Three Kingston University international students

International Foundation Year in International Business, Economics and Accounting

Study international business in the UK

About this pathway

Our International Business, Economics and Accounting programme will prepare you for a range of degrees in the business field. You will study a combination of English language skills and subject-specific content, preparing you for an undergraduate degree at Kingston University London.

Many of the progression degrees include work placements and the opportunity to study abroad, for the same fee as a traditional degree. Combining academic study with professional experience will give you the skills and confidence you need to succeed in your chosen career.

Key Facts

Three terms

Find out more about specific term dates for this programme.

  • September and January

Find out more about entry requirements and course fees for this programme.

What you'll study

During your International Business, Economics and Accounting International Foundation Year, you will study the following modules:

This module will introduce you to a range of core aspects of business, including the different types of enterprise and key business functions such as marketing, finance and human resource management. You will develop an understanding of how businesses need to adapt their marketing to operate in a dynamic business environment. You will explore how businesses recruit, organise and motivate employees. You will also develop an understanding of managing businesses finance and measuring business performance. These themes also link to external influences that have an impact on businesses, including ethical behaviour and economic and legal factors.


The module will enable you to: identify micro and macro business environments and explain the functions of business organisations in a contemporary society; outline the forms of businesses and differentiate between limited and unlimited liability companies; analyse human resource practices and marketing strategies used in the context of business organisations and apply business concepts and theories to different types of contemporary businesses. You will also develop your research and academic skills to synthesise, analyse and critically evaluate information.

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 introduce you to the dynamics at play in the social, political and economic dimensions of globalisation, with contemporary case studies provided throughout. Using the various perspectives on globalisation, you will be invited to explore important global issues and think critically about the influence of state and non-state actors on world politics.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: define globalisation and key concepts associated with it; identify and explain the factors that facilitate globalisation; examine the role of state and non-state actors in a contemporary global issue applying relevant theories of globalisation; show awareness of the role of the news media in globalisation with specific reference to culture change and assess the impact of globalisation on international conflicts and international human right framework. The module will also enable you to engage in academic debate on global issues in an informed manner and develop key study skills required for the social sciences.

This module will give you an introduction to the basic principles of accounting and finance. You will develop an understanding of the purposes, principles, concepts and techniques of accounting. You will learn to to apply accounting concepts, principles and techniques to record financial transactions and to prepare financial statements. You will also develop your skills in numeracy, application, interpretation, analysis and evaluation using accounting data and information, as well as core study skills including methodical and critical thinking, summarising and presenting numerical information in an appropriate format.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to; accurately describe key accounting concepts, principles and technique; apply accounting concepts, principles and techniques in the preparation of financial statements; compare the performance of different businesses using accounting data and techniques; use accounting information to solve a given problems and support decision making process. You will also learn to present accounting data and information in an appropriate format.

Please note: you are expected to attend 100% of your classes at the International Study Centre or you are at risk of losing your Student visa.

Why study the Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance pathway?

Of all the reasons to study this International Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance preparational programme at Kingston University London International Study Centre, here are just a few:

Learn from industry-experienced teachers

As a student at the International Study Centre, you can gain access to dedicated academics, business experts and researchers. All our teaching staff are dedicated to helping you reach your full potential in your degree studies, and will support you throughout your International Foundation Year. With their expertise, they will guide you through the programme's internationally tailored curriculum, and ensure you have the best start to studying abroad at Kingston.

Further your career prospects

Kingston University London possesses well-established links to many businesses in a variety of industries. Being a student on the University's campus, based in the enterprising capital city, will provide you with increased career opportunities and the chance to make important business connections that can better your employability. Additionally, you will gain the chance to work alongside your studies at the International Study Centre.

Get a head start on your university life in the UK

Designed to ease students into their studies abroad, the International Study Centre is focused on welcoming our students to their new home. Upon your arrival, you will be introduced to the University by our friendly support staff, while your English language and academic skills are honed by expert academics who know what it takes to study a degree in the UK. Here, you will benefit from an international community of students from day one.

Progress to Kingston's Business School

Upon successful completion of this International Foundation Year pathway, you will be able to progress to a degree in the area of Business, Management or Finance at Kingston University London. Degrees provided by the University's Faculty of Business and Social Sciences combine prestigious heritage of the School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and modern technologies of Kingston Business School.

English language tuition

If you need to improve your level of English language to enter the International Foundation Year, additional Online English language training is available.

You will need an Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (min 4.5 in all skills) or equivalent to study the English Language Preparation for International Foundation Year.

Prepare for Success

5 weeks before your selected course you will be automatically enrolled in our Prepare for Success online programme in order to help you get everything you need. You'll benefit from useful insights into studying abroad and have the opportunity to gain key skills before you start your pathway programme.

Try a free taster class

Taster session topic:
Contemporary Business Issues Induction

Delivered by:
Jacqueline Ani - Kingston ISC Subject Leader in Business and Social Science

Get started

Progression degrees

Once you have successfully completed your International Foundation Year and achieved the required progression grades, you will progress to your chosen degree.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish Grade
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Kingston University international student

“It's really lively here at the International Study Centre. It's diverse and you get to meet a lot of people. I've got friends from all over the world.”

Faris, Saudi Arabia

International Foundation Year

Progressed to BA (Hons) Marketing Communications and Advertising

Kingston University students talking to a tutor

How to apply

See how to apply for a course at the International Study Centre and view the documents you need to provide with your application.

A cohort of students outside the International Study Centre

Kingston University International Study Centre

Each year, students from around the world choose to study their pathway programme with us. Discover why here.

Two students in a library

English Language Preparation

Improve your English skills with our programme designed for international students. Find out how we can help you to start your pathway programme. 

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.