International Foundation Programme - Humanities & Social Sciences

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a full-time, one-year programme, and is designed to prepare international students for degree-level study within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. It provides a route for applicants whose high school qualifications are not currently accepted for direct undergraduate entry, and whose first language is not English.

You will join the Humanities & Social Sciences pathway, and if successful, you’ll progress on to the first year of a degree in an extensive range of undergraduate programmes within the University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. [For details of the degrees accessible from this programme, please visit: https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-and-study-abroad/foundation-programme/about/progression]

The IFP includes core courses designed to introduce you to a range of humanities and social science subjects, from literature to psychology. You’ll also take core courses in academic English. In addition, a range of option courses are offered; your choices will depend on which degree programme you wish to apply to after the IFP, and you’ll be provided with advice and guidance in selecting these. If you’ve already met the English language requirements for your degree programme, you’ll be able to learn an additional modern language you haven’t previously studied.

Our courses have been carefully designed to give you the best possible start to your university learning experience. All are taught by our expert academic team, and will help you to build the skills and knowledge you need. Teaching methods will prepare you for those used at undergraduate level and will include lectures, tutorials and group work. However, you’ll primarily study in small, interactive classes, with an emphasis on applying key academic skills and reflecting on your own academic and personal development.

You’ll be able to measure your progress through regular feedback from your teachers and from supported assessments. All teaching for the 2026/27 academic year is planned to take place in-person, usually at the University of Edinburgh's Holyrood Campus.

As an IFP student, you’ll also have access to our specialist support system. This includes social and information events held throughout the academic year, along with a dedicated student adviser for help with any wellbeing, health or non-academic matters. You’ll also have access to all the University’s academic, social and sporting facilities. This includes full membership of Edinburgh University Students’ Association and its wide range of societies.

The University of Edinburgh is consistently one of the best universities in the world and is ranked 27th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. As an IFP student, you’ll be joining a vibrant community of international students in one of the world’s most beautiful and historic cities.

You can view more details about the programme and its courses on our website: https://cahss.ed.ac.uk/international-foundation-programme-university-of-edinburgh/what-is-the-ifp/structure-and-content-0