International Development with Foundation Year

With this foundation year course, you'll gain all the credentials you need to begin your career in international development. It's ideal for you if you don't yet meet the entry requirements of our undergraduate degree, if you're returning to study after a break away, or you need a bit of extra support to get uni-ready.

You'll spend a year studying with us on campus, through ICP. You'll get the knowledge and academic skills needed to take on a bachelor's degree, learning how to analyse information, do research, and improve your academic writing.

The skills you'll learn will help you work in teams as well as on your own in culturally diverse workplaces. You'll develop your understanding of new workplaces and environments, and how to adapt to new environments.

After your foundation year, you'll be ready to move onto the first year of BA (Hons) International Development.

Course highlights

• ICP is based on the University of Portsmouth campus so you'll have access to all facilities, support and societies

• When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BA (Hons) International Development

• Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move onto your degree ready for success

• Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's at university

Careers and opportunities
A career in international development enables you to contribute a positive impact when it comes to some of the major global challenges of our time, including the climate crisis and universal education, poverty and hunger, and healthcare for all.

When you complete this foundation year, you'll be all set to continue on to our BA (Hons) International Development degree, which will help develop your skills in analysis, criticism and argument, communication and problem-solving - all essential for your future role advocating for and creating pathways to positive change. You'll be ready to take on roles in organisations that put people at the heart of their strategies and policies, in areas such as policy and outreach.

No matter what route you take after your international development bachelor's degree, the skills and knowledge you gain will prepare you for a rewarding role making a difference in the lives of others.

Placement year opportunities
Once you've completed your foundation year and moved on to your full Bachelor's degree, you'll have the chance to do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in international development, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.

We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.

Students have completed work placements at organisations such as:

• British Council

• Otra Cosa Network

• GlobalGiving

• Freedom from Torture

• SEK International Schools

• TearFund

• Catholic Agency For Overseas Development

Course Modules

The University of Portsmouth is passionate about creating career-focused modules that do more than support your studies, they empower your academic journey and prepare you for what comes next.

We design modules that have:

• Clear themes and skills development as you progress through each year
• Assessments that feel meaningful, often based on real-world tasks rather than isolated exams
• Career-enhancing opportunities such as placements, live projects, enterprise and volunteering

For a full list of the modules you will study on this course, please visit the link to the course page.

https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-international-development?studyMode=4-years-with-foundation-year&startDate=september-2026#modules