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Program
The International Foundation Year is a one-year preparatory program designed for students who either need to work on their academic skills or are still deciding what they want to study.
The program is designed to offer a unique variety of subject areas and modules to define your study plan. You can benefit from in-depth qualification and specialization options to best prepare for your desired undergraduate study area.
Subject areas
Through a combination of core modules and subject-specific study, students will develop the skills they need to start their undergraduate education successfully. Students can choose from three subject areas to prepare for a degree at Constructor University.
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Technology
This subject area covers the fundamentals of computer programming, coding, mathematics, and technology. Digitalization lies at the core of all modern industries. It plays a major role in today’s work life, so these subjects will prepare students to work in modern tech environments.
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Science
This subject area prepares students for degree programs within the Life Sciences & Chemistry department at Constructor University. Each program teaches theoretical and practical skills for rewarding careers across many different industries in the field of natural sciences.
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Society
This subject area provides students with the necessary foundation to pursue a variety of business or social science careers, from management and accounting to psychology and human resource management. Students gain practical and professional skills that enhance their employability.
Qualification Pathway
You want to study your favored degree program at a top private international university in Germany, but you don’t meet the entrance requirements yet?
Then the Qualification Pathway is your choice! Study a specific subject area (Technology, Science, Society) and qualify for direct entry.
- Choose one subject (from subject areas Technology, Science, Society)
- Choose 2 modules within the same subject area and study one in the 1st and one in the 2nd semester. Get prepared for the exams necessary for guaranteed admission to your desired degree program at Constructor University
- Take part in the Test AS examination
- Successfully complete the program
- Progress directly onto year one of the chosen degree
Orientation Pathway
You want to study your favored degree program at a top private international university in Germany, but you don’t meet the entrance requirements yet?
Then the Qualification Pathway is your choice! Study a specific subject area (Technology, Science, Society) and qualify for direct entry.
- Choose one subject (from subject areas Technology, Science, Society)
- Choose 2 modules within the same subject area and study one in the 1st and one in the 2nd semester. Get prepared for the exams necessary for guaranteed admission to your desired degree program at Constructor University
- Take part in the Test AS examination
- Successfully complete the program
- Progress directly onto year one of the chosen degree
Core modules
The core modules are integral parts of the IFY program. They are designed to provide students with basic interdisciplinary knowledge to enhance their academic and personal skills.
This module aims to strengthen English language abilities in all four areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and improve academic study skills. Students will also learn the fundamentals of conducting research, such as writing academic papers and citing sources.
Upon joining the program, students will take a mathematics placement test to determine their level and be placed in the basic or advanced course track. Both tracks are designed to help students develop skills in mathematics and statistics. The first semester will cover general content, while the second semester will delve deeper into the chosen subject area.
This second semester module is a mandatory follow-up for students who have completed the "Advanced Mathematics" course and are pursuing degrees in Science or Technology at Constructor University. As advanced mathematical skills are crucial for success in these subject areas, this module equips students with the essential knowledge and tools necessary to excel in their undergraduate studies. The course covers introductory topics in algebra and calculus and includes extensive problem-solving and tutorial sessions.
The second-semester module 'Foundation Statistics' is essential for students pursuing degrees in business and management, logistics, social sciences, and humanities within the subject of 'Society.' The course provides students with a solid foundation in statistical analysis and probability, including sampling, confidence limits, correlation, and regression. Through practical applications and real-world examples, students will develop the analytical skills necessary for success in their future studies.
Through this course, students will gain a foundation in coding and computational thinking, equipping them with valuable problem-solving skills that are in high demand in today's job market.
The program includes TestAS preparation for students who are required to pass a German university entrance examination as a prerequisite for pursuing an undergraduate degree at Constructor University.
This module enables students to attain the needed study, interpersonal and professional skills to succeed at university, while making them aware of the career fields that awaits them after completion of their bachelor studies. The module guides them in making informative decisions during their foundation year before committing to a specific bachelor’s program for three years.
Subject area specific modules
Subject Area Technology
This module provides an overview of a computer's fundamental components and organization, as well as the main functions and roles of operating systems such as Windows and Linux. Students will comprehensively understand how computers operate, preparing them for their chosen course of study.
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to programming, centering on the core concepts of the Python 3 programming language. Students will strengthen their programming skills through a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on problem-solving exercises, with a strong emphasis on practical application using Python 3.
Subject Area Sciences
Chemistry is a foundational discipline for students pursuing studies in natural, physical, and biological sciences at Constructor University. The first-semester module, "Foundation Chemistry," provides students in the Sciences subject area with a comprehensive introduction to the various fields within chemistry. Topics covered include fundamental concepts of general, analytical, inorganic, physical, and organic chemistry, as well as an overview of research methods in chemistry. This module will provide a strong foundation for students in their future studies.
This second-semester module is a complementary and prerequisite course for students starting their undergraduate studies in various scientific degrees at Constructor University. It covers essential topics in physics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, quantum physics, and nuclear physics. This module aims to provide students with a strong foundation in physics and familiarize them with research methods similar to the "Foundation Chemistry" course. It will prepare them for their future studies in the subject area.
Subject Area Society
The module introduces students to the internal and external context of business practice and management. It delves into key business aspects including strategic management, marketing, human resources, crisis management, globalization, and social responsibility. It also aims to provide students with the appropriate foundation of business theory and concepts that will enable them to be successful in their later related undergraduate studies in the fields of Business, Industrial Engineering or Social Sciences.
The overall aim of this module is to provide students with a general introduction to social sciences with a focus on the areas of sociology, economics, politics, and international relations. It aims to provide students with the appropriate foundation in social sciences theories and concepts as well as their applicability in relation to the fields of Business, Industrial Engineering and Social Sciences.
Undergraduate modules
All students have the opportunity to take two undergraduate level modules. These modules can be chosen from their specific field of study (Qualification Pathway), or from any available module (Orientation Pathway).
Undergraduate transfer options
The program allows students to earn up to 15 ECTS credit points toward their bachelor's degree at Constructor University by taking undergraduate modules. This provides students with an opportunity to gain direct exposure to course materials and professors ahead of their undergraduate studies. The program includes core modules and subject-specific studies that are designed to develop the skills necessary for a successful undergraduate education. Students can select from a variety of subject areas to tailor their experience to their interests and goals.
Choose modules from these undergraduate programs:
- Computer Science
- Robotics and Intelligent Systems
- Chemistry and Biotechnology
- Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology
- Integrated Social and Cognitive Psychology
- Industrial Engineering and Management
- and more
Dates at a glance
Meet some of our Foundation Year graduates
Living on campus allows you to experience the beauty of different cultures. I have made friends with students from all over the world.
Darlina Mamaqi - Albania
The classes are small, and our instructors care for each student and help us if we struggle with the material.
Oleg Borisov - Russia
Gaining insights into an institution like Jacobs University and taking courses from many disciplines has helped me find myself and figure out what I want to do with my life.
Emily Waller - Germany
The program allowed me to get to know my strengths and my weaknesses and to recognize my potential.
Göksenin Cakir - Turkey
We are integrated into everyday university life and get a good insight into the students' life and the various subjects. It’s now much more evident to me what I want.
Elias Bosch – Germany
Download
Learn more about the International Foundation Year by downloading our flyer or the program handbook.
Compact Flyer
Program Handbook
Contact & Support
Should you have questions regarding the admission process or the International Foundation Year Program in general, do not hesitate to contact the International Foundation Year Team.
Nicoleta Dvornicov
IFY Recruitment Conversion Officer
Tel: +49 421 200 4452
Skype: foundationyear
Email: foundationyear@constructor.university
I am originally from the Republic of Moldova, but I also lived, worked, and studied in the USA, Mexico, Spain, and Germany. I have a BA in Economics focusing on International Politics and Policy, a BA in Spanish, and an MA in Multilingualism and Education. I am interested in foreign languages, learning about new cultures, and connecting with people worldwide. Outside work, I like books, adventure tourism, traveling, and being in nature.
Languages I speak: English, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and German.