3-Term Pathway - International Foundation Certificate - Media - Transfer to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Media and Communication with Languages

The International Foundation Certificate (IFC) is a standalone pre-university programme designed to provide a pathway to higher education. It focuses on developing students’ English language proficiency and academic study skills, preparing them for direct entry into an undergraduate degree programme in the UK.

The IFC offers international students—who have completed at least 11 years of schooling—the opportunity to undertake an additional year of study. This helps bridge the gap and align their educational background with that of home students in the UK.

Through this course, students undertake an in-depth investigation into how media and communications saturate everyday life and the roles they play in society. In recent years, proficiency in multiple languages has become increasingly important for success in the global job market. By combining media studies with language learning, students can set themselves apart from other graduates and enhance their employability.

The degree programme offers a broad selection of modules, including photography and video, television studies, and music industry management. Students have the opportunity to explore critical questions surrounding media representation, audience engagement, and fandom. Optional modules include journalism, political communication, advertising and consumption, and writing for the screen, helping students develop a versatile skill set valued by international employers.

For the language component, students can choose between French—an official language in 32 countries—or Mandarin—the most widely spoken native language in the world. Language study is available at beginner (French or Mandarin), intermediate, or advanced levels through a 30-credit module, which includes two hours of language instruction and one hour of cultural studies per week.