Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences International Foundation Year

The Academic English Skills course teaches students the specific academic language skills they need to develop for success at the University of Surrey. The course focuses on the receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) skills through practice in semi and authentic task-based activities which build a strong foundation in preparation for each student's future studies. This critical module places particular emphasis on developing academic reading and research skills; research-based writing along with presentation and seminar speaking skills.

Business Management and Accounting

This module equips students with a foundational understanding of Business Management and Accounting with a contemporary organisational context. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for advanced studies and professional roles. The module integrates essential accounting principles, financial concepts and analytical techniques in a business context. It provides a solid foundation for future academic progression and professional success.

Economics

This module provides a thorough grounding in both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, with a particular focus on nurturing an economist’s mindset. It empowers students with the analytical capabilities required to evaluate business and economic data, including government policies and interventions. Establishing a strong grasp of economic concepts through this module serves as a solid foundation for students as they embark on their undergraduate journey at university.

Project Skills

This module is carefully structured to elevate students’ comprehension of business management concepts while applying this knowledge to address intricate sustainability challenges, often referred to as “wicked problems,” within in the realms of Economics, Business Management and Finance. By infusing sustainability into the curriculum, students are poised to apply business management concepts and cultivate investigative project skills, empowering them to tackle real-world issues as guided by the United Nation's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals.

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 though and engagement with key legal concepts in a supportive learning environment.

Politics

This module is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of political systems, theories, and concepts, preparing students for further academic study in politics and related disciplines. It develops students’ knowledge of the fundamental principles underlying governance, power dynamics, and political processes. The module also focuses on cultivating transferable skills. Students will develop critical thinking abilities, allowing them to construct coherent arguments and investigate political systems and issues effectively. This module serves as a stepping stone for students transitioning to higher level of political study by fostering academic curiosity, analytical capabilities, and an appreciation for the diverse factors shaping political system worldwide.

Sociology with Project Skills

The Sociology with Project Skills module aims to enhance students' understanding of sociological theories and their application to address complex sustainability challenges (wicked problems) within societal and community contexts, aligning with the United Nations' Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals. By integrating sustainability, students will develop the ability to analyse social structures, inequalities, and identities while applying innovative problem-solving approaches to real-world challenges. Additionally, the module equips students with essential project skills, enabling them to conduct investigations, work collaboratively, and propose evidence-based solutions to promote sustainable development.  This module is divided into two phases. In the first phase, students will apply sociological theories and concepts to analyse complex (wicked) problems related to social structures, inequalities, and identities. This will support the development of their disciplinary expertise and foster an appreciation for diverse perspectives on societal challenges. In the second phase, students will undertake an investigative project, collaborating, where possible, within multidisciplinary teams to address sustainability-related issues. This phase will enable them to apply sociological methods and project skills to real-world scenarios, further enhancing their analytical, problem-solving, and investigative capabilities.

There may be additional entry criteria and/or an audition or interview may be required for entry onto the following programmes:

• Musical Theatre
• Theatre Production
• English Literature programmes
• Language programmes

For progression to degrees which include a language, the European or Modern Language must be studied for a further year and not solely high school completion.

An ab initio pathway may be available where the language has not been taken at A-Level. It is provided for those who have A-level grade B in a different non-native language.