International Foundation Year - Business

Study level: International Pathways Programme
International Foundation Year
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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

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)
CU London (Greenwich, London)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

Up to 1 year

Course code

See how to apply section

Start date

April 2024
June 2024

How to apply
About Pathways
Download a guide
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Course overview

The Business International Foundation Year (IFY) 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.

It will offer you the chance to:

  • develop business 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 business modules later on
  • learn core business features, including management skills, marketing and international business.
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Global experience

Study in the UK and gain international experience
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Degree ready

Get the skills needed to progress onto a UK degree

Progression degrees

Upon successful completion of the Business International Foundation Year (IFY), you will be eligible to progress onto the following Coventry University or Coventry University London1 degrees (subject to meeting all specified entry criteria):

Coventry University

Coventry University London

Please note – the degree you intend to progress to is selected at the same time as your application to the IFY and any offer is made on that basis.

When I started, I wasn’t doing well; although I tried to do my best, it just wasn’t enough. But through the help of the teachers, they made everything easier for me and it became possible to be where I am right now. I am very satisfied with how they have supported me.

Faith Okeguale, International Pathways Programme student, 2022
Faith working on a laptop in an open study space

What you'll study

The Business International Foundation Year will be a combination of English language and subject-specific modules.

Depending on your IELTS entry level you will take up to three modules to develop your English academic language skills. You will then study three subject-specific modules with the aim of providing you with 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 4.5.
      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.
    • Developing your Academic Language and Skills
      This module is required for students who enter at IELTS levels 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.
    • Success in Academic Language and Skills
      This module is required for students who enter at IELTS levels 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

  • Up to three of the four modules below will be assigned to you, depending on which cohort and entry point you join within the academic year. Each module assigned to you is compulsory:

    • Business Communications
      This module explores the application of communication in business through a variety of methods. You are required to undertake a range of practical activities such as role plays, in different organisational and cultural settings and examine the relationship between management and workforce. You’ll also conduct thorough research into communications, using analytical theories as well as examining key management communication tools.
      Finally, you’ll identify your own, personal learning style, and have an opportunity to develop these skills within a supportive and culturally sensitive environment.
    • Management Skills
      This module aims to provide an overview of the skills required by managers and leaders in business. You’ll explore why having an effective manager is crucial to the success of an organisation, in addition to identifying the successful characteristics of a manager and highlighting how they contribute to the development of a cohesive and productive workforce. We also encourage you to develop and refine your own management characteristics, as you look at relevant theories such as motivation, decision-making and problem-solving. You’ll get to practice a range of management activities and learn the competencies required to manage a business effectively.
    • Marketing for Business
      IThe role of marketing within an organisation is critical to the success of any business. This module develops your understanding of the key principles of marketing and how these contribute to the achievement of business objectives. Marketing is a vibrant, fast-paced and exciting area of business and by the end of this module, you should know the role of marketing research, effective planning and the development of a fundamental tool – the marketing mix.
      You’ll also exercise your acquired analytical skills and evaluate key, contemporary techniques and their practical applications in a business setting.
    • Global Business
      In today's highly competitive environment, there is an increasing number of small and medium-sized firms that are involved internationally and the trend is expected to continue due to the globalisation of the world economy, markets, and intensified international competition.
      You will explore the growing importance of global business in the twenty-first century, consider a range of operational activities and their interdependent roles and impact, upon the wider strategy of the organisation wishing to trade internationally. The module will cover the principles of international trade and global business and the challenges faced by organisations – such as cultural differences, ethics and logistics – from the viewpoint of achieving both operational and strategic objectives.

    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, group or individual tutorials. The remaining study hours required for the module will be self-guided.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

You have to meet the requirements in the final assessments for both the English and the subject-specific modules in order to secure the chance to progress onto your intended destination course.

Your progress on the Academic Language and Skills modules will be monitored throughout the modules. Final assessments are delivered at the end of the Success in Academic Language and Skills module.

For subject-specific modules, there is one assessment per module.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as provide an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and could include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks, portfolio tasks and assessments.

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending on the degree selected or the module.

Assessment methods could include:

  • coursework (all years)
  • exams
  • portfolio tasks
  • phase tests (all years)
  • presentations (degree level)
  • research/reports (degree level).

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

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

Entry requirements

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

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.

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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 4.5 | £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. Your Academic Language and Skills modules could be delivered in other locations across Mile Lane and other Coventry University campus locations. 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 The Hub, which is the centre of student life at our Coventry campus.

Two students walking outside the Mile Lane campus entrance

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable 1-2-1 academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open access study areas, café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment, so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

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, Enterprise Hub and a fantastic food court.

 

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

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.

 

Our contemporary North Greenwich campus1 is located in an area of London with a thriving creative community, innovative architecture and an active social scene. While you study here you will be in the heart of the Greenwich Peninsula, close to the O2 arena and a variety of cafés, shops and leisure facilities.

Easily accessible by road, rail and bus and just a 3-minute walk from North Greenwich tube station and the Jubilee line, the only thing stopping you from exploring the city is your own imagination.

Two students using a study booth

Silent study area

You will have access to silent study areas and breakout spaces, perfectly situated to help you concentrate on your studies. These areas are rich in natural light and comfortable seating3.

 

A student reading in the library

Library and IT space

The library is structured to allow access to both online and offline reading material. Along with open access IT suites, laptops can be rented out and desktops used for ease of accessing course material or other online resources3.

A tutor teaching a class in a bright classroom

Modern classrooms

Our fully equipped classrooms are bright and contemporary, fitted with interactive teaching capabilities3.

 

 

 

Degree ready

If you successfully pass the Business IFY, you will be eligible to progress onto the Coventry University or Coventry University London degrees listed in the Overview section (subject to meeting any progression requirements).

Upon 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 in 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.

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.

Further study

Please see the ‘Overview’ section above for more details on our progression degrees.

How to apply

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:
CUCIFY01 (IELTS 4.5)
CUCIFY06 (IELTS 5.0)
CUCIFY07 (IELTS 5.5)

Delivered at CU London (Greenwich), with progression onto a degree at Coventry University London:
CULGIFY01 (IELTS 4.5)
CULGIFY06 (IELTS 5.0)
CULGIFY07 (IELTS 5.5)

  • 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.

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