This is a one-year academic programme aimed at students who:

have already completed secondary education in their own country but require an extra year's study in order to reach the appropriate level for undergraduate study in the UK

OR

have the necessary academic qualifications but need to further develop their English language and study skills in preparation for a degree programme. We recognise such students require a more specialised English Language course than is usually offered in most school systems and our Foundation Programme extends far beyond a general English Language programme with IELTS examination preparation.

 

To provide students:

• with an English Language programme designed to develop and practice the language skills needed for present and future study
• with the linguistic, practical and innovative skills necessary to achieve success on a degree course
• with the opportunity and environment to acquire learning strategies and study skills 

To enable students:

• to access degree courses at British universities
• to prepare for English Language examinations for university entrance · to acquire simultaneously English language skills and subject-knowledge, through subject-based English language tuition
• to improve academic standards and to reach high levels in their individual subjects
• to become accustomed to communicating and working together in English
• to learn about and respect cultural difference

To encourage students:

to constantly consider the world outside, and to recognise the important links between English language, subject knowledge, future studies and future careers.

Common Subjects
- English for Academic Purposes: 12 periods/week
- IELTS preparation: 4 periods/week
- Cultural Studies/British life & Institutions: 4 periods/week
- Maths: 3 periods/week
- Computing: 2 periods/week

OPTION A: Humanities

OPTION B: Science

Social Science: 3

Biology: 3

Business Studies: 3

Chemistry: 3

Economics: 3

Physics: 3

TOTAL PERIODS PER WEEK 34

 

Assessment

Each module is assessed on the basis of termly modular examinations and on the basis of assignments submitted as part of the course. Each module is assessed out of 100. The minimum mark required to pass a module is 50%; 60% + constitutes a merit and 75% + a distinction. Progress reports and regular feedback are provided to develop your learning in weekly tutorials. Students must pass all modules to be awarded a Foundation Course certificate.

For entrance onto the Foundation Programme students must:

- be aged 17 or over
- have successfully completed the appropriate High School certificate in their own country
- have one or more of the following English language qualifications:

• TOEFL 470
• IELTS 4.5
• Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
• GCSE or IGCSE English

We have reached agreements with a number of UK universities who will either automatically accept our students once they have successfully completed the course or will give them favourable application status. These universities include:

Oxford Brookes University - University of Westminster - Brighton University Regents - Business College - Anglia Polytechnic University - University of Buckingham - University College Worcester - University of Lincoln - University of Central England - London Metropolitan University - Aberystwyth University - University of Wales Institute Cardiff - University of Wales, Newport - Middlesex University - Nottingham Trent University - University of Luton

Academic Year 2003-04 was our first year of the Foundation Programme. Students also obtained offers from the following non-partner universities on successful completion of our programme:

Birmingham University - Kings College London - Cardiff University - Greenwich University - Nottingham University - Bristol University - Liverpool University - University of Manchester - Kingston University - University of Malta - Galway University