Integrated Foundation Year

Your Foundation Year at Northampton

The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) is a fantastic introduction to university life, designed to give you the skills, confidence, and support you need to succeed in higher education.

You will be enrolled as a four-year student in your chosen degree programme. Your first year will be spent on the IFY, and upon successful completion, you will progress to the remaining three years of your degree.

As a Foundation Year student, you will join one of our faculties depending on your chosen pathway:

• Education, Arts, Science and Technology
• Health, Sport and Behavioural Sciences
• Business and Law

Benefits of studying an Integrated Foundation Year

• Dedicated Personal Tutor: One-to-one academic and pastoral support to guide you throughout your Foundation Year
• Development of Core Skills: Build essential skills in research, academic writing, critical thinking, and independent learning
• Access to University Facilities: Full use of Northampton’s libraries, learning spaces, laboratories, and digital resources
• Integration into University Life: Join clubs, societies, and student events to become part of the wider university community from day one
• Independent Learning Support: Develop the confidence and strategies to manage your own learning effectively
• Specialist Guidance: Access expert academic advice and wellbeing support to help you succeed personally and academically

How the Integrated Foundation Year works

As part of your studies, you will explore the wide range of services, facilities, and support available across the University. You will develop essential academic skills, including researching, referencing, academic writing, and effective use of the library and subject-specific resources. This early stage of your studies will help you make informed decisions about your chosen field and academic pathway. You will also meet regularly with your Personal Tutor, who will provide guidance and support as you transition into university life.

Your Foundation Year Journey

The Foundation Year is designed to help you feel confident, supported, and ready to succeed in your degree. Across the year you will develop core academic skills, explore your chosen subject area, and become part of the wider University of Northampton community.

By the end of your Foundation Year, you will have the knowledge, skills, and self-assurance to progress successfully into the next stage of your degree.

Progression and funding

You must pass all IFY modules to continue onto your degree. As a four-year student, you will also be eligible for 4+1 funding.

“I genuinely believe that if I had been thrown into my first year without having gone through the Foundation, I wouldn’t have done as well as I did. I would have struggled and stressed a lot more trying to fit the academic writing style for different assignments. It prepared me more than I thought it would.”

Entry requirements

The Integrated Foundation Year is designed to help you get ready for degree-level study. Entry requirements are flexible, allowing students with a range of prior qualifications to apply:

• Typical A-Level grades – DEE (56 UCAS points)
• Typical BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma grades – MPP (64 UCAS points)
• Typical Access to Higher Education Diploma grades – Pass with 45 credits at Level 3 (48 UCAS points)
• Typical T-Level grades – Pass (D or E) (UCAS points may vary depending on the modules completed)

Notes:

• These are guidelines; some courses may have slightly higher, lower or additional entry requirements such as GCSEs in Maths or English, Level 3 specific subject requirement, or a portfolio/interview.
• Your Personal Statement, relevant experience, and interview (where applicable) may also be considered as part of your application.

The IFY is open to students who want to build skills, confidence, and knowledge before starting a full degree. It’s a supportive pathway designed to help you succeed in higher education.

Tuition Fees

For more information on tuition fees, funding options, and financial support, please visit our Fees, Funding, and Finance page.

Entry Requirements

Ready to apply? Find step-by-step guidance on how to apply:

• Home students
• International students.