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.

Mathematics and Statistics
The International Foundation Year in Mathematics and Statistics leads to a choice of bachelors and master degrees in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. To prepare for your degree, you will study core English language modules and subject modules for Mathematics and Statistics. Degree options include Accounting, Finance and Computer Science.

You will study Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics. Areas of study include number theory and graph theory (Pure Mathematics); vectors and variable acceleration (Applied Mathematics); and correlation and hypothesis testing (Statistics).

Economics (Study Abroad)
What makes some countries richer than others? How does society fund social care? Why are footballers paid so much? An understanding of economics gets to the heart of how the world works. It’s also highly prized by employers in the private and public sectors.

We build on first principles, and weave theory and evidence into policy analysis along with a valuable year studying overseas. This allows you to under-stand fundamental issues and topical concerns whilst developing an international perspective.

You don’t need an Economics A level as all first years study the Principles of Economics and Quantitative Methods for Economics, covering mathematics and statistics. You’ll also be able to choose another subject such as Accounting and Finance, International Relations or Marketing. If you wish, you can continue with this minor subject throughout your degree.

In the second year, you’ll study at a partner university usually in North America or Australasia. There are many advantages to studying abroad, including personal and educational development, experiencing a new culture, and enhanced employability. If you’re considering further study, graduate programmes welcome study abroad candidates.

When you return to Lancaster, your final year sees you choosing up to eight modules taught by researchers active in that field. From Public Economics to International Trade and Health Economics you can tailor your studies to suit your aspirations. High-performing students also have the chance to write a dissertation. In fact, a large number of our students go on to study a Masters degree.

Throughout your degree, we’ll supply training in CV writing, interview assessment centres and telephone interviews. We are proud of our aspiring economists and aim to nurture the potential in every one of them.

Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules which contribute credit to your Lancaster degree.  Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster.

Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year or term abroad.