International Foundation Courses

Course title:	International Foundation Course
Apply:	direct to the University
Start (ft):	September/ January/ April/ June
Mode:	full-time
Duration:	variable
Location:	Luton campus, Park Square
Faculty:	The Business School
Department:	Department of Language & Communication

Summary

These courses are for students who intend to take an undergraduate or postgraduate course and have an IELTS score of between 4.0 and 5.5.

The courses have two key aims: first, to raise your competency in the English language to the required level for acceptance on undergraduate and postgraduate courses; and second, to acquaint you with the study skills you will need to cope with the tasks presented by a higher education course.

All our courses are validated by the British Council/English UK accreditation scheme, whose last inspection stated that ‘a positive, co-operative learning atmosphere was evident throughout’.

On these courses you will also get the chance to enter one of the Cambridge ESOL English exams, enabling you to gain an internationally recognised English language qualification.

An International Foundation Course (IFC) enables you to improve your communication skills in English and to gain a thorough grounding in the study skills you will need to feel comfortable in a higher education environment. It will also help you gain the best possible grades for your undergraduate or postgraduate course.

The International Foundation Course (IFC) you choose will depend on your level of English at the time of entry:

IFC (pre-foundation) is for those who wish to study for a degree, but who have a lower IELTS score than 5.0.

IFC (two terms) is for those who have an IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent on entry.

IFC (one term) is for those who have an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent on entry.

We also run extended degrees for international students, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English Language Study Skills Support, as well as a University-wide English Language Assessment Service (TELAS).

Areas of study include:

Written and Oral English Skills Academic Study Skills, including presentations, essay writing, reports, note-taking.
Exam Training.
Business English.
Communicating in English in a variety of formal and informal situations and contexts.

See the International section for more information on intensive English courses for International Students

Why choose this course?

Learn in a friendly atmosphere
Well-qualified teaching team
Opportunities to take a Cambridge ESOL exam on-site
Full use of the Language Centre, with up-to-date facilities and materials
Instruction and practice in key study skills
Provides a secure foundation for degree level study

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

You will be required to buy a course book for most of the units you study, and this is the base for the input in lessons. However, the teacher will supplement this with magazine and newspaper articles as appropriate.

The courses are delivered by well-qualified staff in an informal atmosphere.

Lessons are highly communicative, which means that you will be expected to work in pairs and small groups on activities and exercises set by the teacher.

Classes normally consist of between 16-18 students. Classes do not exceed 22 students.

All aspects of the English language are covered, and you will be given instruction in the preparation and delivery of presentations, research, and extended pieces of written work.

Assessment

Presentations, group work, course work and exams.

Further details about the course

Summer intensive International Foundation Courses:
As well as start dates in September, January and April for all IFCs (subject to demand), we offer a one-term IFC in the summer for students with an entry level of IELTS 5.5.

We also offer a 12-week Intensive Summer IFCstarting in June. This will take students from IELTS 5.0 to 6.0.

See the International section for more information on intensive English courses for International Students

Extended degrees for International Students:
If you are an international student who wants to start a University course immediately, but your English is just below the minimum levels (i.e. IELTS 5.0 or 5.5), then the four-year extended degree course is for you.

An extended degree course will develop your competence in English and study skills, so that you get the most from your undergraduate studies.

The ‘settling in’ period allows you to get used to a British university environment and to discover your strengths while developing close academic and social ties. This places you in a strong position for the second term, when you will become involved in areas of study more closely related to your chosen subject area.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English Language Study Skills Support:
EAP and English Language Study Skills Support are both available year-round for those who feel they would benefit from them, in the form of special units at all undergraduate levels.

Entry requirements

IFC students must already meet the academic requirements of their intended course before starting an IFC programme.

If you don't know your English level, or haven't got a recognised qualification, we can test you using our own matriculation assessment TELAS [Test for English Language Assessment Service].

TELAS testing takes place before the start of each academic session at Luton campus, and is also offered during or after educational fairs abroad in collaboration with some of our International and EU local representatives.

Attendance

The International Foundation Courses consist of three units spread across five 3-hour lessons per week ( 15 classroom hours per week) or in a more intensive format of nine 3-hour lessons per week.

You will be assigned a class on entry to the programme, and your lessons will often take place in one room at one time of the day ( i.e you may have lessons every day from 9-12 or from 2-5pm.)

Related Links

• More information on intensive English courses for International Students
• English Language Testing (TELAS)
• International Students

General Enquiries

• www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply for information about standard entry requirements, application routes, open days, fees and funding.
• T: +44 (0)1582 489286 UK/EU Admissions
• T: +44 (0)1582 489326 International Admissions
• Order a prospectus form. Enquire about courses and order a printed undergraduate or postgraduate prospectus.
• T: +44 (0)1234 400 400 University switchboard