Foundation Year Programmes: A Guide for Parents
Welcome to Southampton Studying in the UK is a long-term commitment for your son or daughter, and an investment in their future. It will also be one of the most exciting adventures of their life. Our foundation year courses are designed to help your son or daughter prepare for undergraduate study and to adapt to student life overseas. One of the UK’s top research universities, we offer outstanding teaching as well as superb facilities and learning resources. In addition, foundation year students who meet the required criteria are guaranteed a place on an undergraduate course at Southampton, without the need to reapply.
The University is a truly international institution, offering a warm welcome to students from more than 110 countries. As a foundation year student, your son or daughter will become part of our diverse, friendly campus community. Our Meet and Greet service and Welcome Programme will help them to settle into life at Southampton, where they can enjoy the benefits of living in a modern, lively city within easy reach of London, the coast and areas of natural beauty. From our academic approach to practical matters such as accommodation and finance, this brochure aims to give you the information you need to support your son or daughter in the choices they make about the future. We look forward to welcoming them. Dr Anna Barney and Mr Elwyn Edwards Directors, Foundation Year Programmes
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Teaching and learning The University of Southampton has a worldwide reputation for teaching and research, exceptional facilities and academics at the forefront of their disciplines. By choosing to study here, your son or daughter will become part of a dynamic and supportive learning environment. We are a member of the Russell Group, an association of 24 major UK research universities. We are also among the top 100 universities in the world.
Teaching Students work with internationally renowned academics who are leaders in their subjects. Foundation year students are taught through a combination of lectures, group discussions, tutorials and laboratory work. We aim to develop our students’ analytical skills, preparing them for success in their future studies and in their chosen career. As your son or daughter continues their undergraduate studies here, our flexible programmes offer the chance to study modules outside their core discipline, perhaps by exploring a global challenge in another subject area.
Learning resources The University’s campuses have excellent facilities, offering students one of the best learning environments in the UK. Our libraries hold almost three million books, journals and reports, including specialist resources for science, engineering, art and design. In addition we have invested in up-to-date learning facilities including high-speed wireless internet access, network points for laptops and a language study area. Computer workstations and numerous wireless internet access areas are available across our campuses. All students enrolling onto a foundation year programme will receive a package of learning resources, including their foundation year textbooks.
Find out more For more information and frequently asked questions about teaching and learning, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/foundationyear
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Foundation year programmes Our foundation year programmes create a firm basis for further study at undergraduate level. They are designed to help international students adjust to living and learning in a different culture and language. Our data shows that students who successfully complete a foundation year at Southampton are more likely to achieve outstanding results in their degree. The foundation year forms year zero of an undergraduate degree. By the end of the year your son or daughter will have gained: • an introduction to the key concepts of their undergraduate subject • the language skills they need for successful undergraduate study • effective academic study skills • an understanding of the demands and requirements of university life in the UK There are three foundation year courses, which can lead to further study across our broad range of undergraduate programmes.
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Foundation Year Engineering This is the first year of a four-year BEng/BSc or five-year MEng. It is suitable for international students who have completed eleven or twelve years of high school. Excellent grades in mathematics and physics are required. Students on this course will study academic modules relevant to their undergraduate degree as well as a language module before progressing to a degree in one of the following subjects: Acoustical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Civil or Environmental Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Electronic Engineering Electro-Mechanical Engineering Geophysics Mechanical Engineering Physics Ship Science
Foundation Year Science This course provides access to many science degrees at the University of Southampton. It is suitable for capable international students who have completed eleven or twelve years of high school and who have achieved excellent grades in maths and a science subject. Students on this course will study academic modules relevant to their undergraduate degree as well as a language module before progressing to an undergraduate degree in one of the following subjects: Biology Biochemistry Biomedical Sciences Chemistry Environmental Sciences Geology Marine Biology Oceanography Pharmacology Zoology
International Foundation Year Law, Arts, Management, Social Sciences, Humanities This course provides access to law, arts, management social science and humanities degree courses at the University of Southampton. It is suitable for capable international students who have completed eleven or twelve years of high school. Students complete a set of core modules as well as modules relevant to their chosen degree. In addition, students will complete a research project on a topic from their chosen degree, for which they are supported. Some courses require a good grade in maths; others may require a creative portfolio of work. Students from this course may choose to progress to an undergraduate degree in the following subjects: Accounting & Finance Criminology Economics & Accounting Economics & Management
English Literature, Language & Linguistics Fashion & Textile Design Fashion Marketing /Management Graphic Arts Healthcare Management, Policy & Research History International Relations IT in Organisations Law/Maritime Law Management Modern Languages
Music Philosophy Politics Psychology Social Sciences
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Progression from the foundation year Students who achieve the required marks in their foundation year programme are guaranteed progression to the first year of their chosen degree at Southampton. Students decide what they would like to study when they apply. There is no need to reapply for their degree at the University of Southampton. If your son or daughter decides to continue their studies elsewhere, our foundation year courses are accepted by most other UK universities.
Language requirements If English is not their first language, we ask foundation year students to obtain a recognised language qualification, such as IELTS with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
How to apply Students can apply for a foundation year course independently or through one of our approved overseas representatives. You can find a list of these on our website. Applications to the Engineering and Science Foundation Years are made online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Students applying to the International Foundation Year can apply directly using our own application form, which can be found on our website. They will need to submit the following documents: • high school certificate and translated transcripts • personal statement • one academic reference • IELTS certificate
Your son or daughter can apply at any time; however If your son or daughter has IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent), we attract a large number of applications so we they can complete our six-week pre-sessional language recommend that students apply early. course. This will help them achieve the level of English language they will need to succeed in their foundation Academic entry requirements vary from country to year. country. For full details visit our website.
Find out more For more information about our Foundation Year Pre-Sessional English courses, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/cls/english/presess.html For a list of approved overseas representatives and entry requirements for your country, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/international/ countrypages To find out more about our undergraduate programmes, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/international/int_study/ undergraduate.shtml For information about applications via UCAS, visit www.ucas.com
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Campus and city life Our campuses offer a range of superb social and leisure amenities and the Students’ Union runs over 240 clubs and societies. Whatever their interests, there will be plenty of opportunities for your son or daughter to meet new friends and get involved. The Foundation Year programmes are delivered on the main Highfield and Avenue campuses.
Sports We have range of sports facilities including a swimming pool, gym, squash courts, a martial arts studio and floodlit tennis courts. Southampton’s coastal location means that we also offer a range of water sports. The city’s sports centre has a dry ski slope and all-weather pitches and there is a golf course and a swimming and diving complex nearby. Southampton is home to Hampshire Cricket Club and Southampton Football Club (Saints).
Arts and entertainment The University is home to several outstanding arts venues. The Nuffield Theatre stages award-winning productions as well as hosting shows by touring companies and top comedians. The John Hansard Gallery has a reputation for innovative shows by acclaimed UK and international artists. Turner Sims, one of the UK’s leading music venues, has a varied programme including jazz, folk, world and classical music. Southampton University Students’ Union (SUSU) is the centre of campus social life with a shop, cinema, cafés and bars. SUSU runs a programme of
entertainment, and your son or daughter may choose to join one of the many clubs and societies. These include several dedicated international societies. The University is an integral part of the multicultural city of Southampton. Beyond campus, your son or daughter will be able to take advantage of the city’s arts venues, cinemas, restaurants and bars. West Quay Shopping Centre is one of the UK’s top 10 shopping destinations with high street and designer shops and an IKEA store.
Getting around Students can travel between campus facilities and their accommodation on foot or by bicycle. In addition, our uni-link bus service connects the Southampton campuses and halls of residence with Southampton Airport, the main railway stations and the city centre. Students living in University halls in Southampton have unlimited access to the uni-link buses. Southampton has excellent transport links to other parts of the UK and Europe by road, sea, rail and air. London is just over an hour away by train, the coastal resorts of Brighton and Bournemouth and the historic cities of Winchester and Salisbury are nearby.
Find out more To meet some of our students, visit www.southampton. ac.uk/foundationyear/student_profiles To find out more about Southampton University Students’ Union, visit www.susu.org
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Accommodation With a guaranteed place in halls of residence for international students*, your son or daughter will enjoy a welcoming and safe environment at the University of Southampton.
Younger students The University welcomes younger students. Those who are under 18 are placed together in the same halls of residence for their wellbeing, supervised by a warden.
Life in halls Students can choose either part-catered or selfcatered accommodation. The part-catered option includes meals in halls or on campus. A wide range of freshly prepared hot and cold food is available, including vegetarian options, Halal and Kosher foods. Students choosing the self-catered option can buy and prepare their own meals using kitchens equipped with a fridge, freezer, oven and microwave. Every hall of residence has a laundrette and a food shop on site or nearby. All have computer workstations, and rooms come with high-speed internet access and a telephone with an individual number. Students can bring their own bedding or can buy it when they arrive.
Safety first We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for our students. Our halls of residence are located within residential areas, are well-lit and have secure entry systems. Each hall has a Residence Support Service to ensure students’ welfare.
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Costs Rent starts at around £75 per week and goes up to around £155 per week, depending on the room chosen. No deposit is required and the fees include all utility bills, internet connection and unlimited use of the uni-link bus service.
Renting privately Another option for students is privately rented accommodation. Students can access a list of privately rented rooms in Southampton that meet required safety standards. Rent typically costs between £65 and £75 per week, not including bills. * Providing they make us their first choice of University, apply by 1 August in the year in which their studies begin, and are unaccompanied.
Find out more For more information about student accommodation, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/accommodation
Money matters Studying abroad is a life investment that needs careful planning. Your son or daughter should start organising their finances in advance and arrange enough funds to cover tuition fees and living costs.
University of Southampton on completion of the International Foundation Year. Each scholarship is worth £6000, and is awarded as a discount of £2000 against the University of Southampton undergraduate tuition fees over the three years of the course.
Fees and expenses Tuition fees for our foundation programmes depend upon on the course chosen. Tuition fees can be paid in full at the start of the course or in two instalments at the beginning of each academic semester in October and January. We suggest that students allow a further £7,500 to £8,000 for each year of study. This should cover accommodation, food, daily travel in Southampton, books, stationery and other items.
Text books All students joining our foundation year programmes will receive some textbooks free of charge.
Scholarships and discounts Scholarships for international students may cover all or part of the full cost of studying abroad. Your son or daughter can find out whether scholarships are available from their country, either from the government or from private businesses, through the British Council. University of Southampton scholarships The International Foundation Year Director’s Scholarship is awarded to the best students progressing onto an undergraduate degree at the
We also offer several subject-specific scholarships to talented students progressing from the Engineering and Science Foundation Years. Annual awards may be offered by individual academic units to students who successfully pass the foundation year. Your son or daughter will not need to apply for a scholarship; they are awarded on the basis of students’ academic performance in the foundation year.
Part-time and holiday work As well as offering support with longer-term career plans, our Career Destinations service can help students look for part-time work. Part-time jobs at the University can also be found through our Temp Bank service, which offers work to fit around student timetables. International students may work for up to 20 hours per week during term time.
Find out more For more information about money matters and for frequently asked questions about university life, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/international/fees_money British Council www.educationuk.org
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Health and welfare The University of Southampton is not just a place to study; when students join us it also becomes their home. We are committed to doing all we can to help your son or daughter settle in and enjoy their university experience.
Spiritual care The University’s Chaplaincy Centre provides friendship, care and spiritual guidance to all students. It welcomes all members of the University – of any faith or none. There is a separate Muslim prayer room with washing facilities on campus.
Welcome Programme Our Welcome Programme will help your son or daughter to settle in during their first few days at Southampton. It is designed to help students get to know the city of Southampton and the University and to make new friends, so we encourage all our new students to take part. Your son or daughter will receive guidance on practical matters related to living and studying in the UK. They will also be able to talk to current international and European students who have experienced coming to a new country to study.
Language The University’s Centre for Language Studies offers free English language courses for all international students.
Health and support Students are entitled to free National Health Service treatment. We recommend that all students register with a doctor when they arrive in Southampton. There are two doctors’ surgeries and a dental surgery on the Highfield campus. The University has a dedicated counselling service, and the Students’ Union Advice and Information Centre (SUAIC) offers free and confidential advice about any matter affecting everyday student life.
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Find out more For more information about health and welfare, the Meet and Greet service and Welcome Programme activities, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/international/welcome
After graduation Our foundation programmes and degree courses place transferable skills, such as independent thinking, problem solving and teamwork, at their heart. These skills are highly valued by employers. Of our 2010 graduates who were available for work, 93% were in employment and/or further study six months after they graduated. The 2010 Sunday Times University Guide placed us among the top 20 UK universities for graduate starting salaries.
A global alumni network If your son or daughter chooses to study here, they will become part of our international community of over 200,000 alumni and current students. This will give them access to a range of services and benefits, as well as creating excellent networking opportunities.
We help students to think about their career options and develop the skills they need to achieve their goals. We can also help your son or daughter gain valuable practical experience through industry work placements, internships, volunteering and student enterprise initiatives.
Further study Many of our students choose to continue their academic careers at the University of Southampton, where we offer a range of masters degrees and doctoral programmes. Students may decide to continue their studies at another university; our graduates have progressed to Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and other top universities around the world.
Relevant web links are shown throughout the foundation year programmes guide for parents. Please also consult www.southampton.ac.uk/ foundationyear for further details and/or any changes which have appeared since first publication of the foundation year programmes guide for parents, or phone +44 (0)23 8059 9699 for more information. Disclaimer The University of Southampton will use all reasonable efforts to deliver advertised programmes and other services and facilities in accordance with the descriptions set out in its prospectuses, student handbooks, welcome guides and website. It will provide students with the tuition, learning support, services and facilities so described with reasonable care and skill. The University, therefore, reserves the right if it considers it to be necessary to alter the timetable, location, content or method of delivery of events provided such alterations are reasonable.
Find out more For more information about our careers services and alumni network, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/ international/after_graduation/index.shtml
Financial or other losses The University will not be held liable for any direct or indirect financial or other losses or damage arising from changes made to the event timetable, location, content or method of delivery of various services and facilities set out herein. Force majeure The University will not be held liable for any loss, damage or expense resulting from any delay, variation or failure in the provision of services and facilities set out herein, arising from circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control, including (but not limited to) war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, interruption in power supplies or other services for any reason, fire, boycott and telecommunications failure. In the event that such circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the University arise, it will use all reasonable endeavours to minimise disruption as far as it is practical to do so. Š University of Southampton 2013
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www.southampton.ac.uk International enquiries: global@southampton.ac.uk +44 (0)23 8059 9699 UK and EU enquiries: foundyr@southampton.ac.uk +44 (0)23 8059 3113