Foundation Programmes 2012 - The University of Kent, Canterbury

The UK’s European university

FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES 2012 Canterbury

Undergraduate study

CONTENTS Which programme is right for me?

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Why choose Kent?

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Introduction

5

What can I study?

Am I eligible for a foundation year?

Tuition fees

International Foundation Programme (IFP)

6

Honours degree programmes with a foundation year

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Biosciences Electronic and Communications Engineering/Computer Systems Engineering Forensic Science Mathematics Physics

How to apply

15

Life at Kent

16

DID YOU KNOW? The University of Kent is regularly rated as one of the best universities in the UK for student satisfaction in the annual National Student Survey.

www.kent.ac.uk

WHICH PROGRAMME IS RIGHT FOR ME? What is it?

Who is it for?

Why should I study it?

Am I eligible?

How do I apply?

What does it lead to?

International Foundation Programme (IFP)

Foundation year

A year of academic study, with English language support (p6).

A year of academic study prior to a particular undergraduate degree (p9).

International students who need to improve their qualifications, skills or English language before taking an undergraduate degree (p6).

Students with acceptable English language ability but with school leaving qualifications below the acceptable level required (p5).

To gain entry to a range of undergraduate degrees in the Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences (p6).

To prepare you for the undergraduate degree of your choice (p9).

You are eligible if secondary education in your country does not reach a high enough level for direct entry onto UK degrees or if you have acceptable academic qualifications but do not yet have a high enough standard of English (p8).

You are eligible if you have a minimum of two passes at A level, or another recognised postGCSE qualification, but not in the subject area needed for your chosen degree, or you did not obtain grades high enough for your chosen degree (p9).

Online, through UCAS, or through an overseas representative (p8).

Online or through UCAS (p15).

A wide range of degree courses (p7).

A Kent degree chosen at the point of application (p9).

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University of Kent / Foundation Programmes 2012

WHY CHOOSE KENT?

• Kent is one of the top 30 universities in the UK according to the The Guardian University Guide 2012 • All foundation year courses are taught on the Canterbury campus • Passing the foundation year at the appropriate level guarantees progression to the degree on which your offer is based • Our International Foundation Programme is designed specifically for international students and leads to entry on a range of undergraduate honours degrees • You benefit from high-quality teaching from expert staff

• Our library and computing facilities are outstanding • You will have access to all of Kent’s extensive study support, welfare, sports and leisure facilities • A scenic campus situated close to London and continental Europe • Students from 125 nationalities study at Kent • On-campus accommodation is offered to all new foundation year students who meet the necessary deadlines • A welcoming and safe environment • Excellent pastoral care

Kent calendar Welcome Week 17 September 2012 – 23 September 2012

Autumn term 24 September 2012 – 14 December 2012

Spring term 14 January 2013 – 5 April 2013

Summer term 6 May 2013 – 14 June 2013

www.kent.ac.uk

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INTRODUCTION

If your education or your experience so far has not given you the qualifications, study skills or ability in English language that you need to take the degree of your choice, you can apply for one of our degree programmes that includes a foundation year.

International Foundation Programme (IFP) This programme, designed especially for international students, includes additional English language support and provides entry to the wide range of subjects in our Faculties of Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences (see p6).

How do I know if I’m eligible?

You are eligible to apply for IFP if: • you are from a country where secondary education does not reach the level needed for direct entry to UK undergraduate degrees or • you have reached an academic standard acceptable for first-year entry to a degree programme, but do not have a high enough standard of English language to cope with the demands of a degree programme.

Subject-specific degrees with a foundation year Subject-specific degrees with a foundation year are open to candidates with acceptable English language qualifications, but with either A level equivalent qualifications below the grades required for first-year entry to a degree or national school leaving qualifications which are at a level below A level. The degrees offered are in: • Biosciences • Computer Systems Engineering • Electronic and Communications Engineering • Forensic Science • Mathematics • Physics.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

You are eligible to apply for any of the subject-specific degrees with a foundation year in this leaflet if you

have a minimum of two passes at A level, or another recognised postGCSE qualification, but: • not in the subject areas needed for your chosen degree or • you did not obtain grades high enough for your chosen degree.

If you are not sure whether you are eligible to apply, contact the Recruitment and Admissions Office at the address on p15.

Tuition fees The full-time tuition fees for your foundation year are: • UK or European Union (2012/13) £6,000 • Overseas (non-EU) (2011/12) £10,000 For further information on costs, please see www.kent.ac.uk/ studying/funding

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University of Kent / Foundation Programmes 2012

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME If you need to extend your existing academic qualifications, study skills or ability in English for direct entry to university, you can apply for the one-year International Foundation Programme at the University of Kent.

We also offer you a place in our purpose-built student accommodation.

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) has been specifically designed to prepare international students for academic study on a wide range of our undergraduate degree programmes in the humanities, social sciences and sciences including pathways to Architecture, Business, Computing, Economics, Engineering, Law and Psychology.

Why choose the IFP at Kent?

The IFP at the University of Kent was one of the first international foundation programmes to be offered by a British university and has been in existence for over 20 years. The IFP is delivered at the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus.

Students on the IFP are full members of the University with access to all our leisure, support and study facilities on campus.

“The International Foundation Programme gave me an excellent opportunity to experience British life and prepared me for my next academic year.”

Hao U Wong

On successful completion of the IFP (and through meeting the University’s rules of progression), you are guaranteed entry on to a full undergraduate degree at the University of Kent.

As a student on the IFP at Kent, you benefit from: • an internationally recognised course with high-quality teaching in all areas • a flexible qualification providing entry to a range of degrees at Kent and other universities • courses taught on the Canterbury campus, situated close to London and continental Europe • a welcoming and safe international campus environment with on-campus accommodation offered to all new IFP students • access to Kent’s extensive study support, welfare, computing, sports and leisure facilities and a wide choice of clubs and societies • a specially designed Personal Development Planning Programme to help you manage your learning, succeed academically, think about work experience and plan your career

• a structured programme of personal and academic support, including a Personal Tutor who can advise you on your academic decisions throughout the year • an active social programme to help you become familiar with the University and the local environment, including a special Welcome Week in September with a ‘meet and greet’ at the airport, a welcome dinner, afternoon tea and trips to local attractions • an opportunity to gain experience of your chosen undergraduate degree programme by attending additional skills-based sessions • the opportunity to study languages other than English through our Language Express programme.

What do I study?

The IFP is a modular course over three terms, starting in September.

From January 2012, there will also be a January entry point for students wishing to qualify to join business-related degrees. Full details can be found on the CEWL website at www.kent.ac.uk/cewl All students take one module in Skills and Academic English and either take a module in English for Academic Study or complete a Project. The Skills and Academic English classes differ from ‘English language’ classes as you will be working to develop skills to fully

www.kent.ac.uk

enjoy your academic experience in the UK. These include, for example, developing your sense of responsibility in seminar/group work and as an independent student, improving your skills in time management, project management and individual responsibility towards learning, and developing your analytical and critical skills.

Students then choose three other modules, from the list below, depending on their chosen pathway.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1

Biosciences1 Business Management Computing Design Economics Electronic and Communications Engineering History Law Literature Maths and Quantitative Methods Politics Philosophy Psychology Sociology subject to approval.

After completing the IFP, you can progress on to one of the programmes in Computing, Electronics, Humanities or Social Sciences, listed below.

Computing UCAS code G408 • Computer Science • Computing

• Information Technology • Web Computing

Electronics UCAS code H609 • • • •

Computer Systems Engineering Digital Arts Drama and Multimedia Electronic and Communications Engineering • Electronic and Computer Systems • Multimedia Technology and Design

Humanities

Social Sciences UCAS code L590 • • • • • • • • • • • • •

UCAS code Q308 • American Studies • Architecture • Classical & Archaeological Studies • Comparative Literature • Computing and the Humanities2 • Cultural Studies • Drama and Theatre Studies • English, American and Postcolonial Literature • English and American Literature • English Language and Linguistics • European Studies3 • Film Studies • French3 • German3 • Hispanic Studies3 • History • History and Archaeological Studies • History & Philosophy of Art • Italian2,3 • Philosophy • Religious Studies • War Studies

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• • • • 2 3

Accounting & Finance Anthropology Business Administration Computing and the Social Sciences2 Conservation Criminology2 Cultural Studies Economics Environmental Studies Health and Social Care International Businesss Law Politics and International Relations Psychology, Applied Psychology and Social Psychology Social Anthropology Social Policy Sociology Joint degrees only Candidates who wish to progress to single or joint honours programmes in European Studies, French, German, Hispanic Studies or Italian (joint honours only) must have an acceptable Stage 1 entry level qualification in the intended language before they start the foundation year. Please contact the relevant academic department for further information.

Teaching and assessment Our IFP is taught by our own academics and this allows us to offer teaching of an exceptional quality. Teaching is organised in small groups and includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, IT training and independent learning.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF

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University of Kent / Foundation Programmes 2012

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME (CONT)

Assessment will be through a combination of exams and coursework.

Entry requirements To gain entry on to the IFP programme, you need the following: • A good academic school-leaving certificate with particular strengths in subjects that are relevant to your intended area of study • GCSE grade A/B/C Maths or equivalent for some degree programmes. If you do not have this level of qualification, you will need to take the IFP Maths module • 5.0 IELTS (with no less than 5.0 in each band) or equivalent.

Making an application When you apply, you must state which degree programme you want to study after your IFP. For further information on the degree programmes available at Kent, please visit: www.kent.ac.uk/ug There are three ways to apply: 1 You can apply online, using our direct online application form available at: www.kent.ac.uk/ cewl/apply.html 2 You can apply through one of our authorised overseas representatives in your own country. For more details, see www.kent.ac.uk/ internationalstudent/ representation

3 You can apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). For detailed instructions on how to apply, see www.ucas.com/students/ applying

Scholarships For more details on the scholarships available for this programme, please email: ifpinfo@kent.ac.uk

Visit Days Visit Days are for those who have already applied to Kent and give you an in-depth guide to studying your subject. You hear presentations from academic staff and have the chance to ask lots of questions. You also get lunch and a tour of the campus with one of our current students. Visit Days take place between December and April: see www.kent.ac.uk/openday for more information.

In your country Members of the University regularly visit fairs and exhibitions overseas to meet with students interested in joining our IFP. For details of our next visit to your country, see www.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent/ overseas-visits.html

Overseas representatives We have Kent overseas representatives in countries around the world. They can give you up-todate advice on the courses at Kent, the application process, your visa (if you need to apply for one) and details about living and studying in the UK. To get contact details for your local representative, see www.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent/ representation

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/cewl

Individual tours You are welcome to visit the University of Kent independently.

An individual tour with a member of staff gives you the chance to see the campus and ask questions about studying at Kent. You may also be able to meet up with an academic in a particular subject area. To book your tour in advance, go to www.kent.ac.uk/studying/ openday/informal.html

“My foundation course was the most important part of my university life because it gave me confidence and prepared me for my degree. Everyone is so helpful and supportive of international students. Just don’t be afraid to ask.”

Yonnie Lo

www.kent.ac.uk

HONOURS DEGREE PROGRAMMES WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR

These subject-specific programmes are offered as one-year full-time courses before you start Stage 1 (the first year of your degree course).

These programmes are open to all students.

Currently, the subjects which offer this programme are: • Biosciences • Computer Systems Engineering • Electronic and Communications Engineering • Forensic Science • Mathematics • Physics.

If you don’t have qualifications in the appropriate subjects for your chosen degree, if your grades aren’t high enough, if you are applying from a country where secondary education does not reach the level required for direct entry to a UK degree or if you don’t have a high enough standard of English to cope with the demands of a full degree, you should apply for this programme.

If you register for one of these courses and your first language is not English, we will assess you for language competency. You need to have an English language standard of 5.5 in IELTS (inc 5.0 reading and writing, 4.0 listening and speaking) or 70 internet-based in TOEFL (inc 16 reading, 17 writing, 13 listening, 19 speaking) or an equivalent acceptable to the University.

We encourage you to use our comprehensive English language support service, and we may ask you to take an additional English course.

“I really enjoyed my foundation year; it helped me to build my confidence and gave me a chance to get to know the University.”

Omer Killic Computer Systems Engineering

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University of Kent / Foundation Programmes 2012

BIOSCIENCES

UCAS code C101 Once you have successfully completed the foundation year in biosciences, you can then study one of the following degree courses: • Biochemistry • Biology • Biomedical Sciences.

The course The foundation course in biosciences provides you with a solid base in the subject areas of biology, chemistry and mathematics and the skills you need to move on to a biosciences honours degree programme. The course comprises lectures, workshops, practical laboratory classes and regular coursework assessments. It is carefully paced and includes rapid feedback of coursework so that you can monitor your progress throughout the year.

Fundamental Human Biology (15 credits) This module provides you with the necessary knowledge to understand the basic physiological functions of the human body.

Cell Biology and Genetics (15 credits) You focus on the functions of the different structures within our cells and how information is passed from generation to generation.

Communication Skills in Biology (15 credits)

English language requirements

You develop your skills in communication through written work, posters and group presentations.

The current minimum level of English needed for entry to this foundation year is 5.5 in IELTS (inc 5.0 reading and writing, 4.0 listening and speaking) or 70 internet-based in TOEFL (inc 16 reading, 17 writing, 13 listening, 19 speaking). If your first language is not English, we may ask you to take additional classes taught by staff who are specialists in teaching English as a foreign language.

Mathematics for Biosciences (15 credits) In this module, you develop your ability to apply basic mathematics to biological problems.

Molecules and Analysis (30 credits) This module includes topics such as titrations, spectroscopy, thermodynamics and equilibria.

Chemical Reactivity (30 credits) You are introduced to topics such as trends in reactivity, reaction rates and organic chemistry.

Further information If you have any specific questions on the biosciences foundation programme, please contact: Dr Richard Williamson School of Biosciences T: +44 (0)1227 827155 F: +44 (0)1227 763912 E: r.a.williamson@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk/bio

www.kent.ac.uk

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ELECTRONIC AND COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING/ COMPUTER SYSTEMS ENGINEERING UCAS codes H605 and H614 Once you have successfully completed the foundation year in Electronic and Communications Engineering or Computer Systems Engineering, you can then study one of the following degree courses: • Electronic and Communications Engineering • Computer Systems Engineering.

You may also have the opportunity to go on to a programme in Multimedia Technology and Design or Web Computing.

The course The foundation programmes follow a common course structure.

Computing This module provides an introduction to programming, using Matlab, including applications to mathematics and electronics.

Electronics You look at electronic circuits and systems, measuring equipment and methods, digital electronics, DC and AC circuits, and electromagnetics for engineers.

Mathematics In these modules, you study algebra, graphs, geometry, trigonometry, vectors, differential and integral calculus and differential equations.

Practical work Practical work is a particularly important part of the foundation year. Laboratory experiments, including the construction of a transistor radio, complement the work you do in your lecture courses.

Assessment is by coursework, laboratory work, tests and written examinations at the end of the year.

Entry requirements Minimum course specific entry requirements: 160 UCAS tariff

points (over 21 units), plus grade C GCSE (or equivalent) in mathematics, physics/science and English. Candidates with international qualifications would be considered on an individual basis and should include successful completion of national school leaving qualifications with good grades in mathematics and physics/science.

English language requirements The current minimum level of English needed for entry to this foundation year is 5.5 in IELTS (inc 5.0 reading and writing, 4.0 listening and speaking) or 70 internet-based in TOEFL (inc 16 reading, 17 writing, 13 listening, 19 speaking). If your first language is not English, we can offer you additional classes taught by staff who are specialists in teaching English as a foreign language.

Further information If you have any specific questions on the Electronic and Communications Engineering or the Computer Systems Engineering foundation programmes, please contact: Dr Richard Guest School of Engineering and Digital Arts T: +44 (0)1227 823612 F: +44 (0)1227 456084 E: eda-admissions@kent.ac.uk www.eda.kent.ac.uk

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University of Kent / Foundation Programmes 2012

FORENSIC SCIENCE

UCAS code F412 Once you have successfully completed the foundation year in Forensic Science, you can then study one of the following degrees, all of which are accredited by the Forensic Science Society: • Forensic Science • Forensic Science with a Year in Industry • Forensic Chemistry • Forensic Chemistry with a Year in Industry.

The course During the foundation year, you study science subjects to the standard required for degree study.

The course is taught entirely on the University’s Canterbury campus within the School of Physical Sciences and School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.

The course comprises lectures, practical laboratory classes and regular coursework assessments.

It is carefully paced and includes rapid feedback on coursework so that you can monitor your progress throughout the year.

DID YOU KNOW? Students on our Forensic Science degrees are taught not only by our lecturers, but by expert practitioners from the Home Office.

The University of Kent has run science foundation years since 1993. Since then, large numbers of students have achieved excellent honours degrees and gone on to successful scientific careers.

Molecules and Analysis (30 credits) This module includes topics such as titrations, spectroscopy, thermodynamics and equilibria, and provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to go on to the Stage 1 modules Skills for Forensic Scientists and Molecules, Matter and Energy.

Chemical Reactivity (30 credits) This module enables you to go on to the Stage 1 modules Fundamental Chemistry for Physical Scientists and Bioscientists and Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry, by introducing topics such as trends in reactivity, reaction rates and organic chemistry.

Properties of Matter (30 credits) Covering radioactivity, states of matter, properties of the elements, chromatography and an overview of forensic science, this module prepares you for the Stage 1 modules Introduction to Forensic Science, Molecules, Matter and Energy, and Skills for Forensic Scientists.

Graphs, Geometry and Trigonometry (15 credits) This module provides you with the mathematical skills for: plotting experimental data; trigonometry, which is required for understanding ballistics later in your programme of study; and vectors.

Algebra and Arithmetic (15 credits) Basic mathematical skills that are useful for understanding the precision and accuracy of experimental results and more generally forensic evidence.

English language requirements The current minimum level of English needed for entry to this foundation year is 5.5 in IELTS (inc 5.0 reading and writing, 4.0 listening and speaking) or 70 internet-based in TOEFL (inc 16 reading, 17 writing, 13 listening, 19 speaking). If your first language is not English, we may ask you to take additional classes taught by staff who are specialists in teaching English as a foreign language.

Further information If you have any specific questions on the Forensic Science foundation programme, please contact: Dr Stuart Gibson School of Physical Sciences T: +44 (0)1227 823271 F: +44 (0)1227 827558 E: s.j.gibson@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences

www.kent.ac.uk

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MATHEMATICS

UCAS code G108

Calculus

Once you have successfully completed the foundation year in Mathematics, you can then study one of the following: • Actuarial Science* • Financial Mathematics • Mathematics • Mathematics and Accounting & Finance • Mathematics and Computer Science • Mathematics and Statistics.

This module includes topics such as differential and integral calculus and differential equations.

* If you wish to study Actuarial Science after your foundation year, you should enrol in Financial Mathematics, which has the same modules in Stage 1 as the Actuarial Science degree. After satisfactorily completing Stage 1, you will be eligible to transfer into the Actuarial Science degree for Stages 2 and 3.

It may also be possible for you to go on to one of the degrees offered

by Kent Business School or the rest of the University.

The course The foundation year is taught on the Canterbury campus. We have designed our programme to provide you with a basis for subsequent stages of your degree studies.

The course includes the subject areas listed below.

Introductory Mathematics In this module, you study arithmetic, algebra and trigonometry.

English language requirements

In this module, you look at data analysis, probability and statistical analysis, including an introduction to statistical computing.

The current minimum level of English needed for entry to this foundation year is 5.5 in IELTS (inc 5.0 reading and writing, 4.0 listening and speaking) or 70 internet-based in TOEFL (inc 16 reading, 17 writing, 13 listening, 19 speaking). If your first language is not English, we may ask you to take additional classes taught by staff who are specialists in teaching English as a foreign language.

Additional Mathematics

Further information

You study equations, complex numbers, matrices, series, numbers and functions, limits and techniques of mathematical reasoning.

If you have any specific questions on the Mathematics foundation programme, please contact: Dr Chris Woodcock School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science T: +44 (0)1227 823803 F: +44 (0)1227 827932 E: c.f.woodcock@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk/ims/

Geometry You focus on graphs, the geometry of lines and circles, and vectors.

Statistics

Introduction to Programming This module introduces you to problem solving using microcomputers and Matlab programming.

Mathematics Workshops These sessions review and extend topics covered in other parts of the course. You work under supervision, to consolidate your understanding of course material and to improve your problem-solving skills.

Entry requirements We consider all applications individually, but normally ask for good grades in GCSE Mathematics and English (or their equivalent) in addition to the general entry requirements.

DID YOU KNOW? Mathematics and Statistics at Kent had an 87% overall student satisfaction rating in the 2011 National Student Survey.

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University of Kent / Foundation Programmes 2012

PHYSICS

UCAS code F305 If you successfully complete the foundation year in Physics, you can then study one of the following: • Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics • Physics • Physics with Astrophysics.

You may also have the opportunity to study programmes in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering or Mathematics.

The course This course provides you with the opportunity to study the mathematics, physics and practical laboratory skills that you need for entry to honours programmes in Physics and Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics.

The course comprises lectures, practical laboratory classes and regular coursework assessments.

It is carefully paced and includes rapid feedback on coursework so that you can monitor your progress throughout the year.

The University of Kent has run science foundation years since 1993. Since then, large numbers of students have achieved excellent honours degrees and gone on to successful scientific careers.

Physics components You study: • Electromagnetism • Motion and Mechanics • Physics Lab • Practical Skills

• Properties of Matter • Waves and Vibrations • Tutorial module.

in teaching English as a foreign language.

Further information Mathematics components You study: • Algebra and Arithmetic • Calculus • Graphs, Geometry and Trigonometry.

English language requirements The current minimum level of English needed for entry to this foundation year is 5.5 in IELTS (inc 5.0 reading and writing, 4.0 listening and speaking) or 70 internet-based in TOEFL (inc 16 reading, 17 writing, 13 listening, 19 speaking). If your first language is not English, we may ask you to take additional classes taught by staff who are specialists

If you have any specific questions on the Physics foundation programme, please contact: Dr Jingqi Miao School of Physical Sciences T: +44 (0)1227 823834 F: +44 (0)1227 827559 E: spsrecruit@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences

DID YOU KNOW? Physics and Astronomy at Kent was ranked 6th in the UK for academic support in the 2011 National Student Survey.

www.kent.ac.uk

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MAKING AN APPLICATION

UK students should apply electronically via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS); international students can apply via UCAS or directly to the University via one of our authorised representatives in your own country. We welcome applications throughout the year, but it is advisable to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Via UCAS You can find detailed instructions on how to apply at www.ucas.com/ students/apply You can apply directly to UCAS via the internet or via your school or college if it is an official UCAS online application centre. The UCAS system enables you to apply for up to five courses or universities on one form.

When applying online, you need to know that the institution code name for the University of Kent is KENT and the code number is K24.

Each programme has a unique UCAS course code, for example, the UCAS code for the Social Sciences foundation year is L590.

You can find the UCAS course code in this booklet on the appropriate subject page.

Direct application (via our authorised representatives) If you need assistance and guidance with your application, it is also possible to apply online via one of our authorised representatives in your own country. The International Development team can provide you with details of you local representative, or you can visit our website, www.kent.ac.uk/international/ overseas-representatives.html for contact details.

Please do not use the direct application route if you have already applied via the UCAS application system.

Further information Recruitment and Admissions Office, The Registry, The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 827272 F: +44 (0)1227 827077 E: information@kent.ac.uk International Development The Registry, The University of Kent Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 824904 E: international-office@kent.ac.uk Information & Guidance Unit The Registry, The University of Kent Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 827272 E: information@kent.ac.uk

Parental/guardian consent If you are under 18 at the time of starting your course, the University may request that you provide details of a parent or guardian in the UK to act as a contact in the event of an emergency. If you are requested to complete a parental/guardian consent form, you should sign it and return it to the University in order to prevent any delay to your application.

“What attracted me to Kent was the existence of a foundation year, which gave me the chance to gain confidence in my written and spoken English prior to starting my degree but already at the University.�

Filipa Moniz Biochemistry

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University of Kent / Foundation Programmes 2012

LIFE AT KENT

All foundation courses are taught on the University of Kent’s main campus in Canterbury, Kent. The Canterbury campus is built on 300 acres of parkland, with modern buildings surrounded by open green spaces, courtyards, gardens, ponds and woodland.

The campus is just 25 minutes’ walk from Canterbury city centre, which is one of Britain’s oldest cities. From the University, there are wonderful views of the world-famous Cathedral and the beautiful city and countryside that surround it.

Today, Kent has approximately 16,000 full-time and part-time students at Canterbury, with 125 nationalities represented on campus. International students make up 22% of our student community at Kent.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/studying/where/ canterbury

Accommodation We offer accommodation to all new foundation students, provided you meet the following criteria: • you firmly accept (as your first choice) either a conditional or unconditional offer from this University via UCAS by 31 July 2012, and • the University receives your online application by 31 July 2012.

If, after your foundation course, you move on to a degree programme, you are also entitled to a further year of University accommodation.

Accommodation on campus is either in one of our colleges on a ‘bed and breakfast’ basis (with a 31-week rental), or in self-catering houses or flats, which typically have between five and eight bedrooms and a 39-week rental agreement period. Nearly a third of accommodation is en suite.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/accommodation

Catering The University provides a range of catering facilities, from traditional dining halls to bistros, and other bars, shops and snack machines

across campus. There is a considerable variety of food available, from sandwiches to hot meals, including national cuisines and halal provision.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/catering

Centre for English and World Languages The Centre for English and World Languages (CEWL) provides ongoing support and teaching for non-native speakers of English, and pre-sessional language courses.

CEWL runs the English language tuition modules that you take during your foundation year.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/cewl

www.kent.ac.uk

Computing Service The Computing Service provides extensive computing facilities for all students. There are over 1,000 public access PCs on the Canterbury campus, all of which have high-speed internet access.

Free wireless access to the Kent network and internet is also widely available on campus. All students are given their own Kent email address, accessible online from anywhere in the world. Most study bedrooms have connections to the campus network, if you want to bring your own computer, and the Service offers online advice on specifications.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/itservices

Personal support services Kent has a six-doctor Medical Centre, which provides a range of clinics and advice, a sickbay (which is open 24 hours a day), and a pharmacy. Other facilities include a Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Support Unit, a day nursery for children up to five years old, and a Chaplaincy team, which serves all the main Christian denominations and the Buddhist, Islamic and Jewish communities on campus.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/guidance

Students’ Union The Students’ Union at Canterbury (Kent Union) offers both social and support facilities. The social side

includes a nightclub, various bars across campus, and the student radio station and newspaper. Kent Union runs over 80 different societies, including sports clubs and branches of national student societies. Kent Union has an advice centre, which can help with all aspects of student life. It also runs the campus Jobshop and volunteering services.

Further information www.kentunion.co.uk

Student Learning Advisory Service The Student Learning Advisory Service provides training and information on writing essays, note making, time management, dealing with exams, writing dissertations and many other skills. You can find information in the form of leaflets and brochures, personal support, groups, workshops and some internet pages.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/learning

Templeman Library The Templeman Library contains over a million books, periodicals, pamphlets, audio tapes, videotapes, slides and microforms. The Library has study places for 1,300 students with approximately 300 public access PCs. The Library website is accessible from all networked PCs in the University, enabling you to trace printed books and periodicals using the Library Web Catalogue.

There is a full range of networked

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electronic information sources on the internet relevant to your subject of study, including online bibliographic databases, electronic books, journals and newspapers, subject gateways and internet search engines.

The Library’s services include a Short Loan Collection for essential course material, a Computing Helpdesk, PCs for access to the Library Web Catalogue and CDRom databases, the European Documentation Centre, and various special collections.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/library

The arts The Gulbenkian Theatre is a professional performance space with capacity for 340 people, situated on the centre of campus.

The theatre attracts many top artists, and performances range from stand-up comedy to Shakespeare, classical concerts and contemporary dance. Students also have the opportunity to perform or get involved behind the scenes in lighting, stage management, wardrobe and make-up, directing or front of house as an usher.

The Gulbenkian Cinema is a public cinema in the Gulbenkian complex, open to students and the general public. It is Kent’s only independent film theatre and screens new mainstream and non-mainstream releases, as well as archive and foreign language films not otherwise

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University of Kent / Foundation Programmes 2012

LIFE AT KENT (CONT)

available in the region. Join the GulbCineClub for cheaper cinema tickets.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/gulbenkian

Music There is a flourishing musical life on campus, in which students from all subjects are involved. It includes the University Chorus, Symphony Orchestra, auditioned chamber choir, a concert band, a big band, a summer opera and various student music societies. Concerts on campus range from classical and jazz to world and folk music.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/music

Sport Our Sports Centre operates a ‘Sport for All’ policy to encourage everyone to keep fit and healthy – nearly half of the student population are registered Sports Centre users, and many more use it on a casual basis.

Facilities include multi-purpose halls, a climbing wall, 40 aerobic/ dance classes per week, solaria and sauna, a fitness gym containing state-of-the-art resistance training equipment, outdoor tennis courts, squash courts, playing fields with a floodlit all-weather pitch, individual fitness assessment programmes and a sports shop.

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/sports

International Development team The International Development team provides help and support for all international students, both during their application to Kent and throughout their studies. We have links with the University’s various cultural and international societies and we meet many of our current and former students during visits abroad.

We form the principal point of contact between the University and education counselling organisations, such as the British Council or private agencies, and advise on overseas entry requirements. We also work with locally appointed overseas representatives. If you would like to contact a representative in your

country for advice on how to apply to Kent, please contact the International Development team (see page 15).

Further information www.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent

Terms and conditions: the University reserves the right to make variations to the content and delivery of courses and other services, or to discontinue courses and other services, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. If the University discontinues any course, it will endeavour to provide a suitable alternative.

To register for a programme of study, all students must agree to abide by the University Regulations (available online at: www.kent.ac.uk/regulations).

Data protection: for administrative, academic and health and safety reasons, the University needs to process information about its students. Full registration as a student of the University is subject to your consent to process such information.

www.kent.ac.uk

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We hold Open Days at our Canterbury and Medway campuses.

We also offer individual tours which can be booked in advance.

For more information, see: www.kent.ac.uk/opendays

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 764000 E: information@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk

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COME AND VISIT US