Kingston University international student in the library

International Foundation Year in Law, Social Sciences and Humanities

Study law, social sciences and humanities in the UK

About this pathway

Our International Foundation Year in Law, Social Sciences and Humanities will prepare you for a degree at Kingston University in a related field including law, media, and psychology. You will enhance your academic English and research abilities while exploring topics such as society, human behaviour, education, media, crime, and globalisation. The programme also helps you build critical thinking and analytical skills essential for university study. You will be introduced to the English legal system and develop legal reasoning and argumentation skills.

Once you have successfully completed this course, you will be equipped to start an undergraduate degree, with all the English language skills and subject-specific knowledge you'll need to study 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

Two semesters

Find out more about specific term dates for this programme.

September, November (Enhanced Induction) and January

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

Modules

Academic English Skills

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 the partner University.

Social Science

This module introduces students to the key concepts, approaches, and disciplines of social science and how they help us understand society, human behaviour, and social change. By exploring themes such as education, media, crime, globalisation, and power, students develop foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills. The module also builds essential research and communication skills to support successful progression to undergraduate study in social science or related fields.

Law

This module is designed for international foundation year students, providing a foundational understanding of law and its practical applications. It introduces students to the key concepts, principles, and frameworks of the English legal systems. The module equips students with essential skills, including the ability to evaluate legal resources, apply legal reasoning, and present coherent legal arguments. This module is an essential foundation for students seeking to progress to law or related disciplines. It ensures the students gain both the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in higher education while fostering independent thought and engagement with key legal concepts in a supportive learning environment.

Project Skills

The Project Skills module aims to develop students’ academic and project-based competencies while fostering their ability to address complex sustainability challenges (“wicked problems”) within the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Law, guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating sustainability perspectives, students will learn to apply disciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to real-world issues, enhancing their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

The module is delivered in two phases. In the first phase, students will build core academic skills, including effective academic writing, critical evaluation of sources, and accurate referencing, while gaining a foundational understanding of sustainability and the nature of wicked problems. In the second phase, students will apply these skills in an investigative project, working individually and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to explore and develop evidence-based solutions to real-world sustainability challenges. Through this process, they will strengthen their abilities in project planning, teamwork, and communication, preparing them for further academic study and professional contexts.

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 International Foundation Year in Law, Social Sciences and Humanities with us?

Teaching from industry-experienced professionals

At the International Study Centre, students can learn from Kingston University London's highly qualified staff. The Faculty is made up a community of dedicated academics, business experts and researchers, all of which are dedicated to supporting you through higher education journey. Their expertise, along with the internationally tailored curriculum, will provide you with the best start to studying your degree in the UK.

Access to enterprising career links

Kingston University London is known for its well-established links to many global businesses. As the International Study Centre is based on the University's campus, learning in the buzzing capital city will provide you with exposure to a number of career opportunities and business connections that can further your job prospects, both before and after you graduate. Find out about how to work alongside your studies at Kingston.

Prepare for your new life at a UK university

The International Study Centre experience is designed to ease students into studying abroad. Upon starting your International Foundation Year here, you will be welcomed to your new home 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. Benefit from an immersive, multicultural community from your very first days here.

Progress to Kingston's Faculty of Business and Social Sciences

Upon successful completion of this International Foundation Year pathway, you will be able to progress to a degree in the area of Law, Social Sciences and Humanities 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 (4.5 in writing and minimum 4.0 in all other 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.

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 Name	Award	Overall Grade	English Grade
No Results

It was really nice meeting international students from other countries. A lot of people on my course were from the Middle East. It was really nice to learn about other cultures and realise that you have a lot in common.

Madeline from France

Studied International Foundation Year

Progressed to BA (Hons) Media and Communication and Criminology

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.

English Language Preparation

Our online English Language preparation courses will help you develop your English language skills to the level required to begin your chosen 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.