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Foundation Centre
WITH A GOOD FOUNDATION YOU CAN DO ANYTHING Foundation Centre Guide
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Durham University Foundation Centre Helping International students access UK Higher Education
• Preparation for study in UK Higher Education • Academic English language support • Direct entry to Durham University degreesi • Assistance in applying to UK degree programmesii • Full University membership and student status • Taught at Durham University, by Durham University
i For students eligible for the Direct Progression programmes ii For students taking the International Foundation Year Programme
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Durham University is unique Established in 1832, Durham University is the third oldest University in England and one of the world's leading centres of scholarship and learning. We have an excellent international research reputation and an impressive 78% of our research is classed as world leading. Our degree and postgraduate students are supervised by some of the most respected academics and researchers in their field and we pride ourselves on our research-led teaching. The University is located in Durham, one of England's great historic cities, and at Queen's Campus, a vibrant and modern waterfront campus in Stockton-on-Tees. Both sites offer a range of modern and traditional educational facilities including high specification computer resources, laboratories and lecture rooms. Our college system, formed by communities of undergraduates, postgraduates and staff provides students a home away from home. The colleges are there to support your educational and personal development, offering sports, arts and social facilities. We have a very strong reputation for providing a well-rounded education, matching academic excellence with personal development. Durham is consistently ranked in the top 10 best Universities in the UK by the Times Higher Education Ranking.
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Introduction to our Foundation centre The Foundation Centre is one of Durham University’s specialist teaching departments. We specialise in helping Home (UK and EU) and International students access UK Higher Education, preparing students for degree level study at Durham University. Our programmes are specially tailored to meet each student’s choice of degree and background and include a mixture of common ‘core’ subjects and discipline specific subjects. Our teachers are all specialists in their discipline as well as experienced educators. Students come to the Centre from all over the world, as well as the UK. We all learn and study together, creating a wonderful community of diverse backgrounds and experiences, hopes and aspirations. We strongly believe that higher education is about developing as a person, as well as developing professionally. That’s why we encourage our students to mix socially, incorporating social and cultural events into our academic programmes. We believe that preparing for study in Higher Education is about developing the skills you need for higher level and independent learning, acquiring the building blocks of knowledge needed to underpin your chosen studies, and understanding and feeling a part of the culture of research-led academic inquiry.
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Programmes of study
Programme content
Direct progression programmes
Regardless of whether you study on a Direct Progression programme, or the International Foundation Year, your programme will contain a number of core and discipline specific subjects which are dependent on your chosen progression subject.
Our Direct Progression programmes provide you with a year of tailor made academic preparation with the Foundation Centre, before you progress to your chosen Durham University academic department to complete your degree course. Direct Progression programmes are open to UK and international students and are fully integrated with Durham University degree programmes. Progression to your degree course requires the successful completion of your Foundation year. Your programme begins in early October and lasts through to the end of June. English Language classes are provided according to your current level of English Language ability and are primarily for English Language students. All discipline subjects are taught in mixed groups of UK, EU and international students. Full details of costs can be found on our website www.durham.ac.uk/foundation.centre
Core subjects, such as English, Study Skills and Critical Thinking, are designed to develop higher level learning skills and to familiarise you with studying and assessment at degree level. Discipline specific subjects such as Mathematics, History and Business help lay a foundation
Your programme begins in early October and lasts through to the end of June. English Language classes are provided according to your current level of English Language ability and are primarily for English Language students. All discipline subjects are taught in mixed groups of UK, EU and international students. Full details of costs can be found on our website www.durham.ac.uk/foundation.centre
additional cultural activities including visits to local attractions and historic sites.
The International Foundation Year offers more extensive English Language and Study Skills provision. You will also have the opportunity to take part in a range of
The following table outlines some examples of the core and discipline specific subjects delivered across the Foundation Centre:
Example Core Subjects
Example Discipline Subjects
English Language Preparation for study in Higher Education Statistical Analysis Information Technology
Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry English Literature History Mathematics Physics Psychology Sociology
International Foundation Year The International Foundation Year provides a specially designed course, with extra English language and study skills support, for international students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to UK higher education. Students on the International Foundation Year will study alongside those students on the Direct Progression programmes offered by the Foundation Centre for progression on to Durham University undergraduate programmes. Dedicated support will also be given to assist those students on the International Foundation Year to complete strong UCAS applications for entry to UK universities including Durham University.
of knowledge that you will build upon as you progress to your chosen degree programmes.
“The International Foundation Year offers more extensive English Language and Study Skills provision.”
By the end of your Foundation programme you should be familiar and confident with a wide range of academic learning and assessment methods, including: exams, essays, projects and presentations. You will have received help in how to cope with different types of assessment and strategies for success in academic assessment as part of the core subjects that every student studies. It is our goal to ensure that you leave the Foundation Centre with the skills and knowledge to succeed in your chosen degree.
Teaching and support We pride ourselves on the high levels of support and guidance we offer to our students. Our students come to us from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. Our teaching methods are relaxed and interactive. We want to help you realise the skills and personal qualities you already possess and apply these in developing the academic skills and
knowledge you will need as you progress through your studies. We keep our class sizes small and we offer extensive opportunities for staff-student contact. We supplement many of our teaching modules with drop-in support sessions. We recognise that academic challenges are not the only challenges that international learners can face when
entering higher education and studying for a degree at Durham University and elsewhere in UK Higher Education. We work closely with Durham’s college system to provide you with personal support, helping you to find solutions to problems such as finance, disability and housing. We always do our best to offer the support you need to be successful at university.
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What I can study?
Living and learning at Durham University
We provide academic preparation for almost all Durham University degree courses via our Direct Progression programmes.
We want you to have a great life, as well as a great education. While you are with us, Durham University and the North East of England will be your home as well as where you study.
Alternatively, the International Foundation Year offers a more general preparation for UK Higher Education for those wishing to study elsewhere, or who are unsure which subject they wish to pursue, as well as more focused options for those who do. Here are some of our most popular subjects: • Business BA (Hons) • Biology BSc (Hons) • Economics BA (Hons) • Geology Bsc (Hons) • General Engineering BEng (Hons) • Law LLB (Hons)
To help you feel at home, the University has 16 Colleges in addition to its academic departments, which provide a home away from home with dedicated support structures and social facilities for its students. Each college is there to support its students and has a different character, allowing you to find like-minded people to live and learn amongst. You'll find both the Durham and Stockton sites well suited to studying, socialising, and all kinds of sports and other activities. Take part in sport at whichever level is comfortable for you - beginners, advanced or elite. Both sites are also close to cinemas, shopping centres, restaurants and all sorts of other social and leisure facilities, as well as some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. We are also only a 2½ hour train ride from London.
• Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) • Geography BA (Hons) or BSC (Hons) • Physics BSc (Hons) • Politics BA (Hons) And many, many more…. A full subject list can be found on our website www.durham.ac.uk/foundation.centre
At present Durham University has over 130 student-run societies and clubs which you can be part of. During orientation week Durham Student Union will be promoting the various societies and recruiting new members. If you can’t find what you’re looking for then why not start your own Durham University society? We have all the facilities to ensure your life at Durham will be as varied and rewarding as you want to make it.
“You'll find both the Durham and Stockton sites well suited to studying, socialising, and all kinds of sports and other activities. Take part in sport at whichever level is comfortable for you - beginners, advanced or elite.”
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Entry requirements Entry to the Direct Progression programmes
Entry to the International Foundation Year
The Direct Progression programmes are open to UK, EU and International students.
The International Foundation Year is open primarily to International students, although UK and EU students can apply under special circumstances.
If English is a second language for you, you will be required to obtain an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or greater (with no element less than 5.5). If your IELTS score is between 5.0 and 6.0 (with no element less than 5.0) you may be considered for this programme if you successfully complete an additional 12 week pre-sessional English course, delivered by Durham University’s English Language Centre. Pre-sessional English courses run from July-September. More information about the pre-sessional English course is available on page 12. Evidence of previous learning is required and we will ask to see a copy of your High School Record, or other academic qualifications you hold. Normally, applicants with A level qualifications are not eligible. However, if you are studying, or have completed A levels in subjects inappropriate for direct entry to your chosen degree subject, or completed your A level (or equivalent) studies over 3 years prior to application, you are eligible to apply. Application is made via the Universities and Colleges Application System (UCAS) www.ucas.ac.uk although we strongly advise you to contact us first to discuss the suitability of your application foundation.centre@durham.ac.uk You will require a VISA to study in the UK. We can help you with this.
If English is a second language for you, you will be required to obtain an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 or greater. If your IELTS is between 4.5 and 5.5 (with no element less than 4.5) you may be considered for this programme if you successfully complete an additional 12 week pre-sessional English course, delivered by Durham University’s English Language Centre. Pre-sessional English courses run from July to September. More information about the pre-sessional English course is available on page 12. Evidence of previous learning is required and we will ask to see a copy of your High School Record, or other academic qualifications you hold. Normally, applicants with A level qualifications are not eligible. However, if you are studying, or have completed A levels in subjects inappropriate for direct entry to your chosen degree subject, or completed your A level (or equivalent) studies over 3 years prior to application, you are eligible to apply. Application is made either via the Universities and Colleges Application System (UCAS) www.ucas.ac.uk or by direct application to the Foundation Centre www.durham.ac.uk/foundation.centre/inter national/IFY/applicationform. We strongly advise you to contact us first to discuss the suitability of your application at ify@durham.ac.uk You will require a VISA to study in the UK. We can help you with this.
“If English is a second language for you, you will require an International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and evidence of previous learning, such as a high school certificate.”
English Language Centre, Foundation pre-sessional The English Language Centre is another of Durham University’s specialist teaching departments. They offer International students a range of English Language courses for academic and conversational English for undergraduate and post graduate students. Together, the Foundation Centre and the English Language Centre have developed a special English Language course for Foundation level students. The course is 12 weeks long and runs from July to September.
This course is suitable for you if you are applying for a Direct Progression programme and have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score between 5.0 and 6.0, or if you are applying for the International Foundation Year course and have an IELTS score between 4.5 and 5.5.
You will need to apply for an Integrated Visa if you are going to join us on the English Language Centre, Foundation presessional. We can help you with this. Further details, including costs, can be found at www.durham.ac.uk/language.centre
Maps
A quick guide to Foundation Centre programmes
Regional Map
Durham University’s Foundation Centre offers specially tailored multidisciplinary study programmes that provide academic preparation for students who do not satisfy the standard entry requirements for degree level study.
Programmes
Direct progression programmes
International Foundation Year
Available for…
UK, EU and International students
International students
Period of study
4 or more years, depending on your chosen subject
1 year
Direct progression to Durham University Degrees
Yes
No
Help when applying to UK universities
n/a
Yes (including Durham University)
Minimum IELTS score for non-native English Speakers
6.0 (5.0 with 12 week pre-sessional English course)
5.5 (4.5 with 12 week pre-sessional English course)
Required entry qualifications
Evidence of academic qualifications is required
Evidence of academic qualifications is required
Suitable for A level (or equivalent) applicants
Normally, applicants with A level qualifications are not eligible. However, students who are studying, or have completed A levels in subjects inappropriate for direct entry to their chosen degree subject, or completed their A level (or equivalent) studies over 3 years prior to application, are eligible to apply.
“We have an excellent international research reputation and an impressive 78% of our research is classed as world leading and our degree and postgraduate students are supervised by some of the most respected academics and researchers in their field.”
Contact Information Website: www.durham.ac.uk/foundation.centre Email: foundation.centre@durham.ac.uk Telephone: +44 (0)191 3340172
UK Map
Foundation Centre
Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate at the time of going to press in January 2010. However, changes may occur and Durham University reserves the right to amend or change any information contained in this prospectus at any time. Copyright Š Durham University 2010 Durham University and the Durham University Logo are registered trade marks of the University of Durham trading as Durham University. All rights reserved. Ž Produced by the Foundation Centre, Durham University with hpmgroup.