Academic options
Pathways
Find out what you can study on our International Foundation Programme.
Arts and Humanities
Preparing you for degrees in English, history, film, theatre and other subjects. Find out more about the Art and Humanities pathway.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Preparing you for degrees in engineering, biology, geography, mathematics, psychology and other subjects. Find out more about the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics pathway.
Social Sciences and Law
Preparing you for degrees in law, sociology, business, politics, childhood studies, criminology and other subjects. Find out more about the Social Sciences and Law pathway.
Dentistry
Preparing you for a degree in dentistry. Find out more about the Dentistry pathway.
Routes
For each pathway, we have two routes for students with different English abilities.
IFP Standard
IFP teaching is split into units. You will take units related to the subject of future undergraduate study, and units in English for Academic Purposes.
Find out more about the standard English language requirements of each pathway.
IFP Plus
You will take the same subject units of the chosen pathway, but different academic English units which will aim to further develop your academic language and literacy through a problem-based learning approach, as well as your understanding of how we communicate and why. During these units, you will focus on your reading, writing, listening and speaking. You will also develop appropriate academic vocabulary and grammar.
You need to have a high level of English if you want to be placed on IFP Plus.
| IELTS minimum | Language CERT ESOL |
Trinity ISE (Level III or IV) |
Pearson PTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each part of the test | C1 Expert Pass | Level IV: pass in all skills Level III: merit in writing and pass in all other skills | 67 overall, minimum 59 in writing and 54 in any band |
Download the 2025 Admissions Statement IFP (PDF, 118kB) for 2025/26.
Ask a question
- Contact mainland China:
Email: ifp-china@bristol.ac.uk
Phone: 00 8610 8515 1899
- Contact from outside mainland China:
Please fill out a contact form.
- For questions about Dentistry:
Email: fohs-ifp@bristol.ac.uk
Are you from outside of mainland China?
You can find more information through Kaplan International Pathways, our trusted education partner for applications and admissions to the International Foundation Programme.