Learn more about the International Foundation Programme (IFP) at Reading.
Programme structure
The IFP is a modular programme, which allows you to choose to study the subjects that interest you most. Each IFP module has a credit value, and you select modules to a value of 140 credits in total.
Everyone on the IFP takes the Academic Skills module, and, if you need to improve your English language skills, you must also take the Academic English module.
Modules
All modules are taught on the September-start IFP, whereas modules on the January-start are limited.
| Module | Credits | September Start | January Start | Entry requirements |
| Academic skills |
20 |
✓ | ✓ | Compulsory |
| Foundation Programme: Biology | 40 | ✓ | GCSE Biology (C) or equivalent | |
| Chemistry | 40 | ✓ | GCSE Chemistry (C) or equivalent or GCSE Combined Science (C) or equivalent | |
| Foundation Economics: Macroeconomics |
20 |
✓ | ✓ | GCSE Mathematics (C) or equivalent |
| Foundation Economics: Microeconomics | 20 | ✓ | ✓ | GCSE Mathematics (C) or equivalent |
| Further Mathematics | 20 | ✓ | GCSE Mathematics (C) or equivalent | |
| Physics | 20 | ✓ | GCSE Mathematics (C) or equivalent | |
| Foundation Statistics & Data Science | 40 | ✓ | ✓ | GCSE Mathematics (C) or equivalent |
| Academic English 1 & Academic English 2 | 40 | ✓ | ✓ | IELTS 5.0 |
| An Introduction to Business Management | 40 | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Introduction to Foundations of Law | 20 | ✓ | IELTS 5.5 | |
| Further Foundations of Law | 20 | ✓ | IELTS 5.5 |
|
| Core Mathematics |
20 | ✓ | ✓ | GCSE Mathematics (C) or equivalent |
| Quantitative Methods | 20 | ✓ | ✓ | GCSE Mathematics (C) or equivalent |
| Concepts in Politics | 20 | ✓ | - | |
| Government and Politics | 20 | ✓ | - | |
| Psychology and The Body | 20 | ✓ | - | |
| Psychology and Research Methods | 20 | ✓ | - | |
| Introduction to Sociology | 20 | ✓ | - | |
| Topics in Sociology | 20 | ✓ | - |
Read our module descriptions for more information about each module's aims, learning outcomes, content, and teaching and learning methods.
Choosing the right modules for your degree
Our flexible IFP allows you to choose modules suitable for study on nearly all of the undergraduate degrees available at Reading.
Find out which modules are available for your chosen degree
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
As an international student without qualifications equivalent to A levels, you can apply for the IFP if you have either:
- completed secondary school and achieved good results in your school-leaving examinations
or
- GCE/GCSE qualifications gained in your own country. In exceptional circumstances, you may be accepted if you have A levels but failed to achieve the grades you need to progress to a degree course.
Check the academic entry requirements for the IFP by country
English language requirements
You will need to show proof of your language ability, unless your situation is an exception, as set out by the UK government on their website.
The English language level required for entry on to the IFP depends on your chosen pathway and your future degree course.
You can submit your IFP application before you take an English test. If you meet all other entry requirements, you will receive a conditional offer, and you will be able to join the programme once you can provide evidence of your level of English.
Check the English Language requirements for each programme
Qualifying for your degree
Each degree at Reading sets its own entry requirements. You will need to pass the IFP with the specified marks for your chosen degree in order to meet the undergraduate entry requirements, as well as meeting any other relevant degree entry requirements.
What marks do I need for admission onto an undergraduate degree?
