International Foundation Year - Nursing

The International Foundation Year in Nursing provides a strong foundation for students looking to pursue a career in healthcare.

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This programme is designed to help you build the essential academic and English language skills needed to begin your nursing degree at Edinburgh Napier University. It provides a strong foundation in healthcare-related subjects, preparing you for success in both your studies and future professional practice.

Key Information

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Duration

4 years:

1 year pathways + 3 year degree

Start Dates

January | September

Pathway Tuition Fee

£15,955

Course English Language Requirement
International Foundation Year IELTS 5.5 with no less than 5.5 in each component.

What you will study

Alongside core modules, you will study subject-specific modules that will equip you with a foundation of knowledge for your chosen field of study.

Course Modules

This module introduces you to sociology as the study of society and how its structures—like class, gender, and ethnicity—shape people’s lives. You’ll explore how social divisions impact health and well-being, and how different groups view and prioritise healthcare. By examining patterns of illness and lifestyle differences, you’ll understand how wider social, cultural, and economic factors influence both healthcare delivery and the types of health challenges professionals may face.

This module covers numbers, measurements of lengths, areas and volumes, fractions and decimals, algebra including indices, algebraic fractions,
functions, linear equations and graphical representations of equations; other graphical presentations of data such as tables and pie charts; an
introduction to statistics, standard deviation, normal distribution, estimation, correlation and regression.
During the module students will be able to demonstrate, develop and/or consolidate their facility with Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel and
PowerPoint.
Both the development of numerical and digital skills will be related strongly to their significance and usefulness in the healthcare context. Number skills
will be related to an appreciation of volumes and frequency of administration of prescribed drugs and their importance to patient safety and well-being.

This module develops essential communication skills for healthcare settings, with a focus on person-centred care.

You will learn how to gather and share information clearly, maintain confidentiality, and obtain informed consent.

The module also explores compassionate practice, emotional resilience, and self-awareness.

Emphasis is placed on verbal and non-verbal communication, including body language, professional email and telephone etiquette, and active listening—crucial for building trust and understanding in nursing practice.

This module introduces you to key psychological approaches—such as cognitive, behavioural, biological, and psychodynamic—and their relevance to healthcare. You’ll explore how mental health conditions like anxiety and depression influence patient behaviour, including responses such as ‘white coat syndrome’. The biopsychosocial model helps you understand how physical, mental, and cultural factors interact. You’ll also consider how beliefs, values, and lifestyle shape attitudes to illness, treatment, and health promotion.

This module helps you improve your English language skills from IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 or above, preparing you for life and study in the UK. You’ll develop academic skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a focus on university-level study. The course also introduces you to essential resources like the virtual learning environment (VLE) and library services. You’ll practise using formal academic language, engage in group work, and learn how to research, reference, and avoid academic misconduct—equipping you for success in your degree at Edinburgh Napier University.

Available Degrees

NEW
BN
Bachelor of Nursing (Adult)
At the Edinburgh Napier University, you’ll learn from expert tutors in a friendly, supportive environment and put theory into practice using cutting-edge facilities like the Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through placements in both hospitals and community settings across the Lothian and Borders area—with 50% of the course delivered through real-world placement.

Supporting students to success

Learn more about what our students have to say when studying across our education network.

As DMUIC is situated in England’s most vibrant and multicultural city, I had the opportunity to make friends from different countries. The most amazing thing was that the DMUIC staff including all teachers and the office persons were very motivational and welcoming. They provide the best routes for study to every individual.”

Syed Asim Pakistan , De Montfort University International College (DMUIC)

I’ve enjoyed studying at DMUIC, the tutors are excellent and have helped me settle into life as a university student. They are also really supportive and have helped myself and other students with other issues outside of the classroom such as accommodation.

Nafisa Bangladesh , De Montfort University International College (DMUIC)

I have successfully progressed onto my degree course at the University of Bradford because of UBIC's reliable policies and teaching programme. To the new students, those who just started their foundation at Bradford International College, I must say you are going to pass the class, the only thing required is your attention and leave the rest on UBIC's staff because they are the one that are going to lead you to a brilliant future as it is a pathway to success.

Shoaib Pakistan , University of Bradford International College

I have a lot of international friends here at BUIC, and I’ve learnt so much from them. There is always a lot to do together both on and off-campus.

Sagar Nepal , Bangor University International College (BUIC)

I would recommend UGIC because it is based on the main University of Greenwich campus, a cosmopolitan university. At UGIC, there are students from all around the world, and I've made a lot of friends from exciting places."

Gozel Turkmenistan , University of Greenwich International College

I think one of the main reasons the IIM (pre-masters) has been so helpful is because the staff are so supportive and are always able to help me. Whether it is understanding a module or finding out how to sort accommodation, they will help you with everything. I’ve enjoyed studying at Bangor, the people are friendly, and the environment is also really peaceful and safe. It’s given me the best opportunity to succeed in my studies here in the UK.

Tong Tong China , Bangor University International College (BUIC)