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International Foundation Year in Business, Law and Social Studies

Find out more about studying Business, Law and Social Studies.

Your pathway to the first year of a business, law or social studies degree

The programme includes academic modules, study skills and English language training, providing complete preparation for your undergraduate degree.

Is this programme for me?

On the Business, Law and Social Studies route, you will:

  • learn about the importance of financial management, and the operational and strategic challenges facing the businesses.
  • gain understanding of the concepts and models of micro-economic and macro-economic analysis.
  • develop core mathematical skills that will be relevant to your undergraduate degree.
  • gain business skills, including decision-making and problem solving.
  • for Law, you will study the English legal system, the mechanics of the legal process, justice and those who administer it.

Key facts

  • Two semesters
  • October, November (with Enhanced Induction), January or May*

*For the May intake (subject to approval), successful completion of this programme leads to the International Year One Business programme only.

View course-specific entry requirements and course fees.

With multiple entry points throughout the year, visit our semester dates page to see when you can join us.

Why study the International Foundation Year in Business, Law and Social Studies?

  • LJMU is a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business which is dedicated to improving the quality of business education worldwide.
  • 86% of LJMU School of Law graduates are in work or further study 15 months after completing LLB Law*.
  • Staff in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences are research active and produce world-leading research that has real-world impact.
  • £37.6M Redmonds building is home to Liverpool Business School, providing First-Rate spaces that facilitate success.

*Discover Uni

What will you study?

Over the two-semester programme, you will study a number of core modules that relate to your chosen progression degree. The modules have been designed by expert academics at the International Study Centre, in collaboration with LJMU, to ensure you have the skills you need to succeed upon progression to the University.

Modules

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at the partner University.

The Statistics with Project Skills module aims to develop students’ statistical competence in Semester 1 and to apply research, collaborative, and investigative skills in Semester 2 through a structured sustainability-focused project. The module integrates quantitative reasoning with authentic project-based inquiry to prepare students for undergraduate.

The module is divided into two integrated phases. In Phase 1, students develop core statistical knowledge and techniques through structured disciplinary problem-solving. In Phase 2, students will engage in an investigative project, collaborating, if possible, within multidisciplinary teams to explore and resolve sustainability challenges. This phase builds directly on the subject knowledge and analytical skills developed in Semester 1.

This module has been designed to provide students with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted world of business. As students continue their academic journey, it becomes ever more essential for them to build a strong foundation of knowledge. This foundation will equip students with the confidence and expertise needed to successfully navigate the intricate world of contemporary business. Students will be prepared to tackle complex business challenges, make strategic decisions, and contribute effectively to the success of organisations in diverse industries. This module serves as a crucial stepping stone toward students' future careers in business and management.

Electives

This module provides essential knowledge and applications of the principles, and techniques in accounting and financial management.  It aims to cultivate problem-solving abilities grounded in logical thinking, methodical data analysis, effective communication and informed decision-making. Attaining a solid grasp of accounting topics within this module equips students with a robust foundation, laying the groundwork for their undergraduate studies at university.

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

Study plan

English language levelSemestersProgramme lengthStart dateEnd date
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills)2 semesters27 weeksOctoberMay
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills)2 semesters30 weeksNovemberAugust
IELTS 4.5 (4.0 in all skills)2 semesters27 weeksJanuaryAugust

Catch up now

Watch a recording of our recent webinar about your subject pathway.

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16th in the World

for Sport-related subjects

(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)

7th in the UK for Hospitality, Leisure, Recreation and Tourism

(The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)

16th in the UK for Sports Science

(The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)

Students have delivered projects to over 100 organisations

through LJMU's Business Clinic

Progression degrees

Successful completion of this programme leads to a range of postgraduate degrees at LJMU, subject to achieving the required grades. As well as achieving the grades necessary, you will be required to take an Academic English Studies (AES) test at the end of your programme. Once you successfully complete this, you will be ready to start your degree at Liverpool John Moores University.

Along with being invited to attend an end of programme celebration event organised by the International Study Centre, students who successfully complete their pathway programme will be provided with a transcript.

In addition to the overall academic and English grades as displayed in the table below, students are also required to meet the minimum module grades for their chosen progression degree. All information will be provided to students when they begin their studies on campus.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
No Results

For more information on your specific choice of degree, please visit https://coursecatalogue.ljmu.ac.uk/.

Please note:

*The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the programme. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.

If you are applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route it may be necessary for you to submit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of your visa application.

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How to apply

See how to apply for a programme at the International Study Centre and view the documents you need to provide with your application.

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International Study Centre

LJMU International Study Centre offers a range of pathway programmes to progress to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at LJMU.

An LJMU student on graduation day.

Prepare for Success

Join our online preparation course at no extra cost, so that you are ready to thrive academically and culturally in your new environment.

Join us today

Our student enrolment advisors are available to answer your questions and help you with your application. We can’t wait to meet you.