COURSE OVERVIEW

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) Business and Social 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 an International Foundation Programme – Business and Social Science you will have the opportunity to:

• Study in a friendly environment alongside other international students
• Develop your subject knowledge in the Business and Social Science field
• Discover and develop the core skills that are expected at the University
• 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

DISCOVER MORE IN OUR WEBINARS

You can learn more about this course in our Pathway webinar series! Our webinar sessions give you an overview of our Pathway programmes and you’ll get to hear from our QAHE Pathway team, university academics, and current students.

What will I study?

Studying on the International Foundation Programme – Business and Social Science Pathway will allow you to explore the subject area which you have chosen for your studies at 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 larger groups for lectures and smaller groups for seminars and workshops. You will also meet with your tutors individually for additional academic support.

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.

In addition to lectures, seminars and workshops, you are expected to spend approximately 15-20 hours per week on self-study.

Independent study activities can include preparatory reading for seminars, research for your assessments, revision quizzes, practice writing tasks, discussions with your classmates in preparation for group presentations.

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