International Study Centre
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International Foundation Year in Health and Life Sciences

A pathway programme leading to Undergraduate Health and Life Sciences

Designed as a pathway into Royal Holloway's School of Life Sciences and The Environment, this foundation year provides academic skills training with specialist subject knowledge. As you'll be learning alongside students progressing to various Health and Life Sciences degrees, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with people from diverse academic interests while developing transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication — all highly valued in professional environments.

Key facts

Course length: Two semesters
Entry points: September, November (Enhanced Induction) and January
Age: 17+

See entry requirements

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What you will study

The programme includes modules that strengthen your academic and English language skills and develop the specific knowledge required for success in your university degree.

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.

This foundational module offers a comprehensive introduction to fundamental biological concepts. The module covers topics in cellular biology, biological molecules, and human body systems. It also develops analytical skills in interpreting biological data, applying theoretical concepts, and scientific communication, preparing students for more advanced biological studies and fostering a deeper appreciation of the biological world.

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to psychology’s key concepts, theories, research methods, and ethical considerations. It provides a strong foundation for understanding human mind and behaviour. The module is relevant for students who are interested in pursuing a career in psychology, or in a related field such as business, politics, or healthcare. Additionally, students will acquire transferable skills like problem-solving, communication and research.

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 study.

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.

13th in the UK for Geography & Environmental Sciences

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Top 15 in the UK for Psychology

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Progression degrees

You can continue your studies at Royal Holloway as an undergraduate when you successfully complete your International Foundation Year with the required grades for progression.

You can study one of the following undergraduate degrees:

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish Grade
No Results

Duration of the degree

The following degrees run for a duration of four years:

  • BSc Environmental Geology with a Year in Industry
  • BSc Geology with a Year in Industry

Top 25 in the UK for Physics

The Guardian University Guide 2026

Royal Holloway is in the world top 100 for Geography

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

Careers after graduation

As a science graduate, you can become a professional in:

  • Actuarial science
  • Environmental science
  • Geo-engineering
  • Media
  • Product management
  • Psychology
  • Software engineering
Students studying on campus

Admissions

Applying to Royal Holloway International Study Centre is easy and straightforward. Check entry requirements, tuition fees and see what you have to do before you arrive, from getting your student visa to arranging accommodation.

Students walking outside campus

International Study Centre

The International Study Centre helps you prepare for undergraduate and postgraduate study at Royal Holloway, University of London. It is a dedicated learning space for international students, sharing the University's campus and facilities.

A Royal Holloway student on campus

English Language Preparation

Our online English Language preparation courses will help you develop your English language skills to the level required to begin your chosen pathway programme.

Join us today

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!