Course Structure

The University Foundation Programme is offered as a 9 month programme and consists of 24 hours of study per week.  All students study English skills classes for 15 hours per week. In addition to this, students will take 9 hours of academic classes focussing on the skills that they will need for university study. The UFP is made up of 3 levels and each level of the course takes 3 months to complete. 

Sample Timetable

Level 1 - This level serves as an introduction to academic study.  Students will focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking with an additional focus on grammar and vocabulary building.
Some areas covered at Level 1 include:
•    skills and strategies needed to understand academic lectures
•    an introduction to a variety of reading resources
•    skimming and scanning
•    note-taking
•    academic vocabulary building
•    an introduction to academic writing (paragraphs and essays)
•    presentation skills
•    seminar skills

Level 2 - This level is a continuation of UFP Level 1. Students will develop the skills learnt at Level 1 and will be introduced to and acquire further academic skills.

Some areas covered at Level 2 include:

•    writing research, argumentative and explanation essays
•    interpretation of graphs and diagrams
•    understanding essay/exam questions and answering appropriately
•    critical thinking
•    recognising strong, sound or poor arguments
•    paraphrasing
•    referencing

Level 3 - This level combines the skills and strategies learnt at Levels 1 and 2.  Independent learning is encouraged at this level in order for students to make the transition to university.  At Level 3, students are expected to demonstrate what they have learnt whilst continuing to perfect their academic skills and strategies. 

Some areas covered at Level 3 include:

•    conducting research
•    writing research essays and reports
•    study skills and exam preparation skills
•    lectures
•    UK university culture

Students will also be given the opportunity to visit a number of UK university campuses.

Teachers will regularly talk to every student about their progress.  Homework is an important part of the course and students will be expected to complete all homework given by the deadlines that they are informed of.  Students are provided with formal course reports at the end of each level of the course.


Course Assessment/Attendance

In order to pass each level of UFP, students must obtain a minimum grade of 70%.  Students are assessed formally by completion of assignments and examinations every month.  Attendance and participation in both skills and academic classes is compulsory and essential for academic success.  Students must pass academically and in terms of their attendance/participation in order to successfully pass each level. 

Students will achieve the following classifications depending upon their accumulated marks at the end of the course: