International Foundation Year - Biosciences

International Pathways Programme
International Foundation Year

This study route is designed to introduce international students to higher education while experiencing life abroad in the UK. It aims to prepare you with a deeper understanding of academic culture that will allow you to flourish in your chosen degree studies.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

Up to 1 year

Course code

See how to apply section

Start date

May 2024
June 2024

How to apply

About Pathways

Download a guide

Course overview

It will offer you the chance to:

Develop bioscience skills through teaching methods focused on hands-on, interactive learning through case studies and more.
Develop the appropriate level of academic language, study skills, and content knowledge to meet the entry requirements of your progression degree programme.
Acquire a strong, critical approach to real-world problems specific to language and education skill levels, as well as be allowed ample opportunities to reflect upon your learning.
Enhance your academic English and learning with English modules taught first to set you up for success as you go into your bioscience modules later on.
Learn the necessary fundamentals in biosciences to have an opportunity to progress into a related degree programme.

Global experience

Study in the UK and gain international experience

human silhouette teaching in front of a whiteboard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field

Degree ready

Get the skills needed to progress onto a UK degree

Progression degrees

The Biosciences International Foundation Year (IFY) can help support you for a selection of degree specialism in this field. It also aims to prepare you with the necessary toolkit to be successful while heading into your chosen degree. It will help you take a critical approach to your studies, reflect on your learning, organise your studies, and be a strong, independent learner.

On successful completion, you will be eligible to progress onto one of the following Coventry University degrees (subject to meeting the specified entry criteria):

Coventry University

*To progress onto the Dietetics BSc (Hons) and Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) degrees you must have an IELTS score of 7.0 (with no component lower than 6.5).

For all other degrees in this area you must have an IELTS score of 5.5 (with no component lower than 5.0).

It’s my first year living here and the people, weather, food, everything are great. I would never have expected myself to go to the library and study every day, but I do! I love student life here.
Turki Emad Aldhaen, International Pathways Programme student, 2022

A group of students walking through the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

What you'll study

By choosing to study the Biosciences IFY, you will develop your English academic language skills through up to three diverse skill modules, depending on your IELTS entry level. You will then study three subject-specialist modules. These modules will provide a strong framework for your continued studies toward your chosen higher education degree.

Modules

Introduction to Academic Language and Skills

This module is required for students who enter at IELTS level 4.0 and 4.5.

This module aims to introduce you to life and study at UK universities. It explores some of the key academic language and skills needed for successful study and reviews teaching methods and ways to communicate with the wider university, including asking for help. It also introduces research, reporting and presentation skills, and key skills for managing successful study.

Compulsory

Developing your Academic Language and Skills

This module is required for students who enter at IELTS level 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0.

This module aims to provide an in-depth exploration of academic language and skills. This includes strategies for approaching academic assignments, structuring academic writing and presentations, developing a reasoned argument, incorporating supporting evidence, and summarising and proofreading. It will also explore different types of assessment tasks used in universities.

Compulsory

Success in Academic Language and Skills

This module is required for students who enter at IELTS level 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5.

This module aims to review and refine your academic skills and language. You will analyse examples of academic work to identify successful approaches and strategies, deepen reading and listening skills for gathering information, and explore different ways of organising arguments and incorporating source material appropriately. You will also have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, an appropriate academic style, and review key information about your destination degree course.

Compulsory

Introduction to Cell Biology

This module is designed to provide you with the cell biology knowledge and skills required for a successful transition to degree-level study in bioscience disciplines. The material covered is at a level corresponding to pre-university qualifications such as A levels in the UK. The module provides a foundation of knowledge in cell biology, and there is a strong emphasis on the application of the subject in bioscience contexts.

You will examine the facts, principles and concepts of cell biology such as the key molecular components of cells and organelles, as well as their function, and genetics. You’ll progress to developing the skills required to use this knowledge and will also learn to understand scientific methods, advances in technology relevant to cell biology and their effects on society.

You will also bring together knowledge and understanding of how different areas of cell biology relate to each other and other areas of bioscience.

Compulsory

Foundation of Chemistry

Foundation of Chemistry aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills of chemistry to progress to degree-level study. The material corresponds to A level qualifications in the UK.

The module provides a foundation of knowledge and understanding of the main branches of chemistry. You will be introduced to the major aspects of chemical terminology, as well as a range of organic and inorganic materials, and physical chemistry. You'll also develop an understanding of scientific methods, and the link between theory and practical experiments, as there is a strong emphasis on the practical application of the subject, in the context of biosciences.

You will bring together knowledge of how different areas of chemistry relate to each other and other areas of bioscience, and the use of chemistry in society.

Compulsory

Foundation of Anatomy and Physiology

Here, we focus on physiological systems in the human body and how these systems interact to create a steady state (homeostasis). An introduction into the basic anatomical structures of the main biological systems in the human body is explored, while observing the function and purpose of these systems and how they help to regulate homeostasis.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

This International Foundation Year will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University. You will be taught using various academic techniques, which may include lessons and individual and group tutorials. You will also have self-study materials to follow outside of the classroom.

Each one of the modules requires the equivalent of between 225 and 300 study hours. They run over a six-week period and are taught consecutively, with a combination of assessments in each six-week block.
You will receive approximately 18 hours of teaching contact hours per week. This will be a combination of lectures (which may take place in person on-campus or live online). There will also be regular, small group or individual tutorials. The remaining study hours required for the module will be self-guided.

Assessment

Depending on your IELTS entry level, you may be assessed on the first three academic language and skills modules of your International Foundation Year through a combination of continuous, formative and final assessments. Assessments will be delivered at the end of module one and two.

The assessment strategy ensures that our study routes are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor your progression.

Degree ready

On successful completion of your modules, including the subject-specific modules, you will have had the opportunity to:

Understand approaches to learning in UK universities and expectations in your chosen subject area.
Write an extended piece of academic writing that requires elements of research and follows standard academic conventions.
Express facts, information and ideas with effective grammatical accuracy and accuracy, using an appropriate range of academic and subject specific vocabulary.
Communicate effectively in everyday situations within the university environment and more generally in English-speaking contexts.
Deliver a well-structured presentation on an academic topic.
Participate in seminar discussions on academic topics.
Access academic texts in order to select relevant information.
Differentiate between different academic genres of writing.
Comprehend extended academic listening texts and record relevant information.
Access online materials and demonstrate increased digital literacy.
Organise academic study and manage your time.
Reflect on learning.
Understand, engage with and critically evaluate knowledge relating to global issues.
Apply your knowledge and language skills to a realistic learning opportunity and assessment, at an appropriate academic level.

You will also be eligible to progress onto one of the Coventry University degrees listed in the Overview section (subject to meeting the specified entry criteria).

Entry requirements

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS 4.5 entry: 4.5 overall (with no component lower than 4.5)
IELTS 5.0 entry: 5.0 overall (with no component lower than 4.5)
IELTS 5.5 entry: 5.5 overall (with no component lower than 5.0)

UKVI IELTS or SELT equivalent will be required for IELTS 4.5 and 5.0 entry. It may also be required for 5.5 entry points depending on your previous qualifications.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with us

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees. Fees and course duration are dependent on your IELTS entry level.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
International	IELTS 4.0 \| £17,500 \| 39 academic weeks IELTS 4.5 \| £16,000 \| 36 academic weeks IELTS 5.0 \| £14,500 \| 30 academic weeks IELTS 5.5 \| £12,500 \| 24 academic weeks	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees² and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

Facilities

During your international foundation year you'll be based at our modern CU Coventry Mile Lane campus1, located in the heart of the city. You will also have access to the wider facilities and amenities available at Coventry University³.

This includes full membership of Your Students' Union where you will receive access to support and advice as well as societies and events, and access to TheHub, which is the centre of student life at our Coventry campus.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

Lanchester Library

You will have full reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library. The library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has many study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers touchdown computers and free-to-loan laptops.

Careers and opportunities

If you successfully pass the Biosciences IFY, you will be guaranteed a place on a relevant degree course at Coventry University (listed in the Overview section), subject to meeting the specified entry criteria.

We are here to provide high-quality education for students as well as to teach you life skills for completing your future career goals. The university's dedicated employability support, the Talent Team, can provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your future studies and career.

How to apply

International students

Students should apply directly to the university via our application portal.

Apply now

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

intpathway@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Course codes

The code for your course is dependent on the location of study and your current IELTS score. See below to select the code you will need to use to apply.

Delivered at CU Coventry (Coventry), with progression onto a degree at Coventry University:
CUCIFY37 (IELTS 4.0)
CUCIFY22 (IELTS 4.5)
CUCIFY23 (IELTS 5.0)
CUCIFY24 (IELTS 5.5)

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Study location

The International Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study in Coventry for your International Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry. Subject to meeting requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject building for your progression degree.
If you choose to study in London for your International Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU London (North Greenwich). Subject to meeting requirements you will then transition to Coventry University London in the City of London for your progression degree.

²Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. We may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

³Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.