Humanities Foundation Year
Start Your University Journey with Our NEW Humanities Foundation Year Course
If you’re passionate about subjects such as Law, History, Education, Journalism, or International Relations, and would like to study in a native English speaking country, the Foundation Year in Humanities at Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC), provides an ideal pathway.
Specifically designed for international students, this programme equips you with the skills and qualifications needed to meet UK and Irish university entry requirements with a focused curriculum that skips unnecessary subjects and long delays.
The Challenge for International Students
Aligning Your Education with UK & Irish University Expectations
For many international students, gaining admission to undergraduate degrees in arts and humanities in a native English-speaking country – such as the UK or Ireland – can feel overwhelming.
Different education systems, qualification types, and application processes can lead to confusion or delays. Even highly capable students may struggle to meet subject-specific entry requirements, or know how to present their academic strengths effectively.
You might find:
- Your secondary school qualifications don’t align with UK & Irish university entry requirements.
- Specific subject requirements for your chosen degree course are hard to meet.
- You’re unsure how to demonstrate your English language ability and academic skills.
- You want to keep your options open – without wasting extra years or money.
- Visa rules, student finance and university applications can feel hard to manage on your own.
The good news? There is a clear, supported pathway forward.
Your Fast-Track to a Humanities Degree Abroad
Build Skills. Meet Entry Requirements. Start Your Degree With Confidence.
The Humanities Foundation Year at DIFC is a tailored 7 or 9-month foundation year course that bridges the gap between your home country’s education system and university-level study in the UK or Ireland.
Whether you are aiming for a degree course in social sciences, modern history, or early childhood education, our Humanities Foundation Course equips you with the knowledge, critical thinking, academic writing, and communication skills needed to succeed in higher education.
- No maths required – ideal for humanities students.
- Complete in just 7 to 9 months (vs. 2 years for A-Levels).
- Focused entirely on humanities subjects – no unrelated modules.
- Small class sizes with personalised academic support.
- English language development built into the course.
- Practical preparation for academic study, group projects and independent research.
- Weekly university preparation tutorials including interview and personal statement guidance.
- Guaranteed progression to over 90 NCUK university partners worldwide on successful completion of the course.
Why Study at DIFC?
At DIFC, we don’t just offer a course – we offer a supported pathway into undergraduate study in some of the world’s best institutions, equipping you with the key skills to confidently progress onto undergraduate study.
What Makes DIFC the First Choice for International Students?
✔️ Guaranteed Progression
Complete the course successfully, and progress to an undergraduate degree (subject to meeting minimum grade and English language criteria).
✔️ Equivalent to A-Levels
DIFC’s International Foundation Programme is recognised by UK & Irish universities as an equivalent pre-degree qualification.
✔️ Accelerated Format
Complete your foundation year in 7–9 months, and save time and money.
✔️ Tailored Curriculum
Focus entirely on relevant humanities subject areas such as modern languages, history and social sciences.
✔️ Benchmarking & Validation
DIFC’s Foundation Year is benchmarked by UK ENIC, confirming its international credibility as a recognised equivalent to UK A-Levels, and other major international qualifications.
✔️ World-Class Teaching Methods
Learn through engaging tutorials, group projects, and DIFC’s online learning platform – all designed to build your practical skills, encourage independent learning, and develop the essential skills needed for success at university life and beyond.
✔️ Personalised Support
From the day you apply, DIFC’s dedicated Student Support Services are here to help – offering guidance on university applications, visa processes, accommodation and every aspect of settling into life and study in Ireland.
✔️ Vibrant Student Life
Experience the best of Irish culture in one of the world’s safest and most welcoming countries. Dublin is ranked the 32nd best student city globally, and the 7th best city in the world to visit.
✔️ Study in a Native English-Speaking Country
As an English-speaking country with a mild climate and a population of just over 5 million, Ireland offers international students a friendly, accessible lifestyle and a world-class, globally recognised education system – all within easy reach of the rest of Europe.
Choose our Humanities Foundation Year and take the most direct route to university success — developing the skills, confidence, and academic foundation you need to thrive in an English-speaking environment.
Course details
The Humanities Foundation Year programme, offered by DIFC,
is an intensive 7 or 9 month foundation course,
designed to prepare international students for a place at top university.
.
September & January
9 months (September intake) or 7 months (January intake)
On Campus – Dublin, Ireland
€15,600 + registration
Build the Skills You Need to Succeed at DIFC
The Humanities Foundation Year at DIFC develops the core skills essential for success in undergraduate and further study. Each module focuses on practical and academic development through engaging, university-style learning.
You’ll gain the ability to:
- Master academic writing and communication skills.
- Apply critical analysis, analytical skills, and explore concepts and key topics across a broad range of humanities subjects.
- Work confidently with primary and secondary sources, building your own research and drawing from your own knowledge and personal interests.
- Embrace independent study and strengthen your independent learning habits.
- Develop essential study skills, research skills, and collaborate in group projects.
- Understand cultural contexts and how ideas have evolved historically in arts and humanities.
- Prepare for university-style teaching methods that support your transition into degree-level education and subsequent years of study.
This foundation year course equips you with the essential skills to thrive at university – academically, personally, and professionally.
Your Pathway to University and Beyond
Students who successfully complete the Humanities Foundation Year can confidently progress to a wide range of undergraduate degrees in:
- Law & Criminology
- English Literature & Languages
- History & Philosophy
- International Relations & Politics
- Sociology & Anthropology
- Journalism & Communication Studies
- Drama, Arts & Theatre
- Early Childhood Education
Our placement team will guide you through your university application process, from choosing your degree course to navigating entry requirements and securing your student visa.
What our students say
“My experience at DIFC was more valuable than any other. With great support from staff and teachers, I achieved the scores I needed. I strongly recommend DIFC – both for its welcoming environment in Ireland and for the experienced team who helped me reach my goal.”
“My experience at DIFC was more valuable than any other. With great support from staff and teachers, I achieved the scores I needed. I strongly recommend DIFC – both for its welcoming environment in Ireland and for the experienced team who helped me reach my goal.”
“My experience at DIFC was more valuable than any other. With great support from staff and teachers, I achieved the scores I needed. I strongly recommend DIFC – both for its welcoming environment in Ireland and for the experienced team who helped me reach my goal.”
Start Your Future in the Humanities Today
If you’re ready to take the next step toward studying arts and humanities, social sciences, or international relations, we will give you the foundation to succeed. You’ll develop the skills required for university, meet the specific entry requirements, and join a global community of students on the path to a world-class education.
Related Courses
Health Science (Medicine) Foundation Programme
Engineering Technology Foundation Course
Sciences Foundation Course
Frequently asked questions
Find quick answers to common questions here.
Do I need a Visa to study International Foundation Programmes at DIFC coming from UAE?
If your application is successful and you secure your place at DIFC with a deposit, you will receive your final offer letter and we can start your Study Visa application process. In order for you to enter Ireland you will require a Study Visa; some countries don’t require a Visa but you can check if you require one on the INIS website. One of the requirements for your Visa application is the required score on a recognised English test. This is overall 5.0 on an IELTS test, which are organised by the British Council. As Irish Study Visas for Middle Eastern students are processed in Irish embassies in Abu Dhabi or Riyadh, the process is quite quick, usually taking no more than 4 weeks, which makes your Application Process much quicker. And don’t let the thoughts of a Visa Application scare you, our team at DIFC will help you along the way, step by step, if needed.
Why Middle Eastern students choose to study Foundation at DIFC?
DIFC offers these International Foundation Year programmes leading to over 4,000 university courses. The International Foundation Year (IFY) is a qualification designed specifically for international students to prepare you for first year entry to undergraduate degree courses. The programme is run over 7-9 months and combines academic study, intensive English language preparation, study skills and cultural orientation. Studying in Ireland is a great opportunity for you, not to just broaden your horizons but to explore a new culture and experience a highly respected education system and qualifications that are recognised internationally.
The best place to study abroad?
With stunning natural landscapes, a fun-loving culture, vibrant history, and a lower cost of living than many places in Europe, (not to mention English being the main language of instruction), the reasons why Ireland is an ideal location to study abroad surely weighs more than a pot of gold!
Let’s chat
Our staff are happy to help with any questions,
please use our form or give us a call.
