STEM International Foundation Year
1 year
The STEM International Foundation Year is for international students who do not meet the criteria for direct entry to undergraduate study in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Successful completion will allow you to progress onto the first year of your degree course.
We have been awarded gold in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
26th in the UK, Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.
Top 30 in the UK for overall positivity in the 2024 National Student Survey, according to analysis by Times Higher Education.
Course description
Course description
Please note, this course is being advertised subject to approval.
The STEM International Foundation Year gives you the essential knowledge and academic skills you need for successful university study. The course places a strong emphasis on the development of essential professional and interpersonal skills to support you in your studies and beyond.
Choose from a wide range of degree pathways in the fields of Chemistry, Computing, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics and Physics; whichever pathway you follow, you will be taught by our expert academic staff from across the University.
You will also develop your English language and academic skills for successful study, and benefit from the support of a dedicated personal tutor to guide you through your studies. From the day you arrive, you will be part of our student community and able to enjoy all aspects of the University of Leicester student experience.
By successfully completing the STEM International Foundation Year, you will progress onto the first year of your chosen degree. The STEM International Foundation Year sets you on the path to degree success, and provides the first step towards a rewarding career in your chosen field.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- GCSE: Grades 9-4 in five subjects, including Maths and Physics/Biology
- A levels: Evidence of A level study or equivalent
Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies.
If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied.
Contextual offers
The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 5.5 or equivalent, with minimum 5.0 in each skill. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries ListFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
This programme is only available to international students.
International Students
Starting in 2025
- £20,250 per year
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
All the of the various foundation courses will set you up with transferrable skills. They will prepare you to work, not just in roles that are available now, but for roles that will emerge in the future.
Hear from one of our Physics graduates
Careers support
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Careers and Employability Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
Course structure
Core modules
Core modules
The STEM International Foundation Year has 2 core modules that you’ll complete:
- Academic English Language and Skills for STEM 1
- Academic English Language and Skills for STEM 2
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Subject modules
Subject modules
Below is an indicative list of modules that you would undertake as part of which ever STEM course you choose:
Chemistry
- Mathematics 1
- Waves and Matter
- Introduction to Chemistry (double module)
- Introductory Chemistry Practical
- Introductory Data Analysis
Computing/Creative Computing
- Mathematics 1
- Introductory Linux
- Algorithms and Logic
- Introductory Data Analysis
- Introduction to Programming (double module)
Engineering
- Mathematics 1
- Mechanics 1
- Waves and Matter
- Mathematics 2
- Mechanics 2
- Electromagnetism and Quantum Physics
Environmental Science/Geography/Geology
- Mathematics 1
- Scientific Computing
- Principles of Earth Science and Earth Systems
- Introductory Data Analysis
- Academic Support
- Introductory Earth and Environmental Science (double module)
Mathematics
- Mathematics 1
- Mechanics 1
- Mathematics 2
- Introduction to Programming (double module)
- Introductory Data Analysis
Physics
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
At Leicester you will be part of a truly global community of staff and students from over 150 countries. This course is an integral component of the University's offering, taught on-campus by our academics.
Dedicated academic and pastoral support (e.g. personal tutoring) from our staff in the Centre for International Training and Education (CITE).
Across the subjects we have numerous positive accreditations and achievements, including: Ranked 2nd in subjects aligned to Geology for ‘overall positivity’ in the NSS 2024; Ranked 3rd in subjects aligned to Geography for ‘overall positivity’ in the NSS 2024; Ranked 7th in subjects aligned to Physics for ‘overall positivity’ in the NSS 2024; Ranked 5th in subjects aligned to Chemistry for ‘overall positivity’ in the NSS 2024 (all according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data).
Teaching and learning
The academic year is divided into two 12-week semesters spread over three terms. You are assessed on your performance through exams at the end of each semester and coursework during the semester. You’ll also have a number of hours contact each week.
You will be assigned your own personal tutor who can provide advice about, not just academic matters, but all matters of personal concern; whether they are academic, financial, housing, career or social issues. You can see your personal tutor at any time by appointment or during office hours.
All of our courses are linked to Blackboard – a virtual learning environment that gives you access to lecture notes, self-test exercises, supplementary information and background literature about the course.
In the foundation programme you’ll also have modules that cover your academic English language and skills to support you through the year.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Your contact hours will depend on the option modules you select. You can see details of the contact hours on individual module pages.
Academic support
AccessAbility offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do.
Apply now
| Course | Duration | Attendance | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course STEM International Foundation Year | Duration 1 year | Attendance Full-time | Start Dates September 2025 |
Availability
This programme is subject to approval. |
