International Study Centre

Strathclyde students in lecture

Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences

Course overview

Formerly known as Business and Social Studies, this pathway will prepare you for your chosen undergraduate degree at the Strathclyde Business School or Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.

You will study three core modules that will focus on general skills useful in your chosen progression degree, plus route modules specific to your academic area.

Who is this course for?

Ambitious students who are passionate about business, humanities and social sciences will benefit from our introductory programme to study at a UK university. Through subject-specific modules and English language lessons, this programme is the perfect way to bridge the gap between studying in your home country and at the University of Strathclyde.

Why study this programme?

Studying our Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences means you will:

  • Spend your first year of study in a friendly and supportive community of international students
  • Be introduced to the Scottish education system by our expert staff
  • Learn the basics of your chosen progression degree in preparation for joining the second year of your degree at the University (some exceptions apply).

What you will study

Core 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 university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

This module aims to develop students’ statistical data analysis skills. The students will learn about statistical techniques for data analysis and interpretation of qualitative data. A statistical data analysis tool SPSS® will be used in this module for analysing big data sets. Knowledge and ability to use SPSS® will enhance the employability skills of our students.

Route modules

The modules you will study depend on what subject you are planning to study at Strathclyde. You can choose five additional route modules related to your chosen progression degree. If you are aiming to study a joint degree, you have the option to choose from both business and social sciences route modules.

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business Law
  • Economics
  • Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour
  • Marketing and Operations
  • Strategy and the Business Environment
  • International Relations
  • Introduction to Social Sciences
  • Law 1 & 2
  • Politics
  • Psychology 1 & 2
  • Understanding Education in the 21st Century

Route module descriptions

You will be introduced to the basic theories of finance and gain an understanding of the corporate environment. You will study the time value of money, the securities’ valuation and the investment decision making. In addition, you will explore corporate financing methods and learn the principles of risk - return and the portfolio theory.

The main aim of the module is to provide students with an opportunity to appreciate the way in which businesses within the UK are affected by the law. The module will refer to more than one legal system, providing an awareness of sources of law, and will address the formation of organisations, the law of contracts and consumer protection. The module is essential for students wishing to progress into year two of a Business Law or Accounting degrees at the University of Strathclyde.

Students will gain an introduction to the principles, concepts and models of micro and macro-economic analysis providing a framework upon which further economic analysis can be developed. Throughout the module they will be able to apply their knowledge base as well as learn basic skills relating to data analysis and evaluation of economic issues at both the micro and macro level.

Students will gain an understanding of how people behave in organisations, the impact this can have on aspects of organisational performance and how organisations attempt to encourage positive behaviour focused on achieving organisational goals.

In this module you will be asked to analyse issues associated with Government (national and supra-national; elected official and public servants), legislature, pressure groups and media. You will be expected to keep up to date with developments in national and international political arenas.

This is a core module for students progressing onto Business and Social Sciences degree. This will introduce students to Social Studies and will provide them with an understanding of social lives. Students will gain an understanding of how people make and are being shaped by society. In addition, students will study how differences and inequalities are produced within society.

Law 1

This module explores concepts of law and of justice in England, with reference to the legal system, sources of law, legal structures and processes (both civil and criminal). During the module students will become familiar with working with cases.

Law 2

This module builds on knowledge and skills acquired in Law 1 to deepen students understanding of law in the UK. The module explores concepts of law and of justice in Scotland, with reference to the legal system, sources of law, legal structures and processes (both civil and criminal) and builds on the students’ familiarity in working with cases.

Students will gain an understanding of why organisations use marketing, how marketing can contribute to the success of an organisation, what the “tools” of marketing are along with the potential consequences of “getting it wrong”. The module will draw on real examples from the world of business. In the second part of the module students will study operations management looking at ways in which the demand for products and services created by a company’s marketing activities can be met.

This module explores notions of State and Constitution and of Democracy. You will be introduced to alternative forms of party organisation and alternative forms of electoral system.

Psychology 1

The main goal of this module is to introduce students to key theoretical approaches through the study of classic and contemporary studies. This module will lay the foundation for those who wish to study psychology in the future and for those who are curious and want to gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Psychology 2

The main aim of this module is to build on the knowledge and skills acquired in Psychology 1 and to develop a further understanding in relation to social, cognitive & developmental psychology and how these impact upon individual and society.

Students will gain an understanding of why organisations engage in strategic planning, the strategy planning and implementation processes and the impact that strategic decisions have on an organisation. The potential influence of the external environments on strategy implementation will be examined along with how organisations can attempt to influence these environments.

This is a core module for students progressing onto Education degrees at the University of Strathclyde. It is an introductory class for students who want to understand more about Education and provides a rich seam of disciplinary knowledge. The module covers key topics including what Education is, the context of Education and Education achievement.

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Degree progression

Once you have completed the Undergraduate Foundation Programme, and subject to satisfying the progression criteria, you can proceed to the second year* of your four-year degree at the University. (Please note, some exceptions may apply. See the accordion below for additional information on entry and progression conditions)

*Should you not reach the grades required for progression to year two, there may be the option to progress to year one.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish Grade
No Results

Please note

Progression to year 1 of a 4-year degree

  • Accounting BA (Hons)
  • Primary Education BA (Hons)
  • Law LLB
  • Speech and Language Pathology BSc (Hons)
  • Sport & Physical Activity BSc (Hons)

Progression to year 1 of a 3-year degree

  • Business Administration BBA (Hons)

University interview and pre-approval required before you can receive an offer. Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) clearance and interview required for progression

  • Primary Education BA (Hons)

Pre-approval required pre-ISC offer, personal statement and interview required. Degree includes work placement and interview may be required for progression.

  • Speech & Language Pathology BSc (Hons)

Why choose Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences?

Join us

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!