experience of the field.
Find out more about Forensic Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
This new course will introduce you to the field of clinical psychology and will encourage you to develop a comprehensive understanding of core psychological theories and concepts. You will learn how to apply these theories and concepts to understanding how mental health problems develop such as anxiety, depression, addiction and learning difficulties and how they can be treated. You will not only gain knowledge about mental health problems but also acquire the skills to work in mental health services.
Find out more about Clinical Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Social Media Management with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Social Media Management course, with an integrated foundation year. Create great content from video to graphics. Understand analytics and develop tactics, social campaigns and strategies to reach and engage audiences, and build brand reputation. Get the skills and experience for your social media career.
Find out more about Social Media Management with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Screen Performance with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Screen Performance course, with an integrated foundation year. You will learn the insider skills and techniques for television, film and radio and master industry standards and conventions alongside practitioners and leading researchers. We’ll guide you through the different genres of screen performance such as drama, comedy, soap opera and factual reportage.
Find out more about Screen Performance with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Psychology course, with an integrated foundation year. With an exciting range of modules to suit an array of different interests, BPS accreditation and specialist psychological laboratories, you’ll be perfectly set up for a career in psychology.
Find out more about Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling course, with an integrated foundation year. Learn how we interact with each other and about the decisions we make. Study the brain and a wide range of phenomena. Acquire knowledge and skills in counselling that can be embedded in a range of situations. Graduate with a broad skill set that can be applied to careers in social work, public services, counselling, clinical or forensic psychology or counselling.
Find out more about BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences course, with an integrated foundation year. Learn about the industry in its broadest form on a course endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Study high-quality modules in physiology, injury rehabilitation, nutrition and biomechanics, using industry-standard facilities for measuring speed, agility, reactions and enzymes in the body. Take advantage of the opportunity to train as a gym instructor or personal trainer.
Find out more about Sport and Exercise Sciences with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education, with an integrated foundation year. Our course aims to develop aspiring coaches and future educators equipped to teach in the primary, secondary and tertiary educational settings. The course is aligned to the industry standards as set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
Find out more about BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Physical Education with Integrated Foundation Year
BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering course, with an integrated foundation year. Widen your understanding of how electronics work, and grow your knowledge of electronic principles. Broaden your experiences by learning about other engineering disciplines, and put your skills to the test by managing and performing a project in your final year.
Find out more about Electronic and Electrical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering course, with an integrated foundation year. Take advantage of top-class teaching, world-leading research and state-of-the-art facilities. Network with some of the country’s leading professionals, enhance your problem solving skills and even build your own racing car.
Find out more about BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Business and Management with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Business and Management course, with an integrated foundation year. Combine industry led experience with cutting-edge teaching. Develop strong skills and knowledge in all areas of business with this innovative, and employability focused course. Start a rewarding career in management.
Find out more about Business and Management with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Business and Human Resource Management course, with an integrated foundation year. Effective Human Resource Management is essential to the success of any organisation. Study a CIPD accredited course highly relevant to modern workplaces. Undertake a year-long placement and put your learning into practice. Gain sought-after skills and knowledge for a rewarding career in HRM.
Find out more about Business and Human Resource Management with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Business and Marketing Management with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Business and Marketing Management course, with an integrated foundation year. Now, more than ever, marketing is a subject that impacts everyone’s lives. Gain the specialist skills and knowledge to prepare yourself for a career in the exciting field of marketing in this professionally accredited course. Undertake a paid placement. Graduate and embark on a rewarding career.
Find out more about Business and Marketing Management with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Business and Financial Management with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Business and Financial Management course, with an integrated foundation year. Gain a solid business education and gain essential skills in financial management. Undertake a paid placement. Develop specialist knowledge of the profession which can lead to many business career paths, including the global accounting and finance sector.
Find out more about Business and Financial Management with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management course, with an integrated foundation year. Carve out your path to a career in a booming sector. Develop research skills alongside our ‘world-leading’ research team. Study the areas you’re passionate about with flexible modules. Graduate as a unique candidate.
Find out more about International Tourism and Hospitality Management with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Childhood Studies with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Childhood Studies, with an Integrated Foundation Year. Refine your professional approach, build up the graduate attributes of a reflective practitioner, and cover a range of topics that include child development, early years, the primary curriculum, and family studies. Combine practical skills with academic rigour and work more effectively with children in a variety of contexts.
Find out more about Childhood Studies with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Health and Social Care course, with an Integrated Foundation Year. Prepare yourself for the increasing number of jobs in the highly rewarding areas of health and social care. Develop your knowledge and skills in areas such as psychosocial perspectives of health, counselling, research, health improvement, and behaviour change.
Find out more about Health and Social Care with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Community and Youth Work Studies with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Community and Youth Work course, with an Integrated Foundation Year. Make a real difference to the lives of young people aged between 13 and 19 and their communities. Become a professionally qualified youth worker with a course accredited and endorsed by the National Youth Agency.
Find out more about Community and Youth Work Studies with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Criminology with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Criminology course, with an Integrated Foundation Year. Learn about crime, criminal behaviour and punishment, visit criminal courts and prisons, and take advantage of volunteering opportunities and an optional placement in a relevant organisation. Develop analytical and practical skills in both quantitative and qualitative research, often needed for further academic study and highly sought after by employers.
Find out more about Criminology with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Professional Policing with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our BSc (Hons) Professional Policing course, with an Integrated Foundation Year. Study current topics such as digital policing and organised crime and terrorism. Help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Graduate and go on to apply for a role as a Police Constable in England and Wales.
Find out more about Professional Policing with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Education Studies with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Education Studies degree, with an Integrated Foundation Year. If a career in a wide range of educational contexts with young people and adults, such as teaching, support, training, administration and research interests you, then this course is for you. Gain an in-depth understanding about the aims and values of education in society today with a rigorous academic approach.
Find out more about Education Studies with Integrated Foundation Year
LLB (Hons) Law with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular LLB (Hons) Law course, with an integrated foundation year. Start your career in Law and study on a recognised course. Challenge and push yourself to new limits. Work in real-world environments and gain crucial experience. Earn the qualification that can open the door to professional training.
Find out more about Law with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Computer Science course, with an integrated foundation year. The broadest of our computing courses. Learn the fundamentals of how computers work the way they do, as well as models in software development, system programming and programming languages. Previous graduates have gone on to work for British Airways and Sage, so how far will you go in this highly rewarding industry?
Find out more about Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Game Development with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Game Development course, with an integrated foundation year. Dive into the world of gameplay programming with engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine 4. Develop games for PC, mobile and PlayStation from day one. Work in a simulated game studio environment by collaborating with talented games artists and acquire the skills to join the next generation of game developers.
Find out more about Game Development with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics course, with an integrated foundation year. In a world where cybercrime is on the rise, the need for highly-skilled professionals has never been higher. Gain vital industry experience and contacts with a paid, one-year placement, unlock information using ethical hacking and learn the fundamentals of programming with modules in C#, Java and SQL.
Find out more about Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Journalism course, with an integrated foundation year. Study a practical journalism degree, led by professional journalists who have worked for some of the UK’s biggest titles. Work closely with industry to learn the cutting-edge skills required to make your mark in the media. Become a journalist from the day you arrive and work for our award-winning radio station and websites, covering everything from news, to sport, fashion, arts and entertainment.
Find out more about Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Sports Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Sports Journalism course, with an integrated foundation year. Launch your career as a sports journalist for top-end multimedia sports platforms such as Sky Sports News, BBC Sport or national newspapers, or join the media teams of Premier League clubs, Formula One teams or golf's DP World Tour. Gain the skills to work with, and for, the best in the business on this NCTJ-accredited course.
Find out more about Sports Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism course, with an integrated foundation year. This innovative course is the UK’s only Fashion Journalism degree to have NCTJ accreditation. Work on the University’s fashion platform, Fashion North, and learn the core skills that every fashion journalist needs to make it in the industry. Write features, style photoshoots, create fashion spreads and produce your own magazine to impress prospective employers.
Find out more about Fashion Journalism with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Media, Culture and Communication with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Media, Culture and Communication course, with an integrated foundation year. Gain a strong understanding of media theory. Study core modules such as Media Studies, Cultural Theory and Digital Media Cultures. Choose from a broad selection of optional modules, including Popular Music Cultures and Media Production Skills.
Find out more about Media, Culture and Communication with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Film and Media with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Film and Media course, with an integrated foundation year. This distinctive course offers a rich and diverse range of exciting subjects. Study film and media theory alongside practical-based modules in film production. You'll cover the historical contexts and contemporary debates in film, media and cultural studies, exploring and examining areas including film theory and analysis, screen genres, scriptwriting, the study of mass media, and cultural representation.
Find out more about Film and Media with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Media Production with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Media Production course, with an integrated foundation year. Learn to deliver compelling TV and radio. Gain a technical understanding of the industry and real-life experience through placements. Enhance your employability by gaining industry accreditation. Graduate with a detailed portfolio, developed skills and technical insight.
Find out more about Media Production with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) English: Creative and Professional Writing with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our exciting new BA (Hons) English: Creative and Professional Writing course, with an integrated foundation year. The course enables you to understand writing as a profession while exploring and developing your own creative talent. You'll be supported by published writers and senior academics to hone your writing and apply your knowledge to literary, technical and professional work. You'll acquire skills in pitching, presenting and networking and will also learn about a range of industries where writers are in high demand.
Find out more about English: Creative and Professional Writing with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Performing Arts with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Performing Arts course, with an integrated foundation year. Learn to be a versatile performing artist. Personalise your studies between dance, drama and musical theatre to suit your evolving interests and aspirations. Become a confident, experienced, industry ready professional.
Find out more about Performing Arts with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Artist Designer Maker: Glass and Ceramics with Integrated Foundation Year
Master making skills in a range of materials, including Glass and Ceramics. Develop individual creativity and skills through cutting edge and established methods of practical making and conceptual thinking. Foster reflective and critical approaches to creative practice by promoting diagnostic, communication and digital skills. Work alongside like-minded students and within a creative and world-class environment. Celebrate and showcase your creations in the final year Degree Show.
Find out more about Artist Designer Maker: Glass and Ceramics with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Fine Art with Integrated Foundation Year
Study a wide range of modules to suit your interests, including Fine Art Media Skills, History of Art and Fine Art Contemporary Practice which will culminate with an exhibition in your final year giving you the opportunity to showcase your work to a public audience.
Find out more about Fine Art with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Photography, Video and Digital Imaging with Integrated Foundation Year
Our course provides you with the wide-ranging skills needed for success in today’s photographic industries and beyond. Learn how to make high quality digital and traditional images in our state-of-the-art facilities. Tell compelling stories about the things that matter to you with guidance from our expert team of practising photographers. Develop your own distinct visual language and acquire the skills and contacts to get your work out into the world.
Find out more about Photography, Video and Digital Imaging with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art with Integrated Foundation Year
Do you want to make animation and games industries? Use digital software such as Maya, Toon Boom and After Effects as part of this degree. Learn the core principles of character-led animation. Showcase your creativity to a public audience in the final year Degree Show.
Find out more about Animation and Games Art with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Promotion with Integrated Foundation Year
Work on live projects set by fashion industry professionals. Focus on a wide range of options to suit your interests such as design and manufacture, photography, styling, branding and magazine design. Undertake industry-relevant modules such as Fashion Product and Promotion and Design Theory. Create a personalised fashion portfolio. Graduate work-ready and pursue a career in a range of industries including, design, brand development, fashion publishing, production, Public Relations and fashion retail.
Find out more about Fashion Design and Promotion with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Graphic Design course, with an integrated foundation year. Study a wide range of modules with flexible options to suit your interests, such as Visual Communication, Motion Graphics and Branding, Position and Identity. Acquire valuable skills relevant to a career in Design, and work alongside like-minded students within a creative and supportive environment. Graduate with a portfolio of work to showcase your creativity and impress prospective employers.
Find out more about Graphic Design with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Illustration and Design with Integrated Foundation Year
Are you passionate about drawing and full of creative ideas? If so, our Illustration and Design degree is for you. Benefit from generous studio space and well-equipped workshops. Flourish in a creative environment, working alongside like-minded students and showcase your work to a public audience in your final year Degree Show.
Find out more about Illustration and Design with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Film Production with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of BA (Hons) Film Production with an integrated foundation year. It's a distinctive course for students who love film and want to enter the film industry. Learn how to create content such as short films, documentaries, music videos and commercials, and gain practical experience and instruction in film crew roles such as Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor, Scriptwriter and Sound Mixer.
Find out more about Film Production with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry course with an integrated foundation year. Study small molecule drug discovery and design. Prepare for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or research institute. Be the next generation of chemical and pharmaceutical scientists. Experience a rich and diverse syllabus and learning experience. Benefit from industry and employer-relevant content.
Find out more about Medicinal Chemistry with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our BSc (Hons) Biochemistry course with an integrated foundation year. Study life at molecular level. Utilise the latest technologies in genetics, chemistry, computation and analytical sciences. Access expertise and resources that are used by our long-standing Biomedical and Pharmaceutical courses. Develop transferable skills you can apply in a range of employment situations. Graduate fully equipped to work in pharmaceutics, biological research and clinical and pathological sciences.
Find out more about Biochemistry with Integrated Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Cosmetic Science with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Cosmetic Science course with an integrated foundation year which allows you to gain expertise in the formulation, manufacture, regulation and quality control of cosmetic fragrance and personal care products. Enhance your employability with a year-long paid industry placement and earn an average of £14,000-£18,000. Graduate fully equipped to work as a researcher or scientist for the cosmetics industry.
Find out more about Cosmetic Science with Integrated Foundation Year