International Foundation Programme (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

2026 entry

Course summary

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics pathway of the International Foundation Programme at the University of Bristol provides students with a comprehensive preparation for undergraduate study. You will learn in an immersive, small classroom environment with University academics, including completing laboratory work in biomedical sciences, chemistry, or physics, where appropriate. Our small classroom teaching environments mean that all students receive extensive support and attention. 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 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 STEM 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 for your future studies and career. As part of the activities over the year, you will 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 study 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 (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) will complete a unit on English for Academic Communication in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, developing their academic language and communication skills as appropriate for their disciplinary interests.

Students who plan to progress to undergraduate study in the engineering, mathematical, computing, and physical sciences will take units developing their techniques in mathematics, as well as algebra and calculus, and depending on their undergraduate degree programme, specialise by taking units selected from Foundations of Physics, Foundations of Chemistry, Foundations of Computer Programming, and Foundations of Statistics.

Students who plan to progress to undergraduate study in the life, health, and geographical sciences will take units in Foundations of Biomedical Sciences, as well as a unit developing their research and data skills, and depending on their undergraduate degree programme, specialise by taking units selected from Foundations of Chemistry, Foundations of Statistics, and Foundations of Psychology.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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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.

The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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We consider applicants who have graduated from year 12 of your high school in your own country with a good grade point average (GPA), or equivalent school-leaving qualifications. We also consider applicants with three A-levels at grade C, or five GCSEs at grade B. If you are applying from mainland China please see our web page for further information about academic entry requirements. If you are applying from any other country please visit our partner Kaplan International Pathways for further information.
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