International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences

The International Foundation Year in Health, Medical and Life Sciences is a one-year programme designed for international students who want to study medicine, dentistry or biological sciences at Cardiff University. The programme provides a solid foundation in the arts, humanities and social sciences, as well as specialist subjects related to health, medical and life sciences. Students will develop their English language skills and gain an understanding of UK academic culture and expectations. Upon successful completion of the programme, students can progress to any undergraduate degree at Cardiff University in the fields of medicine, dentistry or biological sciences.

Additional Information

The programme consists of compulsory modules in English language and study skills, as well as specialist subjects such as anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. Students will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment at the University's School of Medicine and Dentistry. The programme is delivered by a team of experienced lecturers and teachers, with a strong emphasis on small group teaching and individual support.

Discover the opportunities waiting for you at Cardiff University's School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Cardiff University is one of the UK's leading universities for medicine and dentistry, with a reputation for excellence in research and teaching. The University's School of Medicine and Dentistry is based at the Cathays Park campus, which is located in the heart of Cardiff city centre. Students will have access to a range of resources and facilities, including cutting-edge research equipment, clinical simulation suites and partnerships with NHS trusts. The programme will provide students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to succeed in their chosen field.

Enhance your scientific knowledge and develop transferrable skills for a wide choice of health industries, with our pathway programmes expertly designed for international students. The International Foundation Year prepares you for university with English language and study skills practice, as well as subject-specific teaching. When you complete the programme, you will progress to the first year of your undergraduate degree. This pathway allows you to progress to degrees in subjects including biochemistry, dental surgery, and medicine. You choose a route depending on which undergraduate degree you plan to study. There are two routes: Health, Medicine and Life Sciences and Psychology. Which route you choose impacts the modules you will study.

Please note that places on the programme with the degree aim of Optometry, Dental Surgery, Medicine, Medical Pharmacology and Pharmacy are limited and you are advised to apply and confirm your place as soon as possible as well as meet other conditions of your offer. A selection process is in place for students aiming to study Dental Surgery and Medicine – find out more here. In order to progress to Optometry, Medical Pharmacology or Pharmacy degree aims, as well as meeting module grades, students will also need to undergo an interview, a DBS check and an Occupational Health check.

Joining us on campus

You can start your studies with a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), provided you have met all the programme entry requirements. 

The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.

• IELTS Academic for UKVI

• Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI

• Pearson PTE Academic UKVI

• LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

• PSI Skills for English UKVI (4 components)

Starting your studies virtually from home and coming to campus at a later date.

You can start your studies virtually with a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) as above or you can provide proof of your English language proficiency with an alternative test. This is possible because you do not need a Student Visa to start virtually from your home country.

You will need to obtain a SELT with the required minimum score to make a Student Visa application in order to come to campus.

The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme

Alternative tests accepted include:

• IELTS Academic (non-UKVI) / IELTS Academic Online

• IELTS Indicator

• Pearson PTE Academic / Pearson PTE Academic Online

• LanguageCert International ESOL

• TOEFL iBT/iBT Home Edition

• Cambridge ESOL

• Duolingo

• Cambridge Linguaskill

• Oxford Test of English

• Academic English Skills

• Password Skills Solo

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.