Academic options

Pathways

Find out what you can study on our International Foundation Programme.

Preparing you for degrees in English, history, film, theatre and other subjects.

Find out more about the Art and Humanities pathway.

Preparing you for degrees in engineering, biology, geography, mathematics, psychology and other subjects. 

Find out more about the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics pathway.

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.

Preparing you for a degree in dentistry. Find out more about the Dentistry pathway.

Routes

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. For each pathway, we have two routes for students with different English abilities.

IFP Standard

If you meet the standard English language requirements of each pathway, you will be placed on IFP Standard to take subject units and units in English for Academic Purposes.

IFP Plus

If you have a high level of English, you will be placed on 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.

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

Assessment

  • IFP aims to prepare students for undergraduate style of assessment.
  • Most assessment is coursework based: essays, presentations, and laboratory reports.
  • There are some time-based exams – especially for STEM.

Read our policies

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