Key information
UCAS code:
L255
Typical offer:
32 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
On this foundation year course, you'll develop the knowledge and experience you'll need to succeed on a full undergraduate degree.
You'll get ready to progress to our full Bachelor's degree in international relations with international development, ideal if you don't yet meet the entry requirements, if you've taken a break from study, or if you need to boost your study skills.
You'll study with us on campus for a year, through ICP. You'll get the knowledge and academic skills needed to take on a bachelor's degree, learning how to analyse information, do research, and improve your academic writing.
The skills you'll learn will help you work in teams as well as on your own in culturally diverse workplaces. You'll develop your understanding of new workplaces and environments, and how to adapt to new environments.
Once you complete your foundation year, you'll be ready to move onto the first year of BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development.
A guaranteed place
Once you’ve successfully completed your foundation year, you'll be ready to progress onto BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development with a guaranteed place.
Course highlights
- ICP is based on the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú campus so you'll have access to all facilities, support and societies
- When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development
- Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move onto your degree ready for success
- Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's at university
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for this course as the same as for the BA (Hons) International Relations with Foundation Year course. This is because it's a 'pathway' degree.
After your foundation year, you’ll study International Relations in depth and add International Development as a complementary subject in years 3 and 4. You’ll graduate with a BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development degree when you finish the course.
International Relations with Foundation Year entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 32 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. Other qualifications such as Vocational A levels (AVCE), BTECs and Access courses will also be considered (calculate your UCAS points)
You may need to have studied specific subjects – .
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.
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We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
When you study international relations with international development, you'll gain a skillset that will enable you understand the biggest global challenges, as well as your part in helping to solve them.
Once you complete your foundation year, you'll go on to our BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development degree, studying current global problems and inequalities, as well as the responses of governments and global actors. You'll also explore the role and purpose of international development.
You'll be well-prepared for a career in sectors such as government, international charities and NGOs, security and intelligence, as well as international institutions such as the UN.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year opportunities
Once you've completed your foundation year and moved on to your full Bachelor's degree, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
Students have previously completed work placements at organisations such as:
- the British Council
- the Institute of Economic Affairs
- Otra Cosa Network
- the Ministry of Defence
- the House of Commons
- the National Museum of the Royal Navy
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. In year 1, each module is worth 20 credits.
What you'll study
Foundation year
In your foundation year, you'll gain the knowledge you need to move on to the first year of BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development. It will bridge the gap to uni, with the knowledge and academic skills you'll need to start.
Throughout the year, you'll learn to critically engage with information, undertake literature reviews, enhance your academic writing, and gain awareness of different types of research.
When you successfully complete this year, you'll get a guaranteed place on the first year of the BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development degree.
Years 2, 3 and 4
After your first year, you will transfer to BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development. The modules you study in years 2, 3 and 4 (and your placement year if you choose to take one) can be found on the relevant course page.
Explore modules on BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development
Optional placement year
When you transfer to BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development after your foundation year, you could do an optional work placement year between your 3rd and 4th years. This allows you to get valuable experience working in the industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- coursework
- examinations
- presentations
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this foundation course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
You'll be taught by experts that have both industry and research experience.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and practical classes for about 15 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching once you begin your BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development degree.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
This course isn't currently open to EU or International students.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Apply
You need to choose BA (Hons) International Relations with Foundation Year when you apply for this course, because this is a ‘pathway’ course.
After your foundation year, you'll study International Relations in depth and add International Development as a complementary subject in years 3 and 4. You’ll then graduate with a BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development degree when you complete the course.
If you change your mind after you apply, you can choose not to study International Development in years 3 and 4. You’ll then graduate with a BA (Hons) International Relations degree when you complete the course.
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code - L255
- our institution code - P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:
- .
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
This course isn't currently open to EU or International students.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.