Computing, Engineering and Health Sciences International Foundation Year

Student in lab

Your pathway to a career in STEM

Looking to study a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree in the UK? Our International Foundation Year programme helps you to develop the subject-specific, study and English language skills to allow you to thrive on your chosen undergraduate degree at the innovative Teesside University.

Key facts

2.5 or 3 terms

2.5 terms: November or January
3 terms: October, November (with Enhanced Induction) or January

Find out the specific term dates for this programme.

Age on entry: Students will normally be 17 years of age or older.

Why study computing, engineering or health sciences at Teesside University?

Teesside University expertly combines in-classroom and practical learning, so you graduate with the skills to succeed in your chosen career. At Teesside, you can benefit from:

  • Work placements to help put your skills into practice
  • Engineering programmes recognised by the Engineering Council, allowing you to graduate with an accredited degree
  • Purpose-built engineering laboratories designed around power, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering & telecommunications
  • Industry standard learning facilities including virtual reality, motion capture, green screen and animation studios
  • The chance to show your skills to industry professionals with the ExpoSeries events for final year students in engineering, computing, games, animation, concept art, media and digital art.

Your modules

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

This module will improve confidence in algebraic manipulation through the study of mathematical techniques and development of investigative skills. Students will develop a knowledge of logarithms and their uses, and will also be introduced to and develop a knowledge of trigonometry.

How will engineering, computing and science work to change the world? What will the future of work look like? What is Industry 4.0 and how will society embrace it? This module will challenge the current status quo and aims to help students to think differently about a digital future.

Report writing (including writing lab reports for science) and handling academic conventions is a critical skill to study in these areas. In the UK there are very specific expectations, in terms of academic integrity, citations and referencing – the fundamental principles of this module.

In science and computing, and particularly in engineering, it is necessary to progress outside pure maths, so as to understand the underpinning mathematical concepts of your study. Applied Maths ensures students are prepared in this critical area.

The module provides a basic knowledge of current electricity and circuits, work, energy, power, waves, particles and radiation, forces, thermal physics and heat transfer. As part of this module, the students will be involved in practical work and problem-solving.

This module aims to introduce a solid foundation of biological knowledge, including through laboratory study. This module aims, for example, to provide students with a basic understanding of the physiology of the major organ systems of the human body. Students will understand how the body is regulated to maintain a healthy internal environment.

This module will introduce a basic foundation of chemistry knowledge on which students can build either by the process of self-study or in further courses of directed study. Learning will encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject by developing their learning skills and observational and interpretive skills. Students will also develop confidence in a laboratory situation, with a particular emphasis on laboratory safety.

Computer Science is becoming increasingly vital socially, technologically and economically. It is embedded in our daily lives and the study of computing provides the opportunity for developing essential employability skills. This course will introduce students to the field of computer science and fundamentals of computer programming.

This module looks to develop students in a range of mathematical and statistical techniques relevant to the study of computing. Students will apply a range of mathematical and statistical methods and tools necessary to underpin the discipline of computing.

The principal aim of this module is to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in Basics of Computing and to provide a bridge towards further undergraduate study in computer science. Students will continue their study of programming language as well as looking at issues of usability and appropriateness of design in practical situations.

Nursing progression degree options

We are pleased to introduce the following progression degree options for students applying for the International Foundation Year programme in Computing, Engineering and Health Sciences.  

  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult)
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities)
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Mental Health)

Nursing at Teesside University offers excellent career prospects with opportunities nationally and globally in a variety of roles. Upon graduation, you are eligible for registration with the regulator of Nursing, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as an adult nurse. This can lead to a range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities as a nurse.

Places are limited on BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies routes so when you are applying for the International Foundation Year in Computing, Engineering and Health Sciences you will be required to select an alternative degree option as your second choice. If your degree aim is one of the Nursing options, you can choose from one of the following degrees: BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons) Health Sciences, BSc (Hons) Human Biology, BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science, BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology, BSc (Hons) Nutrition, BSc (Hons) Crime Scene Science, BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, or BSc (Hons) Environmental Science.

To progress to a Nursing degree, you will need to do the following:

  • Successfully complete the International Foundation Year programme at the ISC.
  • Complete a separate application to Teesside University and go through a selection process.
  • Complete detailed personal statement specific to the nursing application .
  • (If shortlisted) Complete an interview, DBS check and a work-based risk assessment.

If you do not achieve a place on you first-choice degree course, you will be able to progress to your second choice (with the required grades), at the discretion of Teesside University.

Combined visa for 2.5 term International Foundation Year

Save time and progress smoothly to the University with a combined visa. The visa covers the duration of your studies at both the International Study Centre and Teesside University.

  • No need to return home to apply for a new visa between your International Foundation Year and chosen undergraduate degree.
  • Alternatives to Academic IELTS for UKVI can be used to join the International Foundation Year programme.
  • No need for an additional IELTS test before joining your undergraduate degree.
  • Allows you to work up to 20 hours per week, enhancing CV and career prospects.
  • Gives you the opportunity to travel and explore the UK between courses.

Progress to your degree

After completing your International Foundation Year and achieving the necessary grades, you can transition to your chosen undergraduate degree. By completing this pathway, you will be able to progress to the following degrees.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish Grade
No Results

For BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult), BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities) and BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Mental Health)

Places are limited on BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies routes so when you are applying for the International Foundation Year in Computing, Engineering and Health Sciences you will be required to select an alternative degree option as your second choice. If your degree aim is one of the Nursing options, you can choose from one of the following degrees: BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons) Health Sciences, BSc (Hons) Human Biology, BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, BSc (Hons) Chemistry, BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science, BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology, BSc (Hons) Nutrition, BSc (Hons) Crime Scene Science, BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, or BSc (Hons) Environmental Science.

To progress to a Nursing degree, you will need to do the following:

  • Successfully complete the International Foundation Year programme at the ISC.
  • Complete a separate application to Teesside University and go through a selection process.
  • Complete detailed personal statement specific to the nursing application .
  • (If shortlisted) Complete an interview, DBS check and a work-based risk assessment.

If you do not achieve a place on you first-choice degree course, you will be able to progress to your second choice (with the required grades), at the discretion of Teesside University.

To progress to one of these degrees, you will need to do the following:

  • Successfully complete the International Foundation Year programme at the International Study Centre including achieving an English grade of 70% with minimum 60% in all skills.
  • Complete a separate application to Teesside University and go through a selection process.
  • Complete detailed personal statement specific to the university application.
  • (If shortlisted) Complete an interview, DBS check and a work-based risk assessment.

If you do not achieve a place on you first-choice degree course, you will be able to progress to a second-choice undergraduate degree (with the required grades), at the discretion of Teesside University. The International Study Centre will support you throughout this process.

To progress to one of these degrees, you will need to do the following:

  • Successfully complete the International Foundation Year programme at the International Study Centre including achieving an English grade of 60% with minimum 60% in all skills.
  • Complete a separate application to Teesside University and go through a selection process.
  • Complete detailed personal statement specific to the university application.
  • (If shortlisted) Complete an interview and DBS check.

If you do not achieve a place on you first-choice degree course, you will be able to progress to a second-choice undergraduate degree (with the required grades), at the discretion of Teesside University. The International Study Centre will support you throughout this process.

Choosing to Study at Teesside

Join us today

Our student enrolment advisors are available to answer your questions and help you with your application. We can’t wait to meet you.