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2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year - Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities - Transfer to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Politics and Sociology

Foundation or pathway, Social sciences and humanities. The University of Sheffield International College, Sheffield, Yorkshire and the Humber, United Kingdom.

Level
Foundation or pathway
Field
Social sciences and humanities
School
The University of Sheffield International College
Location
Sheffield, Yorkshire and the Humber, United Kingdom
Tuition (first year)
21,500 GBP
Application fee
Free
Earliest intake
Jan 2027
Living costs (school estimate)
12,180 GBP a year
School type
Public

Program overview

2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year - Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities - Transfer to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Politics and Sociology is a foundation or pathway program in social sciences and humanities at The University of Sheffield International College, a public institution in Sheffield, Yorkshire and the Humber, United Kingdom, founded in 1905.

First-year tuition is listed at 21,500 GBP and the application fee at Free. The earliest intake currently open is Jan 2027.

Applications to The University of Sheffield International College typically receive a decision in 2 days and 7 hours, based on recent applications.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 33,680 GBP for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. UKVI sets a monthly maintenance amount that differs for London and the rest of the UK, plus the tuition fee for the first year, up to a cap. You must also pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Amounts are updated by the UK government, so read the money section of the official guidance before you apply.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

ItemAmount (GBP)
Tuition, first year21,500 GBP
Living costs, first year (school estimate)12,180 GBP
Application fee (one time)Free
Estimated first-year total33,680 GBP

How the tuition compares in the United Kingdom

Our directory lists 4,104 foundation or pathway programs in social sciences and humanities at 73 schools in the United Kingdom. Their median first-year tuition is 21,540 GBP, and the middle half cost between 19,080 GBP and 24,540 GBP.

At 21,500 GBP, 2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year - Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities - Transfer to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Politics and Sociology costs about the same as the median, in the middle of the range.

Lower-cost foundation or pathway options in social sciences and humanities

If budget matters, these foundation or pathway programs in social sciences and humanities have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in the United Kingdom.

ProgramSchoolTuition (1st year)
Pre-Master's in International Relations and Criminal Justice - Continue to Master of Arts - International RelationsInternational College Portsmouth (ICP), Portsmouth8,750 GBP
1-Semester Pathway - Pre-Masters in Social Sciences and Law - Continue to Master of Arts - International Relations (Global Security and Development)University of Plymouth International College (UPIC), Plymouth9,950 GBP
1-Term Pathway - Pre-Masters in Humanities and Social Sciences - Continue to Master of Arts - HistoryManchester Metropolitan University International College, Manchester11,000 GBP
1-Term Pathway - International Incorporated Master's (IIM) - Continue to Master of Science - Social ResearchInternational College Dundee, Dundee11,195 GBP
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - History (with Foundation Year)University of Chester - Exton Park (Parkgate Road) Campus, Chester, Chester11,250 GBP
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Geography (with Foundation Year)University of Chester - Gateway House, Chester, Chester11,250 GBP

Plan for the Jan 2027 intake

Working back from a Jan 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. September or October is the main intake for most courses, with a January or February intake for some. Visa applications can be made within a set window before the course start date.

ByStep
March 2026Shortlist programs, check entry requirements and book your English test.
May 2026Prepare your statement of purpose, references and transcripts, then apply.
July 2026Receive offers, compare total costs and accept one.
September 2026Pay the deposit, gather funds evidence and apply for the student visa.
December 2026Book travel and accommodation once the visa is approved.

Entry requirements and documents

The University of Sheffield International College sets the exact entry requirements for 2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year - Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities - Transfer to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Politics and Sociology. For a foundation or pathway, applicants usually need the following.

Universities accept a range of tests and some accept alternative evidence. For the visa itself you may need an approved English test result or confirmation from the sponsor. Check what your sponsor will accept before booking a test.

  • Class 10 and 12 marksheets, or your most recent qualification.
  • A short personal statement.
  • English test results at the level the pathway sets.
  • A valid passport.
  • English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: Student visa (Student route)

Students from India need a Student visa (Student route) to study in the United Kingdom. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) decides the application.

The UK Student visa is sponsored by a licensed university or college through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The route is points based and document heavy: funds, English language and sponsor details must all match the rules in force on the day you apply.

  • Apply to a licensed student sponsor. Undergraduate applications go through UCAS; most postgraduate applications go directly to the university.
  • Accept an offer, meet any conditions and pay any deposit requested. Ask for the CAS once you are eligible for it.
  • Prepare proof of funds held for the required period, your passport, the CAS details, English evidence and a tuberculosis test certificate where required for your country.
  • Check whether your subject needs ATAS clearance, then apply online and pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

After you graduate

Eligible graduates may apply for the Graduate route, which allows time in the UK to work or look for work. The length of stay and conditions have been under review, so use the current GOV.UK page and not older figures.

How to apply with Study Spectra

  • Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
  • We check your profile against 2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year - Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities - Transfer to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Politics and Sociology and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
  • We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
  • When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for 2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year - Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities - Transfer to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Politics and Sociology?

First-year tuition is listed at 21,500 GBP. Living costs are extra; The University of Sheffield International College estimates 12,180 GBP a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

This program lists no application fee.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Jan 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is 2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year - Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities - Transfer to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Politics and Sociology a degree?

It is listed as a foundation or pathway. Check with the school what qualification it awards and whether it leads to further study or work rights.

Which visa do I need to study in the United Kingdom?

You need a Student visa (Student route), decided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to The University of Sheffield International College, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

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