Course Title: International Foundation Year Programme
Commencement Date: September 2025
For January 2025 Start Click Here
The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a one year programme run by TU Dublin. It has been developed for international students who need language and/or academic preparation for further study on undergraduate programmes in Ireland. Upon successful completion of the programme and International Foundation Certificate (Special Purpose Award, Level 6, 60 ECTS Credits) will be awarded by TU Dublin and you will be guaranteed a place on your undergraduate programme of choice at TU Dublin.
Why study on the IFP?
- This is your first step towards gaining a degree in Ireland
- It makes the transition to third level education in Ireland much easier
- It provides a supportive, student-centred learning environment
- You will study a range of Academic English modules and modules related to your discipline of choice
- You will have full access to TU Dublin facilities and support services
- The campus is located in Dublin city centre
- You are guaranteed entry to your destination degree upon successful completion of IFP and on meeting the rules of progression as set by the individual schools.
What is the Learning & Teaching Style?
- You will be taught by highly qualified and very experienced TU Dublin academics and English language tutors
- The programme takes a communicative teaching & learning approach and is task-based and integrated in its delivery
- There are lots of opportunities to practice English through group work with Irish and non-Irish students
- The class sizes are small to ensure that there is maximum support from lecturers
- There is additional one-to-one Maths & English support
- Learning will involve many different styles of third level teaching such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, cultural trips and online learning
- You will learn how to take control of your own learning and will reflect on your learning experience throughout the programme
- There are regular student support meetings with the IFP Coordinator
Learning Outcomes: What will I Study?
Students will learn language, academic and study skills to prepare for their undergraduate studies. Upon successful completion of the programme, students are guaranteed a place on an undergraduate programme of their choice at TU Dublin. No further IELTS is required. The IFP is an ideal pathway towards furthering your education at third level.
There are four main streams on the International Foundation Programme, namely, Business, Science, Engineering and Social Science. These streams prepare students for all undergraduate programmes at TU Dublin.
Standard International Foundation Programme
The Standard International Foundation Year is for students who have an IELTS score which is one band less than the direct entry score, this is typically IELTS 5.0 for most TU Dublin programmes. There are September and January in-takes for this programme.
Fees: €12,500 (Standard International Foundation Programme Fees)
Extended International Foundation Programme
The Extended Foundation Year is for students who have an IELTS score which is one band and a half less than the direct entry score, this is typically IELTS 4.5 for most TU Dublin programmes. There are July and September in-takes for this programme.
Fees: €14,500
Minimum IELTS requirement is overall 5.0 for most TU Dublin programmes. Progression to some programmes may require a higher level so please contact the Programme Coordinator to confirm the level required.
Please click the online application to complete the application process, you will need to upload a copy of your academic transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL results and passport photo page.
Semester 1
- Academic Writing Skills 1 [Mandatory]
- Communicative Competence in English 1 [Mandatory]
- English for Academic Reading and Writing 1 [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Higher Education 1 [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Financial Accounting [Elective]
- Art Portfolio [Elective]
- Introduction to Chemistry [Elective]
- Introduction to Irish History [Elective]
- Engineering Fundamentals - Electronic & Electrical [Elective]
- Introduction to the Humanities [Elective]
- Introduction to Social Science [Elective]
- Information Technology MS Office Applications I [Elective]
- Information Technology – Technical Applications I [Elective]
- Mathematics Fundamental 1 for Access [Elective]
- Mathematics - Intermediate 1 [Elective]
- Mathematics - Advanced 1 [Elective]
- Introduction to Marketing [Elective]
- Fundamental Physics [Elective]
- Human Biology [Elective]
- Computer Science Fundamentals I – Networking Technologies [Elective]
- Introduction to Tourism & Hospitality [Elective]
Semester 2
- Academic Writing Skills 2 [Mandatory]
- Communicative Competence in English 2 [Mandatory]
- English for Academic Reading and Writing 2 [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Higher Education 2 [Mandatory]
- Art Portfolio [Elective]
- Cell Biology and Genetics [Elective]
- Applied Chemistry [Elective]
- Introduction to Economics [Elective]
- Applied Social Science [Elective]
- Approaches to Humanities [Elective]
- Information Technology MS Office Applications II [Elective]
- Information Technology – Technical Applications II [Elective]
- Introduction to Management [Elective]
- Mathematics Fundamental 2 for Access [Elective]
- Mathematics - Intermediate 2 [Elective]
- Mathematics - Advanced 2 [Elective]
- Mechanical Engineering [Elective]
- Applied Physics [Elective]
- Computer Science Fundamentals II – Programming [Elective]
- Introduction to Cultural Tourism [Elective]