COURSE OVERVIEW

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) Sports Science prepares you for university study in the UK. It helps you develop your academic skills and improve your ability to use English in an academic context, together with building your subject knowledge.

Location:

This course is delivered at our Pontypridd Campus.

WHY STUDY THIS PROGRAMME?

By studying on an International Foundation Programme – Sports Science you will have the opportunity to:

• Study in a friendly environment alongside other international students
• Develop your subject knowledge in the Sports Science field
• Discover and develop the core skills that are expected at the University of South Wales
• Prepare you to manage your time and learn independently
• Gradually adjust to academic study at University and life here in the UK
• Explore and learn subject knowledge relevant for your chosen degree and future career
• Experience academic assessments helping you to prepare for undergraduate study

The Pathway College is a partnership between the University of South Wales and QA Higher Education – a UK pathway provider.

The pathway programmes are validated by the University and taught by QA Higher Education. The courses are designed to prepare you for the seamless transition to an undergraduate degree.

What will I study?

Studying on the International Foundation Programme – Sports Science pathway will allow you to explore the subject area which you have chosen for your studies at the undergraduate degree level.

English term

For those of you who require additional English language support, you will study a 3-term International Foundation Programme that includes a term of English language preparation. This aims to improve your English language skills with a focus on the development of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. You will also study vocabulary, grammatical accuracy and oral fluency.

Studying a term of English allows you to:

• Improve your English language skills so that you are better prepared for the modules and assessments you will need to study on the foundation programme
• Develop your self-confidence and team-working skills by working on a group video project based around a current UK issue
• Become accustomed to how English is applied in a University context
• Make friends with other international students from all over the world whilst improving your English

The term of English is also applicable for those of you who have had little opportunity to study in an English institution or are looking for a more gradual introduction into studying at University.

How will I learn?

You will be taught in small groups of a maximum of 18 students and we will provide you with a creative and secure environment in which you will learn new knowledge and skills.

To prepare for your lectures and seminars, you will have access to our online learning platform, where you can access course information, content and your weekly reading lists.

For both face-to-face and blended/online modes of study, modules use a form of digital input e.g. the use of the Internet to present podcasts, videos, blogs or wikis, and electronic voting systems. You will be empowered to use technology to expand and develop your skills, for example, you will become part of discussion groups and interactive exercises such as online quizzes, film and audio clips that will help support students learning and encourage engagement in the modules.

Contact hours

• 16-20 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops per week
• 20-30 minutes of 1-1 tutorials with your Academic English and/or your Pathway subject tutor per week

Self-study hours

• 15-20 hours per week

Assessment

• Coursework, presentations, portfolios, projects and in-class tests