University of Bath students

International Foundation Year in Business, Finance and Management

Prepare for your first year of a business, finance and management degree

Is this programme for me?

This programme is for students with the ambition to study at a high-ranking UK university and want the skills to have a successful academic journey and career in business, finance and management. On this Business, Finance and Management route, you’ll:

  • build strong academic English skills needed to succeed in a UK university environment
  • gain a solid foundation in business, finance, and management concepts
  • develop practical skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making
  • strengthen your research, teamwork, and project skills through collaborative work

What will you study?

Over the two-semester programme, you’ll study a number of core and elective modules that relate to your chosen progression degree. The modules have been designed by expert academics at the International Study Centre with the University of Bath, to ensure you have the academic foundation and skills needed to succeed upon progression to the University.

Modules

Core modules

The aim of this module is to train students in the language competency and practical academic skills they’ll need for undergraduate University courses. This includes developing students' accuracy and range of written and spoken English while teaching academic conventions and processes for writing, effective reading strategies, participation in research-based discussions and listening to and recording information from lectures. The AES course also aims to ensure that students can achieve a CEFR B2+ level in reading, listening, writing and speaking.

This module has been designed to provide students with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted world of business. As students continue their academic journey, it becomes ever more essential for them to build a strong foundation of business knowledge. This foundation will equip students with the confidence and expertise needed to successfully navigate the intricate world of contemporary business. Students will be prepared to tackle complex business challenges, make strategic decisions, and contribute effectively to the success of organisations in diverse industries. This module serves as a crucial stepping stone toward students' future careers in business and management.

The Statistics with Project Skills module aims to enhance students’ understanding of statistics and its application to address complex sustainability challenges within the fields of Science, Engineering and Business, aligning with the United Nation's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals. By integrating sustainability, students will learn to apply statistical expertise in solving real-world problems.

This module is divided into two phases. In the first phase, students will utilise statistical methods to solve intricate problems specific to their respective areas within Science, Engineering and Business. This will aid in the development of their disciplinary expertise and foster an appreciation for diverse perspectives. In the second phase, students will engage in an investigative project, collaborating, if possible, within multidisciplinary teams to explore and resolve sustainability challenges. This phase will enable them to apply statistical techniques to real-world scenarios and further enhance their analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.

Elective modules

This module provides essential knowledge and applications of the principles, and techniques in accounting and financial management.  It aims to cultivate problem-solving abilities grounded in logical thinking, methodical data analysis, effective communication and informed decision-making. Attaining a solid grasp of accounting topics within this module equips students with a robust foundation, laying the groundwork for their undergraduate studies at university.

The module is designed to provide a strong foundation in mathematical modelling and core mathematics skills required for courses in Engineering, Computing, Economics and other STEM subjects. Its overall aim is to develop the academic language, subject-specific knowledge, academic study skills, and cultural awareness of international students from a wide range of countries and educational systems. This will enable them to progress confidently onto their chosen undergraduate programme with the appropriate subject background skills. The module also aims to foster an interest in mathematics and its applications, while enhancing students' self-confidence, initiative-taking, and independent working skills.

Why study business, finance and management at the University of Bath?

  • The School of Management holds prestigious accreditations (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB), placing it among an elite group of business schools worldwide.
  • Many courses are offered with a professional placement or study abroad year. You can take advantage of industry links and research institutions to gain extra experience for your CV, make new contacts or try out a career option.
  • You’ll learn from leading academics and with specialist facilities that foster an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration.

1st for Marketing since 2017
2nd for Accounting and Finance
3rd for Business and Management Studies
9th for Economics

(The Complete University Guide 2026)

Top 5

in the UK for Business and Management

(The Guardian University Guide 2026)

Top 100

in the world for Business and Management Studies

(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)

Progress to your degree

Once you complete your International Foundation Year in Business, Finance and Management and achieve the required grades*, you can enter your chosen degree at the University of Bath.

*Progression requirements are provisional and subject to approval

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
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What to do next

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application.