The International Foundation Programme in Humanities & Social Sciences is delivered on campus by Aberystwyth University and recruited globally in partnership with David Game College. The programme provides international students with a high-quality pathway into UK higher education.
The Humanities & Social Sciences pathway equips students with the critical thinking, creativity and analytical skills required to succeed in a range of undergraduate degree programmes, including disciplines such as International Politics, Theatre, Film & Television Studies, and Law & Criminology.
Students receive approximately 20 hours of weekly contact time, including seminars and tutorials, and are encouraged to take part in pair work, group activities, discussions, presentations and case studies.
A variety of teaching methods are used to support different learning styles. Alongside lectures, seminars, tutorials and classroom-based activities, tutors encourage students to provide feedback and share their academic interests, which can be integrated into the learning experience.
Alongside Academic English seminars, students select one specialist module in either International Relations & Politics, Theatre, Film & Television Studies, or Law & Criminology. This module provides the academic foundation needed to progress to undergraduate study in the chosen subject area.
Students on the Humanities & Social Sciences pathway of our International Foundation Programme can progress onto programmes within the following departments:
International Relations and Politics
Law and Criminology
Theatre, Film, Television and Media
Students benefit from an intellectually rich environment where they are encouraged to question, explore, and understand the world from multiple perspectives.
Across all three departments, teaching is informed by cutting-edge research, real-world practice and a strong commitment to student development — ensuring that you enter your chosen degree well-prepared, confident and academically ready.
Each destination department offers distinctive strengths that enrich your learning journey:
The Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth is the world’s first ever department of its kind, founded in 1919, and continues a century-long legacy of innovation, academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
Our world-leading research is equally impressive — tackling global challenges such as conflict, security, climate change, and migration — and feeds directly into teaching so that students learn from the very latest thinking.
The Department of Theatre, Film & Television Studies offers students transformational creative experiences, a distinctive freedom to experiment, and the inspiration of our extraordinary coastal environment.
The Department of Law & Criminology at Aberystwyth delivers a tailored and research-led education, allowing students to shape their degree through a broad range of modules.
Our programme also includes hands-on learning through a Family Law Clinic, mooting, advocacy projects, and community initiatives. Backed by world-class research (REF 2021), students graduate well-equipped for legal and policy careers.
Following successful completion of the International Foundation Programme in Humanities & Social Sciences, you can begin your undergraduate studies in:
International Relations and Politics pathway
BA Intelligence and International Security
BA International Relations
Law and Criminology pathway
Theatre, Film, Television & Media pathway
BA Film and Television Studies
BA Film-making
BA Media and Communication Studies
All modules are mandatory for progression to undergraduate study.
Applicable to both September and January intakes.
First Semester (September or January)
Second Semester (January or June)
Choose one of the following modules in your second semester:
Qualifications
You must have completed high school to a level that indicates likely success on the Foundation Programme.
Entry requirements for specific countries can be found on the relevant Country Page.
Age
You must be at least 17 years old before the course start date.
English language requirements for 4 Year Degree Programme with Foundation
Students are required to have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no component score lower than 5.5.
Applicants can provide an equivalent recognised English qualification. Further information on acceptable English qualifications can be found on the undergraduate English requirements webpage.
English language requirements for 1 Year International Foundation Programme
Students are required to have an IELTS score of 5.0 with no component score lower than 4.5. Students will be given additional English language support if necessary.
1 Year International Foundation Programme applicants must have IELTS UKVI or another Secure English Language Test such as Trinity College London or Pearsons.
Click here to find out more about the International Foundation Programme Options
2026 / 27
| September start | Monday 21 September 2026 – Friday 17 September 2027 |
|---|---|
| January start | Monday 4 January 2027 – Friday 17 September 2027 |
Fees: £19,190
Scholarships: All self-funded international fee-paying students are eligible for the International Accommodation Award, which gives students the option of free housing in our on-campus Cwrt Mawr halls for the duration of their studies on the International Foundation Programme and with 50% discount to live in Pentre Jane Morgan halls during the first year of study on their degree programme.
Students from certain countries may be also be eligible for our £2,000 Regional Scholarship.
