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 and Mathematics (Industry)
How can governments prevent house price bubbles? What are the economic effects of immigration? What price should a product have?

If these types of questions intrigue you and if you have a numerate mind, this degree, which includes a valuable paid placement in industry, can help launch your career in the public sector, government or consulting.

You will be taught by leading academics, examining real-world issues. You don’t need an Economics A-Level as all first years study the Principles of Economics. However, you will need an A level in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

We will introduce you to theory, evidence and policy analysis. This allows you to understand fundamental issues and topical concerns. In the first year, you will study Calculus, Further Calculus and Linear Algebra as well as Economics.

In your second year, you’ll progress to Computational Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics. You can also select topics such as Game Theory, Econometrics and Intermediate Macroeconomics and Microeconomics.

Your third year is spent in industry. You’ll be supported in securing a placement, with past students joining companies such as IBM, Lloyds Bank, Microsoft, PwC and the Bank of England. Roles on offer range from project management and logistics to investment, business development and risk. Most placements are in the UK but there are some options overseas.

Your final year sees you choosing modules taught by researchers active in that field. From Health Economics to Industrial Organisation, Medical Statistics to Advanced Macroeconomics, you can tailor your studies to suit your aspirations. High-performing students also have the chance to write a dissertation.

By the time you graduate, you will have acquired mathematical and analytical skills in demand by employers. You will have a powerful ‘intellectual toolbox’ to understand the world economy, business strategies, and financial dynamics.