Program Overview

An International Foundation Year at our International Study Centre prepares you for your degree at Lancaster University. You will focus on English language, university-level study skills, and academic modules that relate to your degree subject.

Supporting your progression to the University
At the International Study Centre, we take every measure to ensure you are supported in your academic journey. Our programmes allow for increased time spent learning, researching and developing your skills. By studying with us, you will benefit from:

• Formal assessments at the end of each term.
• An improved English language module, Academic English Skills, providing greater opportunity for informal assessments and feedback.
• Combining and reducing the number of module assessments allowing more time to prepare.
• A personal tutorial system with a focus on your academic progress at key points of the academic year, creating action plans based on your performance and progession options.

Life Sciences
The International Foundation Year in Life Sciences leads to a choice of degrees in the Faculty of Health and Medicine and in the Faculty of Science and Technology. To prepare for your degree, you will study subject modules and core English language modules. Degree options include Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, and Ecology.

You will learn about cell structure and function, as well as physiological processes in animals. Other areas of study include plant biology, genetics and ecology. Mathematic techniques are part of the course, and you will apply your understanding to real-life situations.

Ecology and Conservation
Learn how organisms interact with each other and their environment, and discover the impact of human activity in a series of exciting field-based and lab-taught modules.

Our renowned researchers deliver an exceptional training programme that provides a thorough grounding in ecological theory and practice, combining lectures, practicals, fieldwork and small-group tutorials. You will gain a deep understanding and hands-on experience of how these principles are applied in the study and conservation of species and the ecosystems in which they live.

Throughout your degree, you will have the opportunity to experience a range of exciting fieldwork modules and residential courses. You will explore the Doñana National Park in the southwest of Spain which is home to a plethora of plant and animal species, including the world’s most endangered cat, the Iberian Lynx; you can visit some of the UK’s last remaining natural habitats in rural Scotland, and observe a range of animals including red deer, mountain hare, pine marten, osprey and golden eagle; or contribute to an expert-led study of the Rift Valley of Kenya, where you will evaluate the challenge of balancing tropical conversation and human activity.

Your first year will begin with a rounded introduction to ecology and conservation biology. You will participate in the field course in southern Spain, and you will study a series of modules in ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation.

Specialisation from the second year onwards allows you to choose topics that match your interests. A diverse range of modules will equip you with a range of ecology, conservation biology and practical skills, and you can choose from a selection of relevant optional modules such as Evolution and Environmental Physiology.

In the third year, you will carry out an independent research project. Your module choices include Animal Behaviour, Conservation in Practice and Issues in Conservation Biology.

During your degree, you may be able to move to our MSci Hons Ecology and Conservation (Professional Experience) programme. This programme includes a fourth year and provides a ten-week placement with a graduate employer. You will also have the opportunity to undertake Masters-level modules and an extended research project. There is also a Study Abroad Bsc where you spend Year 2 at one of our partner universities in North America or Australasia.