IFP International Foundation Programme

Summary 2012/13

• Achieve a guaranteed place on an Edge Hill University undergraduate degree upon successful completion of the programme;
• Gain the academic and study skills you need to successfully complete your undergraduate degree;
• Develop your English language ability.

Edge Hill University's International Foundation Programme (IFP) has been designed to provide you with all the skills, knowledge and confidence you will need to begin your undergraduate degree studies.

The IFP's three main aims are to:

• Improve your English language skills;
• Introduce you to the subject area of your choice for subsequent degree studies;
• Develop academic and critical thinking skills to enable you to study successfully at degree level.

There are two routes for the IFP:

• Route A is for those who need to improve their International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score;
• Route B is for those who already have the required IELTS score or for whom English is their first language.

Both routes for the International Foundation Programme can be studied on a full-time basis over 6 or 12 months. The 12 month route starts in September, the 6 month route runs from February.

2012 Entry Requirements

If you’re an international student wishing to join this programme you will need:

• IELTS 5.0 or equivalent (Please note you can start six weeks earlier for an intensive English Improvement Programme if your current level of English is IELTS 4.5 or equivalent);
• Evidence of successful academic attainment at a level equivalent of British AS level (Year 12).

You must be at least 18 years of age at the start of this programme.

Summary 2013/14

• Achieve a guaranteed place on an Edge Hill University undergraduate degree upon successful completion of the programme;
• Gain the academic and study skills you need to successfully complete your undergraduate degree;
• Develop your English language ability.

Edge Hill University's International Foundation Programme (IFP) has been designed to provide you with all the skills, knowledge and confidence you will need to begin your undergraduate degree studies.

The IFP's three main aims are to:

• Improve your English language skills;
• Introduce you to the subject area of your choice for subsequent degree studies;
• Develop academic and critical thinking skills to enable you to study successfully at degree level.

There are two routes for the IFP:

• Route A is for those who need to improve their International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score;
• Route B is for those who already have the required IELTS score or for whom English is their first language.

Both routes for the International Foundation Programme can be studied on a full-time basis over 6 or 12 months. The 12 month route starts in September, the 6 month route runs from February.

2013 Entry Requirements

If you’re an international student wishing to join this programme you will need:

• IELTS 5.0 or equivalent (Please note you can start six weeks earlier for an intensive English Improvement Programme if your current level of English is IELTS 4.5 or equivalent);
• Evidence of successful academic attainment at a level equivalent of British AS level (Year 12).

You must be at least 18 years of age at the start of this programme.

Details

Who is this course for?

The International Foundation Programme has been specifically developed for international students who want to study for an undergraduate degree but do not possess British A-Level qualifications (Year 13) or equivalent.

You may have just finished or nearly finished your studies in high school, equivalent to British AS level (Year 12) and if so this course will provide you with the additional academic qualifications you need.

Alternatively, you may simply want to improve your English language ability and academic skills in which case this is also the ideal course for you.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to start a degree programme. As well as developing the specific study skills you need to use on a daily basis on your degree course, you will also learn to organise, plan and manage your own time, an essential skill for your future career.

How we will support you

You will receive full support throughout the course from a team of academic and support staff who have considerable experience of helping international students enjoy and succeed in their studies.

What will I study?

The modules on the course will help you improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English whilst also enhancing your understanding of English grammar and punctuation.

You will develop skills in systematic thinking and critical argument and be introduced to a range of academic and personal development skills.

Having chosen the subject you would like to pursue at degree level, you will have the opportunity to develop an introductory knowledge and understanding of the subject area together with the core research skills required for your chosen discipline.

There is also a specialist English language module designed to strengthen your fundamental English skills in terms of any subject specific academic requirements for your choice of degree.

How will I study?

The programme is delivered by a mixture of lectures, tutorials and small group seminars. In addition to attending these you will also be expected to complete homework and to undertake private study.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a team of tutors who understand the needs of international students and who are committed to supporting you at all times to make your studies both stimulating and enjoyable.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by a combination of assignments, coursework and examinations.

What are my career prospects?

You will achieve a guaranteed place on an Edge Hill University undergraduate degree upon successful completion of the IFP programme.

Further study at Edge Hill University

Upon successful completion of the IFP, your English Language ability will be at least IELTS 6 and you can progress onto degree studies in the following broad subject areas:

• Accountancy
• Advertising
• Animation
• Business and Management
• Computing
• Education
• English
• Environmental science
• Health
• Law
• Media
• Psychology

You will need to select your choice of specific award titles for degree study no later than the end of semester 1 of the IFP.

Related Programmes

• Pre-Sessional English Courses
• Pre-Masters Programme

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,400 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to Edge Hill University.

Download the international undergraduate application form and notes for guidance (doc).

For more information on the application process, visit the Centre for International Education website.

Fees and Finance

Please contact the Centre for International Education for information on tuition fees for this programme in academic year 2012/13.

Not got the entry requirements?

Please contact the Centre for International Education as you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-Sessional English Language courses if necessary. We will also be able to advise you on other qualification issues.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask about the International Foundation Programme, please contact:

• Centre for International Education, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657122
• Email address: international@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

Route A

Route A is for those who need to improve their International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.

• General English 1 and 2 - helping you to improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing in English to enable you to achieve at least a pass grade at the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English or IELTS 6.0 - 6.5 or equivalent;
• English Grammar and Pronunciation - concentrating on improving your fundamental English language skills;
• Critical Analysis and Systematic Thinking for Higher Education - developing your skills in systematic thinking and critical argument, key skills required for undergraduate studies and beyond;
• Developing Academic Skills - introducing you to a range of academic and personal development skills and providing a foundation for the study of undergraduate degree programmes;
• English for Specific Academic Purposes - strengthening your fundamental English language skills in terms of subject specific academic requirements;
• Introduction to Subject / Discipline Studies - equipping you with an introductory knowledge and understanding of the subject / discipline of your own choice;
• Academic Research Methods - developing the core research skills needed for successful transition to degree study. This will be within the framework of devising and implementing a research plan based on your chosen subject / discipline.

Route B

Route B is for those who already have the required IELTS score or for whom English is their first language.

• English Literacy - concentrating on improving your comprehension ability and English language skills;
• Critical Analysis and Systematic Thinking for Higher Education - developing your capacity for systematic thinking and critical argument, key skills required for undergraduate studies and beyond;
• Developing Academic Skills - introducing you to a range of academic and personal development skills and providing a foundation for the study of undergraduate degree programmes;
• Academic Writing - strengthening your fundamental English language skills in terms of subject specific academic requirements;
• Introduction to Subject / Discipline Studies 1 and 2 - equipping you with an introductory knowledge and understanding in the subject / discipline of your choice;
• Academic Research Methods - developing the core research skills needed for successful transition to degree study. This will be within the framework of devising and implementing a research plan based on your chosen subject / discipline.