Wednesday, September 1, 2010

INTO Scotland INTO Foundation Programme

 Equivalent to a first-year Scottish degree programme, the Foundation programme offers students guaranteed entry to the second year of an ordinary or honours degree at Glasgow Caledonian University, subject to achieving the specified academic English language grades.

What is a Foundation programme?
The programme combines academic study, intensive English language preparation, study skills and cultural orientation, covering all you will need to study successfully in your chosen undergraduate course.

Why choose a Foundation programme in Scotland?
The Foundation programme is the equivalent of the first year of a Scottish undergraduate degree programme, and ensures students meet the English language and academic entry requirements for second-year entry to university. The Foundation programme also enables you to change your specialist subject after a false start elsewhere.

In Scotland, INTO academic preparation programmes count directly towards your degree, meaning it is possible to graduate with an ordinary degree after just two further years of study following a Foundation, or one year following a Diploma – a great opportunity to get a head start in your career.

What are the benefits of a Foundation programme?

    Equivalent to a first-year Scottish undergraduate degree programme.
    Direct entry to the second year of undergraduate study.
    Full university status for all students.
    The programme is quality-assured by the University.
    Study on campus.
    World-class facilities.
    Successful completion guarantees an offer of a place on an undergraduate degree at Glasgow Caledonian University, subject to meeting the specified grades.
    Unrivalled levels of personal care and support.

Is the Foundation programme validated or recognised?
Successful completion leads to the award of the Glasgow Caledonian University Undergraduate Certificate in Foundation Studies.

As the programme is valid within the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework, it can be used to apply for second-year entry to comparable degrees at other institutions in Scotland. You will also be eligible to apply for first-year entry to INTO partner universities across the UK.
Key features

Programme structure
The September and January programmes are taught over three terms (one academic year). There is also a two-term April fast track option.

Academic content
Around two-thirds of the programme is devoted to academic modules from your own subject areas, supported by tuition in English language, academic English, and general study skills including Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Academic English
Academic English is at the core of the programme and covers reading, writing, listening and speaking. You will be internally assessed but also have the option of taking the IELTS test.

Study skills
An essential preparation for university life, this part of the course helps you to work in groups, present ideas, manage your time, conduct research, make lecture notes, organise the content of essays and understand how to evaluate your own work.

A typical Foundation programme week
An average week will include up to 24 hours of timetabled lessons and directed study work. As with University, lessons take the form of lectures, workshops and tutorials – or in science courses, practical laboratory sessions and field trips – and students will also be expected to work alone outside of class time.

All academic subjects modules are taught in lectures and tutorials that mirror the teaching style of university programmes. Core course information will be delivered in lectures, while you deepen your knowledge and powers of critical reasoning through tutorial and e-learning work. You will also have plenty of opportunity to discuss points raised in lectures and seminars with your tutors.

Academic support
You will receive professional advice on personal and academic issues, including guidance on your study and career plans.

Extensive choice of undergraduate degrees
You can choose from Foundation pathways leading to degrees at Caledonian Business School, and the schools of Life Sciences, Engineering and Computing, Health, and the Built and Natural Environment.

Assured university progression
Assured progression to the second year of a degree programme at Glasgow Caledonian University depends upon a) successfully completing the Foundation programme at the levels specified by the University, and b) attaining a proficiency in English equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or above.

Assessment
Progress is checked by continuous assessment of coursework and class tests. The final grade for each module is based on a mixture of coursework and end-of-course examinations. Successful students will receive grades (see the final grades table on page?) for each of their modules.

Assessment is both formal and informal, and designed to help you improve your abilities in preparation for university success. Marks from the Foundation programme do not count towards a final degree, but do help the University assess your abilities with regards to entering your chosen field of study.

You will be assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework, which may include essays, reports, creative writing, practical and laboratory activities, group and individual research projects, portfolios, bibliographical searches, oral and video presentations, subject quizzes, class tests and problem solving exercises.

No comments:

Post a Comment