International Foundation Year in Social Sciences

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.

The Project Skills module aims to develop students’ academic and project-based competencies while fostering their ability to address complex sustainability challenges within the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Law, guided by the United Nations’ Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals. By integrating sustainability perspectives, students will learn to apply disciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to real-world issues, enhancing their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

The module is delivered in two phases. In the first phase, students will build core academic skills, including effective academic writing, critical evaluation of sources, and accurate referencing, while gaining a foundational understanding of sustainability and the nature of problems. In the second phase, students will apply these skills in an investigative project, working individually and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to explore and develop evidence-based solutions to real-world sustainability challenges. Through this process, they will strengthen their abilities in project planning, teamwork, and communication, preparing them for further academic study and professional contexts.

This module introduces students to the scientific study of mind and behaviour, exploring key theories, approaches, and debates across core areas such as cognitive, developmental, biological, and social psychology. It also examines applied fields including psychopathology, criminological and health psychology, and evolutionary perspectives. Students develop foundational research skills, understand ethical considerations, and learn how psychological knowledge is applied to real-world issues. The module provides essential knowledge and skills for further study and supports the development of critical thinking, analysis, and research literacy.

This module introduces students to the key concepts, approaches, and disciplines of social science and how they help us understand society, human behaviour, and social change. By exploring themes such as education, media, crime, globalisation, and power, students develop foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills. The module also builds essential research and communication skills to support successful progression to undergraduate study in social science or related fields.