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International Foundation Programme
Introduction
The International Foundation Programme prepares international students for undergraduate programmes at the University of Buckingham. It provides a bridge between school study in your home country and undergraduate study at a UK university. Choose this course if you have successfully completed 12 years of schooling with a good school leaving qualification. This programme leads to undergraduate programmes in the Schools of Business, Sciences or Humanities. All the courses are taught by subject specialist staff at Buckingham, so you will be part of university life from your first day.
Students who successfully complete Stage 1 of the programme will be considered for the Access to Law programme. Applications for this course should be directed to the Law School via our Admissions Office.
The course
For students with English as a foreign language, the programme starts in September and lasts for four terms. The first term is an intensive English Foundation course. This is followed by three terms of the main International Foundation Programme. Other students will join the programme in January for three terms.
| Autumn | Intensive English Foundation for EFL students | |||
| 2 Winter |
English and Study Skills 1 | Mathematics for Business | Business Computing 1: IT | Introduction to Economic Studies |
| 3 Spring |
English and Study Skills 2 | Life and Institutions | Business Computing 2: Information Systems | Introduction to Financial Studies |
| STAGE 1 EXAMINATION | ||||
| 4 Summer |
English for Academic Studies | International Studies | Individual Project | International Business Environment |
| STAGE 2 EXAMINATION | ||||
During the programme you will develop your knowledge of academic subjects through courses related to your future programme of study. You will also raise your knowledge and confident use of English for academic purposes, and develop your study skills and critical thinking skills before beginning your degree programme.
Teaching, learning and assessment
The International Foundation Programme trains you to become an independent learner who is prepared for university study. You will experience all the teaching and learning methods used in British universities, such as lectures, seminars and tutorials. For example, you will develop your listening and note-taking skills and learn how to take part in seminars. You will also develop your own ideas through group discussions and class presentations.
You will gain practice and training in the different kinds of assessment that are common in higher education, for instance essays, reports, individual and group presentations, learning journals, project work and examinations.
Class sizes are small, with a maximum of 8 students for tutorial classes. You will be allocated a personal tutor to help you with academic issues and guide you through your progression to the undergraduate programme.
Progression
On successful completion of the programme you can progress onto a 9-term undergraduate programme in the Schools of Business, Scinces or Humanities. This will mean that for many students your foundation and degree programme can be completed in three calendar years.
Entry requirements
- Minimum age: 17 years
- 12 years of schooling with a good school leaving qualification:
- Nigeria - WAEC 5 subjects minimum grade 5 at the same sitting
- Kenya - KCSE 5 subjects minimum grade C at the same sitting
- Pakistan - Intermediate/HSSC - Pass
- India - HSSC (XII) Minimum of 4 subjects at 50%
- China – Senior School Graduation Certificate
- English Language requirements
- For September entry: Minimum of IELTS 5.0
- For direct January entry: Minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
- Mature students will be considered on an individual basis
Applying
Applications for the International Foundation Programme may be made using the downloadable application form.
For further details on this programme, please contact Dr Frances Robinson (email: frances.robinson@buckingham.ac.uk).
See also: