International Foundation Programme

This is a full-time course over one year with attendance of 16 hours a week.

Students will learn to use the English language effectively and appropriately in both the written and spoken form. Students develop their language skills for study purposes, to develop as independent learners, and to understand teaching methodologies and learning strategies employed at university. The course also helps students understand the society in which they are going to live for the next few years.

The programme offers options in the following areas:

• Business and Information Technology
• Computing, Engineering and Product Design
• Social Science and Humanities

The specialist modules will enable students to build up a foundation and a basic understanding in the subject area they would like to study at undergraduate level. Students gain knowledge across a broad base within the areas and get 'tasters' of the degree courses they may choose to follow.

Students will be advised about the designated module they are required to take in September (prior to starting the course). This will depend on the level of the student's English. Those with lower IELTS (or equivalent) scores will need a higher English Language input in order to meet the necessary degree requirement, which is usually between IELTS 6 - 6.5 depending on university and course. If students have a very strong language level and require less language input they will be able to choose an additional specialist module either within their chosen field or outside. This specialist module, if successfully completed, can be counted towards their degree credits at The University of Northampton.

• Excellent range of resources
• High pass rates and levels of achievement
• High quality teaching
• Strong tutorial support
• Varied and interesting modules

Seven two-hour modules comprising:

Four compulsory modules:

• English for Academic Purposes
• Study and Research Skills
• Information Technology
• British Studies

Two specialist modules to help you to continue in your future studies (one of the pairs below):

• Business Studies 1 and Business Studies 2
  
• Social Science 1 and Social Science 2
• Computing and Technology 1 and Computing and Technology 2

One designated module (from the following):

• English Language Studies (For students with an IELTS score of 5.0)
• Specialist CAF Module and EL Workshop (For strong English speakers (IELTS 6.0+)
  

Assessment for the course is continuous and balanced between assignments and final assessments. Each module may use different types of assessment including coursework, individual or group work, presentations, case studies or reports. The range has been chosen to give students a full experience of the assessments they will meet at university.

Students will be able, on successful completion, to choose an area of study for their undergraduate degree in a UK university which will give them the best possibilities of furthering their careers either within their own country or working for a multinational company.