International Foundation Programme in Law, Society and Social Justice
at University of Kent
The International Foundation (IF) is a level 3 foundation year that is equivalent to A levels. During your programme, you will develop subject-specific knowledge and improve your academic English language skills in preparation for studying at university.
Course Overview
The International Foundation Programme in Law, Society and Social Justice enables you to understand a range of areas to prepare you for your degree study. You will develop your communication skills whilst taking specific modules which include social and legal studies.
The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a level 3 foundation year that is an equivalent qualification to A levels. During your programme, you will develop subject-specific knowledge with a strong focus on improving your academic English language skills in preparation for studying at university.
During the IFP, you’ll gain additional skills in your chosen study route and the necessary English language skills to progress to year one of your chosen university degree course.
University of Kent International College
The University of Kent International College (UK IC) is a dedicated college for international students to start their studies. We offer integrated and standalone pathway programmes which develop your academic and English language skills.
Our international college is part of the university campus so you will have access to all the same university spaces, facilities and community so you will feel like you are part of the university from the day you start.
- Located on the main university campus
- Small classes offering a high-quality academic experience
- Supportive college staff who will help you settle into life as a student at University of Kent
- University student status from day one with access to sports, societies, campus facilities and the university student services.
Course modules
Nothing is more important than clear and effective communication in making progress in your chosen field of study. High levels of class interaction ensure that you are encouraged and enabled to apply your developing language skills and grow your expertise in the context of your chosen subject of study. Through team-teaching on this module, both language and subject specialists join in supporting you and helping you grow in confidence to tackle future modules on the International Foundation Programme. This module will ensure you reach a high B1 level of English in Preparation for your studies in the next term. nModule Code: KICS3000
English language skills and their development empower you to communicate more effectively in your subject studies. They enable you to listen for information, question the information you’ve received and engage in debates in an academic context, complying with conventions of tone and behaviour. You will learn to appreciate the importance of following good academic practice in all aspects of your work. At the conclusion of the module, you will be able to recognise and confidently use effective communication skills as you move forward in your degree studies.nnModule Code: KICS3100 / KICJ3100
Do you wonder about how Law is made and how, in its enforcement through the courts, it is interpreted and modified? What factors influence the creation of law and what is the nature of current legal debates? What is the Supreme Court and its function? You will learn about the process of law-making through the legislative process and have the opportunity to reflect on the separation of law and politics in the English Legal System. On completion of this module you should be able to communicate effectively your grasp and critical understanding of law in preparation for your undergraduate studies.nnModule Code: KICS3020 / KICJ3020
How critical is law in determining the way in which our societies function and how we live our lives and interact with others. What is the meaning of ‘justice’ and how is fairness determined in a legal context? You will learn how law functions in England and Wales and see how the legal system here has evolved over time in terms of the system of courts, the roles of legal personnel, the jury system and the rights and obligations of citizens under the law. During the module real cases are used to illustrate the topics you are studying.nnModule Code: KICS3019 / KICJ3019
What are the key influences today on the ways in which we communicate and relate to one another? What differences have you noticed between communication within your culture and communication between cultures? Clear and effective communication is of key importance but how do we ensure that we achieve this? You will learn about different types of communication – verbal and non-verbal – and different world views, often based on ideologies. You will examine the role of the media and of social media in influencing your thinking and will be introduced to qualitative research methods which support the studies that help you understand all you have learned.nnModule Code: KICS3002 / KICJ3002
Crime and criminal activity are negative aspects of society. Have you wondered how certain activities have long, or more recently, been criminalised? How we define crime and the theories which try to explain why crime occurs are fundamental to the study of Criminology and feature strongly in this module. You will consider sociological theories about the nature of crime and the explanations for the existence of deviant behaviour, unacceptable in the wider society. These include theories derived from a Marxist or feminist perspective. Different types of crime are considered such as fraud, public order offences, and those against the person and property. You will look at how crime is reported and represented in the media and consider controversial topics such as the incidence of crime in relation to gender, ethnicity and class.nnModule Code: KICS3021 / KICJ3021
How do countries come to be governed as they are and what factors influenced the way that their political systems developed as they did? The case study of the British system, its institutions, political parties and processes dominates the early stages of the module and concludes by examining some of the challenges Britain faces currently. The module then widens out to enable you to consider themes in international relations, the ideologies that have shaped the institutions of various countries and the themes of conflict and co-operation that have dominated the international scene during the 20th and 21st centuries.nnModule Code: KICS3022 / KICJ3022
How the organisation of society has developed over time and the stresses and strains that exist within should be of significant and enduring interest to us all as we inhabit it and it shapes our lives accordingly. You will learn about social class, gender, ethnicity and age as elements in the construction of our social identity and there will be an understandable focus on theories relating to the family as it remains society’s essential building block. In considering the family you will come across different interpretations, for example feminist and Marxist readings. Given the family’s importance, you will examine how is it represented and perceived through the lens of the mass media.nnModule Code: KICS3017 / KICJ3017
Meet Aun, a student from Jordan
I still remember the moment where I left home. That mix of anxiety and excitement. I was going to travel to a new foreign country as an international student … the staff members were tremendously amazing and helped me to feel like I belonged.
University of Kent
The University of Kent is one of the UK’s leading academic institutions, known for world-class research, excellent teaching, and a welcoming global community. With a strong reputation for innovation and academic excellence, Kent supports students to thrive – personally and professionally.
You’ll benefit from expert teaching, tailored support, and opportunities that help you build skills, grow in confidence, and prepare for your future career. Kent is where ambition meets opportunity, where you’ll be encouraged to think independently, explore new ideas, and reach your full potential.
Why choose University of Kent
QS World University Rankings
Ranked 40th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
The Times Good University Guide
Kent is ranked 40th in The Times Good University Guide 2025.
Times Higher Education rankings
Kent is a leading research university, rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. (REF 2021)
Entry Requirements for
12th Grade Graduation Certificate with a minimum of 70% overall-only Selt Test acceptable for English requirement.
12th Grade Graduation Certificate with a minimum of 70% overall-only Selt Test acceptable for English requirement.
12th Grade Graduation Certificate with a minimum of 70% overall-only Selt Test acceptable for English requirement.
International Student Fees
You can find the applicable international student course fee for your chosen pathway study route listed below.
| Study Route | Tuition Fees (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| International Year One | January, September – £18,595 |
| Pre-Masters (2 terms) | June, December – £12,995 |
| International Year Zero (2 term) | April – £13,395 |
| Pre-Masters (1 term) | April, June, September – £10,395 |
| International Year Zero | January, September – £18,595 |
| International Foundation Programme (30 Weeks) | January, September – £18,595 |
| International Foundation Programme (40 Weeks) | September – £18,595 |
| Fees are not inclusive of scholarships. All applications are subject to a non-refundable admin Fee of £220. Stated fees are for the pathway only. Stated fees do not include tuition applicable for degree course continued at the university, for more information on progression degree fees please visit the university website directly. | |
Scholarships at University of Kent
Up to £6,000 scholarship for 3-term pathways
Up to £4,000 for IYZ April intake
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Up to £3,500 scholarship for 1-term study
Up to £3,500 scholarship for 2-term study
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Up to 16% scholarship on University of Kent tuition fees per year
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
