International Foundation Programme ( Arts, Law, and Social Sciences)
2026 entry
Course summary
The Arts, Law, and Social Sciences pathway of the International Foundation Programme at the University of Bristol provides students with a comprehensive preparation for undergraduate study. Students learn in an immersive, small classroom environment with University academics. Our small classroom teaching environments mean that all students receive extensive support and attention from their instructors. You will learn in a friendly and vibrant environment with enthusiastic teaching staff and have access to all resources for students at the University of Bristol, including student study spaces, library resources, Global Lounge, and a wide range of online resources to supplement your learning, as well as visits to local museums and galleries, where appropriate.
As the year progresses, your work on learning your academic subjects is supported by a comprehensive English for Academic Communication unit that focuses on academic communication in Arts, Law, and Social Sciences disciplines, to best prepare you for undergraduate study in these topics. You will engage in University of Bristol Research Themes, exploring areas of research relevant to your interests. This will give you access to how some of the world’s leading experts in disciplines of relevance to you communicate their research. As well as developing your academic communication skills and competencies, these activities will help you learn about academic life at Bristol and help you choose your areas of interest in your future studies and career. As part of the activities over the year, you learn more about your undergraduate programme.
Your studies are supported by an academic personal tutor programme that will empower you to remain on target for your progression goals. We focus on your personal and professional development throughout the year, working with you to develop your understanding of studying in the UK and at Bristol, your goals and career ambitions, and on building your networks and capacity for study at university. This is complemented by support from a dedicated Senior Personal Tutor and Academic Advisors.
Course structure
All students on the International Foundation Programme (Arts, Law, and Social Sciences) will complete a unit on English for Academic Communication in Arts, Law, and Social Sciences, developing your academic language and communication skills as appropriate for your disciplinary interests. You will complete several core units relating to your pathway as well as specific units to allow you to specialise in your area of study. Students pursuing undergraduate studies in law will take a unit in Foundations of Law, while those progressing to Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities and Education will take the unit Reality, Realism, and Representation. Students planning to progress to Psychology in Education will take Foundations of Psychology.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
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Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for International Foundation Programme ( Arts, Law, and Social Sciences) can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement