International Foundation Certificate
Course Description
Objective: The aim of the course is to provide you with the knowledge, academic and language skills needed for success as an undergraduate. It also provides an introduction to your degree subject, and gives you the opportunity to get to know your future department.
100% satisfaction with teaching quality, 2021-2022
Best English Language Centre in Wales (EL Gazette 2021, based on British Council accreditation reports)
There are two routes to the Foundation Certificate: A 30-week course with start dates in September and January, and a 15-week Fast Track option beginning in January. The following Foundation and Fast Track Foundation Pathways are available:
- International Foundation Pathway into Business
- International Foundation Pathway into Computer Science
- International Foundation Pathway into International Politics
- International Foundation Pathway into Theatre, Film and Television
- International Foundation Pathway into Law & Criminology
Students who successfully complete the international Foundation Certificate are guaranteed progression to a degree at Aberystwyth University.
Students who successfully pass this course will have successfully achieved a minimum English level of CEFR B2.
Minimum age: 17
Maximum class size: 18
More Information
1. Students who have completed high school in their own country but do not have the qualifications to begin a British degree. If your country has a 12 year education system, you probably need a Foundation Certificate Course. Students who have completed Year 11 to a high standard will be considered on individual merit, subject to interview.
2. Students who need to improve their English before starting their degree.
3. Students who already have the qualifications to begin a degree but want to gain more confidence in their language skills and subject knowledge.
Note: the course is designed for students for whom English is a second or additional language. It is not intended for native English speakers.
| Qualifications |
You must have completed high school to a level that indicates likely success on the Foundation Programme. |
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| Age |
You must be at least 17 years old before the course start date. |
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| English Test |
Applicants must have an IELTS for UKVI to get a CAS / Student Visa for a Foundation Course in the UK. Fast-track applicants without a UKVI recognised test may be able to apply for other visa's. Contact tesol@aber.ac.uk for more information.
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| English Language requirements | Pathway into: |
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| Computer Science | Business | Theatre, Film & Television | International Politics | Law & Criminology |
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| 30-week course (September - June) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.0) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.0) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) |
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| 30-weeks course (January - September) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5) |
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| 15-week Fast Track course (January - June) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no more than 1 score below 5.0, and no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no more than 1 score below 5.0, and no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 5.5 (with no more than 1 score below 5.5, and no score below 5.0) |
IELTS 5.5 (with no more than 1 score below 5.5, and no score below 5.0) |
IELTS 5.5 (with no more than 1 score below 5.5, and no score below 5.0) |
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The course is designed to enhance your language skills, your academic skills and your knowledge of your degree subject. The course is taught in close collaboration with academic departments, ensuring you receive a thorough preparation for your degree.
The course involves 20 classroom hours week, with regular one-to-one tutorials and plenty of individual attention.
The academic year is divided into three blocks. Students on the 30-week Foundation Certificate take either Blocks 1 & 2 or Blocks 2 & 3. Students on the Fast Track Foundation Programme take Block 2 only.
Block 1 Modules (September - January)
- Language, Culture and Communication (40 credits)
- Introduction to Reading & Writing for University (10 credits)
- Introduction to Listening & Speaking for University (10 credits)
Block 2 Modules (January - May)
One of the following:
- Keys to Business, Economics, Finance and Accounting (30 credits)
- Keys to International Politics (30 credits)
- Keys to Computer Science (30 credits)
- Keys to Theatre, Film and Television Studies (30 credits)
- Keys to Law (30 credits)
...plus...
- Reading, Writing & Critical Thinking for University (10 credits)
- Listening & Speaking for University (10 credits)
- Language Enhancement for University Study (10 credits)
Block 3 Modules (June - September)
- Advanced Reading, Writing & Critical Thinking for University (20 credits)
- Advanced Listening & Speaking for University (20 credits)
- Advanced Integrated Skills for University Study (20 credits)
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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9-10.30
Reading, Writing & Critical Thinking or University
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9-10.30
Language Enhancement for University
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9-10.30
Listening & Speaking for University
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9-10.30
Language Enhancement for University: Integrated Skills
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9-10.30
Language Enhancement for University: Integrated Skills
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Break
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11-12.30
Reading, Writing & Critical Thinking or University
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11-12.30
Language Enhancement for University
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11-12.30
Listening & Speaking for University
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11-12
Language Enhancement for University: Integrated Skills
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11-12
Language Enhancement for University: Integrated Skills
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Break
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2-4
Academic Subject
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2-4
Academic Subject
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2-4
Academic Subject
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2-2.15
Personal tutor meeting
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This sample timetable shows you what a typical week on the course looks like. It is not a definitive timetable for your course.
Dates and Fees 2023-2024:
| Qualifications |
You must have completed high school to a level that indicates likely success on the Foundation Programme. |
| Age |
You must be at least 17 years old before the course start date. |
| English Test |
Applicants must have an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity College SELT from a UK government approved test centre in order to get a CAS / Tier 4 Visa for a Foundation Course in the UK. Fast-track applicants without a UKVI recognised test may be able to apply for a Short-term Study Visa. Contact tesol@aber.ac.uk for more information
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English Language requirements |
Pathway into: |
| Computer Science |
Business |
Theatre, Film & Television |
International Politics |
Law & Criminology |
| 30-week course (September - June) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.0) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.0) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) |
| 30-weeks course (January - September) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 4.5 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 5.0) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no score below 4.5) |
| 15-week Fast Track course (January - June) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no more than 1 score below 5.0, and no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 5.0 (with no more than 1 score below 5.0, and no score below 4.5) |
IELTS 5.5 (with no more than 1 score below 5.5, and no score below 5.0) |
IELTS 6.0 (with no more than 1 score below 6.0, and no score below 5.5) |
IELTS 5.5 (with no more than 1 score below 5.5, and no score below 5.0) |
Kassandra Jimenez Sanchez, Mexico - BA in International Politics and Intelligence Studies
"I'm using everything I learned on the Foundation Programme. It taught me all the skills I needed for my degree and really helped me improve my English and adapt to a new country."
Sung Yeajin, South Korea - Theatre, Film and Television Studies Pathway
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You can download an application How to Apply.
- Complete the application form and return it to us by email or post, with a copy of your passport and any other documents specified on the application form.
- If you would like to stay in the university accommodation, tick this box on your application form. If you have ticked the accommodation box, we will arrange your accommodation. You do not need to do anything more to reserve your place in University Halls of Residence.
- We will assess your application to ensure that the course you have applied for is appropriate for your needs, and that you meet our entry requirements. If you have not met the entry requirements we will recommend a course for you (subject to availability).
- When we accept your application, we will send you an offer letter and an invoice. You will be asked to pay a deposit for your course. You can choose to pay the full fee at this time, or just the deposit.
- Once you have paid your deposit, your course application is complete. If you have not paid the full fee before, you must pay it on the first day of the course.
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Course
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International Foundation Certificate (IFC)
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Course objective
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The aim of the course is to provide you with the academic and language skills and knowledge needed for success as an undergraduate. It also provides an introduction to your degree subject, and gives you the opportunity to get to know your future department.
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Maximum class size
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18
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Levels
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Students who successfully pass this course will have successfully achieved a minimum English level of CEFR B2.
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Available to
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Individuals
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Taught hours per week
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20
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Private study periods
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Students should typically expect to study independently for an additional
10 – 15 hours per week.
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Minimum age
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17
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Dates
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2022-2023
IFC1 2022/2023 – 26 September 2022 – 2 June 2023
IFC2 2022/2023 – 9 January 2023 – 15 September 2023
Fast Track IFC 2022/2023 – 30 January 2023 – 2 June 2023
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Non-teaching days
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2022-2023
There are no classes on Saturdays or Sundays, or during the following holidays:
- 21 December 2022 - 8 January 2023 (Christmas Holiday)
- 27 March 2022 - 15 April 2022 (Easter Holiday)
- 1 May 2023 (Bank Holiday)
- 29 May 2023 (Bank Holiday)
- 28 August 2023 (Bank Holiday)
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Tuition Fee
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2022-2023
2023-2024
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Course material costs
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All course materials are included in 2020-2021 fees.
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Social life
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During the academic year the university offers many opportunities for social activities. You can join clubs and societies at the Students Union; enjoy the variety of films, music, drama and comedy at the University Arts Centre; get active at the University Sports Centre or get involved in the Global Experience Programme with trips, cultural events and international meals.
The IEC Summer Social Programme runs from 01 July 2019 - 06 September 2019 and includes a full day trip every Saturday, a half day trip every Wednesday and two evening activities per week. Most activities are free, and any costs will never exceed £25 per week.
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Accommodation
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If you request accommodation when you apply for your course, this will be reserved for you automatically in one of our self-catering halls of residence. Most of our IFC students are allocated rooms in Cwrt Mawr. This is a 5-10 minute walk from your classroom.
You will have a single study bedroom in a 6 or 10 person apartment with shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Accommodation is provided on a self-catering basis.
If you want to live in a single-sex apartment, please inform us when you apply and we will arrange this.
Accommodation will be reserved for you from the Saturday before the course starts. Please contact us if you plan to arrive earlier.
There will be a bedding pack (duvet, pillow, and linen) in your room when you arrive. You will be charged £25 for this and it is yours to keep. You will also be required to pay a £100 deposit for your room, to be returned when the key is returned and the room is in same condition. You will be expected to pay both amounts on your first day of the course.
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Insurance
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You are responsible for making your own insurance arrangements. We strongly advise you to take out insurance to cover your journey and your time in the UK. There are many insurance policies designed especially for international students.
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