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 and in-depth qualification and specialization options to best prepare for your desired undergraduate study area.
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 that are a pathway to a degree at Constructor University.
This subject area covers the fundamentals of computer programing, coding, mathematics, and technology. Digitalization lies at the core of all modern industries and plays a significant role in today’s work life. Therefore these subjects will prepare students to work in modern tech environments.
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.
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.
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 has been crafted to prepare students for their undergraduate studies by fostering self-competence and social skills essential for success in a university setting. Additionally, it aims to impart general skills that will be beneficial in both career and personal life.
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
This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to political economy, macroeconomics, and microeconomics, including their distinctions and interrelations. It covers the economic aspects of goods and services production, distribution, and consumption, and explains the concept of markets as places for economic transactions. The course delves into supply and demand, the function of money in society, and the history of economic theory. It is a subject-specific module within the "Society" subject area and is offered during the first semester of their foundation year. The course aims to provide students with a solid foundation in economic theory and history, preparing them for success in related undergraduate studies in fields such as Business, Industrial Engineering, or Social Sciences.
This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts and procedures of financial accounting in both theory and practice, including bookkeeping. It helps students grasp the importance of financial accounting practices and the financial statements they produce for managing a business. This subject-specific module within the "Society" subject area is offered during the second semester of their foundation year. The course aims to equip students with a solid foundation in financial accounting and prepare them for success in related undergraduate studies in fields such as Business, Industrial Engineering, or Social Sciences.
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-level courses. This provides students with an opportunity to gain direct exposure to course materials and professors before officially starting their 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
- Industrial Engineering & Management
- Chemistry and Biotechnology
- Physics
- Integrated Social and Cognitive Psychology
- Society, Media, and Politics
- and more
| Semester dates | Arrival | Start of teaching | End of teaching | Exam weeks | Weeks |
| Fall, 2022 | 27 August 2022 | 1 September 2022 | 7 December 2022 | 09 – 22 Dec 2022 | 14+1 |
| Spring, 2023 | 21 January 2023 | 30 January 2023 | 12 May 2023 | 15 – 30 May 2023 | 14+1 |
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.
Learn more about the International Foundation Year by downloading our flyer or the program handbook 2021/2022.