M30 InternationalFoundProg.indd - Staffordshire University

International Foundation
Programme
• want to do a UK undergraduate degree
course but need the equivalent of
British A levels?
• want to improve your English language
ability and academic skills?
• already have IELTS 4.5 or equivalent,
but need to get IELTS 6?
• then the International Foundation
Programme is the ideal course for you.
The International Foundation Programme (IFP) has
two main aims. The first is to help you to improve
your English so that you can cope with study at an
English-speaking university. The second is to give
you the academic skills that you need to study
successfully at university.
For programme information, please contact:
Tracy Walker
e: internationalstudentcentre@staffs.ac.uk
t: +44 (0)1782 294936

International Foundation
Programme
What will I do on the Programme?
The IFP has six courses - we call them ‘modules’ during the
academic year. They are:
• IFP General English – the main purpose of this module is to
help you improve your listening, speaking, reading and
writing in English.
• IFP Maths and IT Skills – as the title says, this module
concentrates on improving your Maths and IT skills.
• IFP Communication Skills – this module looks at ways to
communicate with other people in an effective way. It also
focuses on your learning skills to help you get the most out
of your studies.
• IFP Integrated Project – in this module, you will practise your
research and writing skills.
• IFP Business English – this module gives you more
opportunity to practise your business English. If you
intend to study a Business degree, it will give you a good
introduction to the ideas and language of business. And
even if you aren’t going to study business, you will also find
the language useful in your future career.
• IFP Academic English – this module gives you an
introduction to the academic environment at an Englishspeaking
university. It helps you to build your academic
listening and speaking skills. It also provides practical advice
about using the tutorial system. Finally, it helps you to
develop academic and life skills, which you’ll need to study
and work confidently, successfully and happily.
How do we look after you?
The University has lots of ways of supporting its students. For
example, you will have a Personal Tutor who gets to know you
and can help you with any questions or problems you have.
You can always ask your Module Tutors for advice - these are
the people who actually teach your modules. If you have any
queries about your programme as a whole, then the person
to see is the Award Tutor. The Students’ Union can also give
your advice on all sorts of things. It organises social events as
well and supports a wide range of clubs. And we also offer a
very useful Careers Service which can advise you about career
choices. We also have good facilities at the University - a
well-stocked library, lots of PCs, Internet access and a wellequipped
sports centre.
We’ve also planned activities to introduce you to your fellow
students, your tutors and the University. And during the year,
we’ll be organising a programme of visits to interesting and
exciting places, both near the University and further away.
What can I do after I finish the IFP?
When you pass the IFP, your English will be at least IELTS 6
equivalent. What is more, you are guaranteed a place on a
range of our degree courses, too. The IFP also provides a
route to similar courses at other universities – but we think
you’ll want to stay at Staffordshire University when you find out
how professional and friendly we are. We certainly hope that
you decide to stay with us.
Entry requirements
• you have at least IELTS 4.5 or equivalent
• you can show that you have reached the equivalent of
British AS Levels
• you are (normally) at least 18 years old.
How to apply
If you are applying through a Staffordshire University Partner
Institution or Agent:
Send a completed Application form, (available from your
institution or agent) with copies of academic certificates,
transcripts, references and proof of English language ability, to
this address:
International Office
Staffordshire University
College Road
Stoke on Trent
ST4 2DE
United Kingdom
In addition to all this, international students have a special
department just for them – the International Student Centre.
Your success and well-being is very important to us in the
International Student Centre. We pride ourselves on being
friendly and approachable. If you need extra help with any
aspect of your studies, just come along and visit us. We can
help you with all sorts of things, ranging from extending visas
to writing your essay or report. We can also put you in touch
with a Student Mentor. A Student Mentor is a student who’s
been at the University for a while and can tell you important
things about student life here from the student’s point of view.
M30 CBS 0507