This one-year (2-semester) programme offers successful students guaranteed progression* to a range of partner universities.
You will study your Foundation programme at our Centre located in Maynooth.
*Guaranteed progression is subject to meeting the specified entry criteria.
About the International Foundation Programme
This programme is designed to to enable international students to progress onto undergraduate programmes in Ireland.
Successful completion of the programme entitles students to a Level 5 Specific Purpose Certificate in International Foundation Studies award that is awarded by QQI. It sits on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at Level 5 as a Specific Purpose Certificate in International Foundation Studies award. It has equivalency with Level 4 on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). This qualification is internationally recognised. This is a 120 FET credit qualification which equates to approximately 60 ECTS. All students who successfully complete the IFP are guaranteed placement on a suitable programme of undergraduate study at one of our partner universities.
This programme lasts seven months, the year divided into two semesters of 12 to 13 teaching weeks and one examination week. On average, you will undertake 25 hours of classroom-based study per week.
English Language forms at least nine hours of your timetable, is compulsory for students and will be integrated into the teaching of academic subjects as well as being taught separately if you need additional support.
Students will be expected to timetable self-study hours in addition to the classroom-based hours.
You will be assessed at regular intervals throughout the programme to ensure you are making the progress required to successfully complete the programme. Full assessment of the programme will take place in the final semester. Assessment methodologies are aligned to those that will be experienced in the University environment, and include project work, essays, presentations and unseen examination. Students shall attend all assessments, including written examinations, for the modules on which they are registered and submit coursework for assessment as required. Students must successfully pass all core modules and their chosen options to successfully complete the programme. Full details can be found in the UniHaven Quality Assurance Manual, the UniHaven Assessment and Awards Policy and the Programme Handbook.
Discover the progression options available to OnCampus Ireland students.
What will I study?
You will study two core modules, one mandatory module and two of four optional modules. English will be integrated into the teaching of academic subjects. If you study medical route, leading to Medical University Pleven you will need to take Biology and Chemistry as your mandatory modules.
The pathway stream options available to OnCampus Ireland students are detailed below:
This pathway is designed for students who wish to study in the areas of Business, Accounting, Humanities, Philosophy, Law, and Social Sciences. Modules included are:
English 60 FET credits (Core module)
Intercultural Studies and Communication 10 FET credits (Core module)
Mathematics Ordinary 20 FET Credits (Mandatory module)
Business Studies 15 FET Credits (Optional module)
Information Systems 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
Global Politics 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
Introduction to Social Science 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
This pathway is designed for students who wish to study in the areas of Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Science, Pharmaceutical Science and many more. Modules included are:
English 60 FET credits (Core module)
Intercultural Studies and Communication 10 FET credits (Core module)
Mathematics Higher 20 FET Credits (Mandatory module)
Biology 15 FET Credits (Optional module)
Chemistry 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
Physics 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
Computer Science 15 FET Credits (Optional Module)
This pathway is designed for students who wish to study Medicine at Medical University Pleven or St George's University Grenada
English 60 FET credits (Core module)
Intercultural Studies and Communication 10 FET credits (Core module)
Mathematics Higher 20 FET Credits (Mandatory module)
Biology 15 FET Credits (Mandatory module)
Chemistry 15 FET Credits (Mandatory Module)
Our Medical Application Services support student applications to the Medical University Plevento help improve the student performance in every aspect to ensure their medicine application is successful. This includes:
- Interview preparation and personal statement training for medical school applications. This will be slotted into the weekly timetable for you as an hourly session. You will receive support from the outset with mock interviews and workshops on writing a personal statement. You will have opportunities to draft the personal statement many times before the final submission. These support sessions will be available throughout the delivery of the programme.
- Providing guidance on preparing for entrance exams. Entrance exams will be conducted face-to-face by The Medical University Pleven. (All exams will be conducted in Ireland). In association with MU Pleven we will run training sessions with our teachers preparing you for the exam, delivering the relevant class material beforehand to prepare them . You will receive a Table of Contents of the material you need to prepare for and sample exam papers are supplied. You will have mock exams - with papers available online and the teachers will supply extra exam papers for guidance.
- Connecting students with mentors and other resources to help you succeed in your studies and prepare for your career. Project work developing soft skills - effective communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, research skills - you may be asked to showcase some of these skills at interview. We will help by preparing you for this with tutorial sessions.
- To progress to the Medical University Pleven students will need to pass the Medical University Pleven’s Biology and Chemistry exams.
Programme Details, Dates, and Fees
Course length: 2 semesters
Hours per week: 25
Minimum age: 17 (and turned 18 before progression onto university degree)
Entry IELTS: 5.0 or equivalent (with 5.0 in writing and no other single element lower than 4.5)
All programmes are subject to a €300 non-refundable administration fee.
| Dates | Duration | Business & Social Sciences (€) | Engineering & Science Fees (€) | Engineering & Sciences Fees (Medical routes) Fees (€) | Progressing to undergraduate study in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06 January 2025 - 25 July 2025 | 2 semesters | 15,790 | 15,790 | Sep-25 | |
| 15 September 2025 - 30 April 2026 | 2 semesters | 16,330 | 16,330 | 20,450 | Sept 26 (Feb-27 for Medical University Pleven progression) |
| 05 January 2026 - 31 July 2026 | 2 semesters | 16,330 | 16,330 | 20,450 | Sept 26 (Feb-27 for Medical University Pleven progression) |