International Foundation Pathway in Humanities, Law, Business, Management, Accounting and Economics – (Prep.)

Contents

Programme structure
The September start programme is taught over three terms, with review and assessment taking place in the middle and final weeks of the programme.

The January start programme covers the same material but is more intensive and is taught over two terms. It is therefore a demanding programme suitable for exceptionally qualified students.

Academic content
There are two pathways available:
Humanities, Law, Business, Management, Accounting and Economics
Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computing.

Around two-thirds of the programme is devoted to academic modules specific to your chosen pathway.

Assured university place
Students who successfully complete the International Foundation programme are guaranteed a place at The University of Manchester, subject to meeting specified grades for appropriate degrees.

You will also be guaranteed a university place in your chosen field of study at one of NCUK’s owner universities, or you can apply to any university in the UK which recognises the qualification.

Outstanding choice of undergraduate degree subjects
The University of Manchester offers an unparalleled range of undergraduate study options, including degrees in areas such as accounting and finance, business studies, computer science, economics, electronic and electrical engineering, informatics, law, management, materials science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering, politics, sociology and textile technology. The International Foundation programme prepares you for direct entry to the first year in a wide range of subjects in the University’s two largest faculties.

Regular university contact
As well as access to library and sporting facilities, admissions staff from the schools to which you are applying will be in regular contact to ensure you feel part of the University. There will also be opportunities to undertake visits to the University for activities such as departmental tours and open days where you will be able to meet current students.

A typical International Foundation programme week
A typical week will comprise up to 25 hours of timetabled lessons, including lectures, directed self-study and enquiry-based group work. Lessons may take the form of classes, workshops and tutorials, or in science courses, practical laboratory sessions and field trips.

* You will have many opportunities to discuss any points raised in lectures and seminars with your tutors.
* In the laboratory, you will carry out experiments relating to lectures, supervised by tutors and demonstrators who will ensure the safe execution of the experiments and discuss the theory behind them.
* You will be able to work in the well-equipped learning centre at Bridgewater House, and use the large network of computer terminals for research, including online access to libraries and the web.

Teaching and learning styles
Throughout the International Foundation programme, all the academic subject modules will be taught using a lecture and tutorial process that mirrors the style of teaching that you will encounter in university courses.

Assessment and support
Progress is monitored by continuous assessment of coursework and by the use of class tests. The final grade for each unit is based on a mixture of coursework and end-of-course examinations. Successful students will achieve grades A*, A, B, C or D for each of the four units.

Basic information will be delivered in lectures, while students’ understanding of the subject and their ability to utilise the information will be supported by tutorial work and by extensive e-learning provision – which will also enhance the presentational style of lectures.

Assessment will be by:

* coursework (prepared assignments, unit tests, experimental reports, computer use)
* mid-course and end-of-course examinations.

Assured progression for students
All international students attending an INTO pre-university course are assured of progression to year one of a UK degree course, subject to meeting specified grades based on:

* satisfactory completion of course work
* performance criteria in examinations
* an appropriate English language IELTS/TOEFL level determined by performance on the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) examination.

Students preparing to enter The University of Manchester are guaranteed places subject to meeting the performance criteria.

Course dates

Mon 13 Sep 2010 to Fri 24 Jun 2011 (3 term)
Wed 05 Jan 2011 to Fri 24 Jun 2011 (2 term intensive)
Wed 29 Jun 2011 to Fri 22 Jun 2012 (4 term)
Mon 12 Sep 2011 to Fri 22 Jun 2012 (3 term)
Wed 04 Jan 2012 to Fri 22 Jun 2012 (2 term)

Programme length

June start: One calendar year (four terms or approx twelve months)
September start: One academic year (three terms or approx. nine months).
January start: intensive programme lasting two full terms.

Class hours

Up to 25 hours per week