Extended IFP

Extended International Foundation Programme Preparatory English Course

The Extended IFP Preparatory English Course provides a structured and supportive transition for international students progressing to the International Foundation Programme (IFP).

The course develops students’ English language proficiency, academic skills, and confidence required for successful participation in the year-long IFP, while familiarising them with the academic culture, teaching practices, and expectations of the University of Warwick.

The programme is designed to bridge the gap between students’ current language and academic abilities and the entry requirements of the IFP, promoting equity of access and supporting strong academic outcomes.

Key Information

Mode of Study: Full-time, on-campus

Course Start: 17 August 2026

Course End: 28 September 2026

Fees: £29,950 for Extended IFP

Department: Warwick Global Academy

Application Deadline: 29 June 2026

Applications Open Now

Course Aims

Students will have the opportunity to acquire the following skills, as defined in the modules and tasks specified for the course:

Improved English language proficiency (reading, writing, listening, speaking) to IFP entry level.
Academic communication skills (speaking and writing) at a sufficiently high level to cope with the demands of the International Foundation Programme.
Understanding and analysis of academic texts (reading and listening).
Development of seminar, discussion and presentation skills in an academic context.
Familiarity with academic conventions including referencing, academic integrity, and critical thinking.
Confidence in engaging in Warwick Global Academy’s teaching and learning environment.

Learning Outcomes

Extended IFP Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

By the end of the course students should be able to:

Demonstrate improved English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2+/IELTS 5.5–6.0, meeting the entry level required for the IFP.
Apply academic communication skills (speaking, writing) in discipline-appropriate contexts.
Interpret, analyse, and evaluate academic texts (listening, reading) with developing critical awareness.
Participate effectively in seminars, discussions, and group projects.
Apply principles of academic rigour, integrity and conventions within the UK higher education context.
Critically reflect on their academic skills development and identify strategies for continued progress.

Learning Themes

Indicative weekly focus:

Weeks 1–2: Understanding academic contexts and exploring subject areas
Themes:

Introduction to UK higher education, understanding your chosen IFP route (Business & Management, STEM, Arts/Humanities & Social Sciences).
Skills: Reading and listening to short academic texts, participating in group discussions, writing reflective and critical responses.

Weeks 3–4: Academic integrity and working with sources
Themes:

Using academic texts and data, paraphrasing, citation and referencing, evaluating source reliability.
Skills: Integrated reading–writing assignments, group debates, short academic writing tasks.

Weeks 5–6: Research, presentation and collaboration
Themes:

Researching interdisciplinary issues, seminar skills, collaborative inquiry, academic presentations.
Skills: Mini group research project, poster presentation with Q&A, participation in academic discussions, reflective journal writing.

Please note that given the interval between the publication of these learning themes and enrolment, some of the information may change. You can find out more by reading our terms and conditions.

Teaching

How will I learn?

This 6-week preparatory component of the IFP will be delivered face-to-face on the Warwick main campus. Students will learn in seminar groups and tutorials of up to 16 students and will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and tutors to develop their language and academic skills. They will complete a variety of authentic academic tasks aligned to their future IFP pathway.

During the programme, students will receive a minimum of 20 hours contact time per week and are expected to actively engage in:

Seminar activities and discussions with the class.
Collaboration on set tasks within study groups.
One-to-one or small group tutorials.
Independent study as directed.

This course is a full-time programme which begins around 6 weeks prior to the start of the IFP academic year. All students are required to attend a minimum of 85% of the course to obtain a course certificate of completion and to progress onto the IFP.

Assessment

How will I be assessed?

There is no formal summative assessment for award purposes; however, students will undertake formative and progression-focused assessments to demonstrate readiness for IFP entry.

These may include:

Short written assignments (e.g. summaries, paragraph writing, critical responses).
Oral presentations and seminar participation.
Listening and reading comprehension tasks.
Diagnostic and final language assessments benchmarked to IELTS/CEFR standards.

All students will receive formative feedback on their work and a certificate of completion.

Entry Requirements

You are eligible to enrol on to the course if:

Your first language is not English.
Your IELTS score meets the requirements set out below:

IFP Course

IELTS for UKVI

PTE Academic UKVI

TOEFL (iBT)

Extended IFP

5.5 overall, 5.0 in all components

Please note: Students who already meet the entry criteria for the main IFP can still join the Extended IFP course, providing their overall IELTS score is below 6.5.

51 overall, with a minimum of 43 in all other components

Please note: Students who already meet the entry criteria for the main IFP can still join the Extended IFP course,

providing their overall PTE score is below 58.

74 overall, including Listening – 18, Writing – 19, Reading – 18, Speaking – 19

Please note: Students who already meet the entry criteria for the main IFP can still join the Extended IFP course, providing their overall TOEFL score is below 85.

If you are unsure about which test you are required to take, you can find out more on our English Language Requirements page, or if you need further support please contact us via ifp@warwick.ac.uk

How to Apply

You can apply for the Warwick IFP directly through our website using our online application form. It’s a simple and straightforward process designed to help you get started quickly.

Before you apply, take a few minutes to read our guidance on:

Entry Requirements (listed on each route page)
Language Requirements
Personal Statement Requirements

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Explore our IFP Course Options and their subject routes to decide which course suits your goals and interests best.

Step 2: Check the entry requirements, then complete the online application form. You’ll need to pay a £75 non-refundable assessment fee when you apply.

Step 3: Upload a recent school transcript and your personal statement.

In your personal statement, make sure to mention the route specialism and undergraduate degree you’re most interested in. Our Admissions Team will then place you on the route that best suits your undergraduate progression needs.

Step 4: Once you’ve submitted your application, our Admissions Team will review it. You’ll usually hear back from us within 3–5 working days.

Step 6: If you meet our requirements and we feel you are a good fit for the programme, you will receive a conditional offer by email.

Step 7: Your offer email will include the conditions you need to meet and the deadlines for doing so.

If you’d like some extra help before submitting your application, please get in touch with our IFP Admissions Team via email on ifp@warwick.ac.uk. You can also book an individual counselling session for one-to-one advice and guidance about our programmes.