International Foundation Programme

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We will be accepting applications for the International Foundation Programme 2010/11 from January 2010.

These courses are for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, for whom English is a foreign language

Six variants are available for 2010-2011:

Students attending these courses are registered as full-time students of  University of Bristol, and are therefore entitled to the same benefits as other full-time students at the University.

For detailed information on the courses currently available use the following links:

 

Course aims

The courses are designed to prepare international students for undergraduate and postgraduate study in the UK. They aim to improve the language, study skills and subject knowledge required to succeed at a British university. Students are also given extensive support in applying for undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the University of Bristol and other UK universities.

Back to top

 

Course structure

The academic year is divided into three periods of study:

Over the year, students take a number of different subjects totaling 120 credit points. In addition to the main credit bearing subjects, students follow subsidiary subjects in areas such as: 

Each week there are up to 21 hours of classes, including weekly individual tutorials.

Back to top

 

Course content

For the English for Academic Purposes course, students take six main subjects:

  1. English as a Foreign Language 1 (20 credits)
  2. English as a Foreign Language 2 (20 credits)
  3. English for Academic Study 1 (20 credits)
  4. English for Academic Study 2 (20 credits)
  5. English for Specific Purposes 1 (20 credits)
  6. English for Specific Purposes 2 (20 credits)

 

For the English with Mathematics course, students take five main subjects:

  1. English as a Foreign Language 1F (20 credits)
  2. English for Academic Study 1F (20 credits)
  3. English for Specific Purposes 1F (20 credits)
  4. English for Specific Purposes 2F (20 credits)
  5. Mathematics (40 credits)

 

For the English with Physics and Mathematics, English with Economics and Finance  and English with Chemistry and Mathematics courses, students take three main subjects, plus two subject-specific units:

  1. English as a Foreign Language 1F (20 credits)
  2. English for Academic Study 1F (20 credits)
  3. English for Specific Purposes 1F (20 credits)

The remaining 60 credits will be taken through the following units:

English with Physics and Mathematics: Physics 1E (40 credits) and Mathematics 1FM / 1EM (20/40 credits*)

English with Economics and Finance : Foundations of Finance and Economics (20 credits) and Mathematics 1EM/1ES (40 credits)

English with Chemistry and Mathematics: Chemistry 1E (40 credits) and Mathematical Basis of Chemistry 1SM (20 credits)

*In rare cases it may be necessary for a student on this stream to take the full 40-credit Mathematics unit; students concerned will be identified by a diagnostic test on arrival and will, where needed, be supported in managing the increased workload.

 

For the English with Arts and Humanities course, students take four compulsory subjects:

  1. English as a Foreign Language 1F (20 credits)
  2. English for Academic Study 1F (20 credits)
  3. English for Specific Purposes 1F (20 credits)
  4. English for Specific Purposes 2F (20 credits)

Students also take another 40 credits from a range of subjects offered by departments within University of Bristol Faculty of Arts. Subject areas offered may include some of the following:

Modern Languages, English Language through Literature, Poetry and Portraits, Russian Studies, German Studies, Classics and Ancient History, Philosophy, English for Business and Professional Purposes or Language and Communication Studies.

Back to top

 

Unit Content

English as a Foreign Language 1

Classes focus on grammar and vocabulary development, pronunciation and English in everyday situations.

English as a Foreign Language 1F

This unit concentrates on developing competence in English, building on the skills already acquired. It will enable students to use the English language more accurately and with greater in a range of  topic areas.

English for Academic Study 1

This unit provides a solid foundation in the language and skills needed for academic study. Particular attention is given to developing students' academic vocabulary and writing skills.

English for Academic Study 1F

Students work intensively on the development of higher level study skills in English, including text analysis, listening to lectures and participation in discussions. This unit is particularly helpful in preparing students for the IELTS examination.

English for Specific Purposes 1F

This unit extends and develops aspects of language covered in EAP modules within a subject specific framework. It aims to provide a clear understanding of what is expected in terms of critical analysis of ideas as well as providing a subject-specific context for academic essays and seminars. Practice will also be given in written assignments and oral presentations.

English for Specific Purposes 2F

This unit introduces students to the content, key concepts, language and discourse of their subject areas. It is taught by subject specialists to A-level standard. One area of study is chosen from areas such as:

 

Mathematics

Mathematics 1EM 40-credit unit: This unit develops algebra, elementary calculus and matrices to the level normally needed for entry onto undergraduate courses in sciences, engineering, economics and business-related subjects.

Mathematics 1ES 40-credit unit: This unit provides a first course in calculus, algebra and statistics. It is designed to be suitable for first year science students with only GCSE mathematics but is available to other students with an appropriate background. This differs from MATH10600, Mathematics 1EM by teaching statistics instead of vectors and matrices. There are regular tutorials, computational practicals and assignments.

Mathematics 1FM 20-credit unit: This unit introduces integration, simple differential equations, simple calculus of more than one variable, matrices and vectors. It aims to meet the needs of students hoping to undertake an Honours degree in a subject with mathematical content.

Mathematics 1FS 20-credit unit: This unit introduces integration and vectors as well as providing a short introduction to the aspects of statistics of most interest and importance to scientists. It will cover the basics of probability, statistical distributions, hypothesis testing, regression etc. No previous statistical knowledge will be assumed. It aims to meet the needs of students hoping to undertake an Honours degree in a subject with mathematical content.

 

Physics

Physics 1E 40-credit unit: This unit is designed for students with knowledge of science and mathematics equivalent to good GCSE level. No calculus is assumed. Lectures cover mechanics and general physics, optics, electricity and magnetism, atomic physics. Broadly, the unit covers similar material to Physics A2 (A-level studies) and to a similar standard. Where appropriate, together with a similar maths unit, this unit can provide a suitable preparation for entry into first year physics programmes.

 

Finance and Economics

Foundations of Finance and Management 20-credit unit: This unit aims to prepare overseas students (who are simultaneously improving their English language skills) to read for a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related disciplines. Students will be familiar with the language and conceptual frameworks of Accounting and Economics. Subjects covered will include: Financial Decision-making; Accounting; Microeconomics and Markets; Macroeconomics.

 

Chemistry

Chemistry 1E 40-credit unit: The unit aims to bring students to a standard broadly equivalent to A-level Chemistry. It defines the tools of the subject, chemical constitution and stoichiometry. The electronic structure of atoms and bonding in molecules are introduced and used in discussing molecular shape and in outlining the properties of key elements and inorganic compounds. The concepts of energy, equilibria and chemical kinetics are explored. The importance of acid/base solution equilibria and of oxidation/reduction processes in determining the properties of aqueous solutions is discussed. Structural Organic Chemistry is introduced through a study of hydrocarbons. Simple functional groups and mechanisms of organic reactions are discussed, and features of biologically important molecules are outlined.  The unit includes practical sessions and tutorials.

Mathematical Basis of Chemistry (1SM) 20-credit unit: The course covers those basic principles of Mathematics that are necessary for a study of Chemistry and illustrates these using Chemical applications. Topics covered include basic equations and rearrangement, indices, logarithms, exponentials, trigonometry, quadratic and simultaneous equations and an introduction to series, complex numbers, vectors, matrices and calculus. The emphasis is on using mathematics in chemical situations rather than on formal proofs. Applications include problems related to chemical kinetics, spectroscopy, chemical equilibria, combinational chemistry, crystallography, thermodynamics, pH and quantum ideas.

Back to top

 

Entry requirements

Please note: All students applying to the International Foundation Programme must be 18 years old in the first term of the programme.

English for Academic Purposes

At least IELTS  4.5 with a minimum of 4.0 in writing (TOEFL 500/173 with a minimum of 2.5 in TWE/Essay Rating). Undergraduates must also have a good secondary/high school pass and postgraduates a good first degree in a subject related to your intended programme of post-graduate study.

English with Mathematics

English with Physics and Mathematics

English with Economics and Finance

English with Chemistry and Mathematics

At least IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in writing (TOEFL 550/213 with a minimum of 3.5 in TWE/Essay Rating). Undergraduates must also have a good secondary/high school pass and postgraduates a good first degree. Applicants must also have evidence of a good standard in the specific subject-stream e.g Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.

English with Arts and Humanities

At least IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.0 in each part of the test (TOEFL 577/233 with a minimum of 4.0 in TWE/Essay Rating). Undergraduates must also have a good secondary/high school pass and postgraduates a good first degree.

Back to top

 

Certification

Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded a University of Bristol Pathway Certificate in Foundation Studies. Applications onto degree programmes at the University of Bristol will be welcomed, providing candidates satisfy the necessary admissions criteria of the courses applied for.

Back to top

 

Course dates 2009-10

Mon 4 Oct 2010 - Fri 24 June 2011

University Induction and Orientation Week: Mon 4 Oct - Fri 8 Oct 2010

Back to top

 

Course fees

Fees for 2010-2011:  £9,920 per annum for all students (EU and Overseas)

Course fees are inclusive of tuition and use of study resources and multi-media facilities at the University for:

Back to top

 

Application

 We will be accepting applications for the International Foundation Programme 2010/11 from January 2010.

Applications should be made on a Language Centre International Foundation Programme application form only.

Forms can be downloaded using the link below:

Application Form 2010/2011 (Word Document 104 KB)

All enquiries and forms should be emailed to ifp-applications@bristol.ac.uk

Back to top

Please note that completion of this Certificate does NOT guarantee entry on to a degree programme at the University of Bristol. Should your application to Bristol be unsuccessful, we will do all that we can to assist you in securing a place at another UK university.

Accommodation

The majority of students live in university residences. University accommodation is guaranteed to all new students who come from outside the Bristol area as long as they apply before the closing date (tbc). Further information about the various types of accommodation available will be given to successful applicants.

Sports facilities

Students attending the International Foundation Programme courses are entitled to buy a University sports pass, which gives access to the university sports facilities.  For further information please visit the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health web site.

 

Bristol and its surrounding area

Bristol, the regional capital of the South West of England, is often described as one of England's most attractive large cities. Both culturally and commercially, it is a lively place in which to live. The University is situated in the heart of Clifton, the pleasant shopping and residential area close to the city centre, and its students therefore feel part of the life of the city. Libraries, museums, art galleries, theatres and cinemas are all close by.

Bristol is about 1½ hours by rail from London, and with its motorway links to various parts of the country, its port and international airport, is a growing centre for industry (particularly microelectronics) and commerce.

It is also an historic city, with many old buildings and churches dating from medieval times. It was from Bristol that John Cabot and his son sailed in 1497 to become the first Europeans to sail across the North Atlantic to reach Newfoundland. In the 19th century, the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge which spans the Avon Gorge in Bristol. He was also chief engineer for the Great Western Railway connecting Bristol and London and designed the famous SS Great Britain. The SS Great Britain was the first ocean going propeller-driven iron ship in the world and can be visited in the city's historic harbour, alongside a replica of John Cabot's ship, the Matthew.

The city of Bath is only 12 miles away, with its beautiful Georgian terraces and Roman Baths. Regular bus and train services from Bristol make it a popular place to visit. The Severn Bridge leads across the Severn Estuary into Wales, and there is also easy access to the beautiful countryside of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, Dorset and the South coast.

Back to top