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International Foundation

International Foundation

The International Foundation Programme is a one-year course that prepares you for university. It is an alternative route into Higher Education for international students, rather than the two-year A-level programme. 

The College offers a range of subjects on the International Foundation Programme.  You will need to choose two option subjects that enable you to specialise for the course you want to do at university and your future career.  We will help you decide which are the two best choices for your university course. 

Option subjects offered:

  • Business Studies
  • Computing
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Law

You will also study four core subjects

  • English as a Foreign Language
  • Mathematics
  • Study Skills
  • Information Technology

All together, the course provides you with the knowledge and skills, which will help you to be a successful university student.

Entry requirements

To join the course, you need a minimum of 5.0 IELTS (TOEFL 500) or equivalent, and you must be aged 17 or over on the 1st September of the academic year you wish to start the course.

If you wish to study Psychology, Law or Sociology, you need a minimum of 6.0  Academic IELTS (TOEFL 550) or equivalent.  This is because these subjects demand a higher level of English in order to cope with the research and critical analysis involved. 

Assessment methods

Your course is accredited by the Open College Network (OCNEMR).  Unlike the    A- level programme, there are no formal examinations.  Instead, you are assessed continuously throughout the course in all of your subjects.  We use a variety of assessment methods, testing all of your skills and knowledge, which include, written assignments, oral presentations, groupwork, listening tasks, surveys, discussions and debates.

At the end of the course, you will produce a portfolio of the work you have completed throughout the year to be examined by OCNEMR to ensure it is of the appropriate standard for university entrance.

All work you undertake will be marked using a credit rating system, which will be graded at either level 2 or level 3, with level 3 being the required standard for most pieces of work. Your two option subject assignments are graded as pass, merit or distinction.

 

IELTS

As part of your course, you will attend classes to develop your English language ability. As well as your assignments, we will also prepare you for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. This examination is very important, as it is the English Language qualification most recognised by UK universities and you will need it for entry onto university courses.


At Boston College, we strive to meet the highest standards of teaching and learning. Our English as a Foreign Language (EFL) provision has been accredited by the British Council. This means that our EFL teaching, facilities and resources have been fully inspected and approved.

 

Tutorial Support

At Boston College we are very fortunate to have a team of committed and experienced tutors. They are aware of the particular needs of international students who, in most cases, are living and studying away from home for the first time. You will meet as part of a group with your personal tutor each week and there are opportunities for individual meetings.

Your personal tutor is very important for monitoring your progress on the course and helping you apply to university through the on-line UCAS system. Also, if you have any personal problems, your tutor can put you in touch with those people in Student Services who can help you.

In 2007 the quality of support and service Boston College offers international students was recognised when it received a national Beacon Award from the Association of Colleges for its Welfare and Support of international students.

 

Progression to Top Universities

International Foundation students have progressed to many different UK universities, including: Royal Holloway, Nottingham, Westminster, Loughborough, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Cardiff, Keele, Hull and Edinburgh.

What our students say about us

"I have learned many useful things while studying the International Foundation Programme at Boston College. I found a suitable course here which means I can gain the skills and experience I need when I am at university. On the whole I am very happy with everything at Boston College. If I did it all over again, Boston College would still be my first choice."   Kevin (Kai Wen) Chen, China  

"At Boston College I have had many advantages studying the International Foundation Programme simply because the college is well recommended in the international world. The lecturers are friendly and helpful and this being the case, choosing the course will never be a regret."  Bakary Sawo, Gambia  

Page Last Updated : 17/11/2009 14:02:01

The Computing department enjoys high success rates across the curriculum, with all results above National averages, including 100% achievement rate for Level 1 courses and for all Higher Education courses.  Outstanding achievement rates in Computing at Boston College include the results at Level 3 of 96%.  In addition, a large proportion of Level 3 students progress to Higher Education, with most of these staying at Boston College.

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