For a semester, for a year
These two programmes are unique to St. Clare’s. There are two courses which combine a rigorous English Language Programme with classes in academic subjects: the Advanced Studies Programme and the University Foundation Course. The first lasts for either one or two semesters and is ideal for gap year students, while the second lasts for the academic year and is excellent preparation for university entrance.

Courses on offer
• Advanced Studies Programme
• University Foundation Course

The Advanced Studies Programme provides a great opportunity to enrich your English language skills through a combination of English language classes and academic subjects. This course is ideal for gap-year students, students qualified for university entrance or undergraduates. You also need a level of English which is at or above the following:
• Cambridge First Certificate (FCE)
• IELTS 5.5
• TOEFL 197 (computer score) or 530 (paper score)

We assess your level of English with a short telephone interview and/or a written test before accepting you on this course. Students attending this course study alongside our Liberal Arts students, the majority of whom come from American universities.  

Course Programme
• 10 hours of English language classes per week
• You choose 3 academic subjects, each of which you study for 2 or 3 hours per week
• The course requires background reading, assignments and study visits
• You also have the chance to take English language examinations such as Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency or IELTS
• Shorter programme of study available in the spring semester, please contact us for details

We offer academic courses in the following subject areas:
• Art History • Communications • Economics & Business • English Literature • History • Mathematics	• Philosophy • Political Science • Religion • Sociology • Studio Art • Psychology
Link through here to view a sample Advanced Studies Programme timetable.

For further information on academic subjects and how to enrol, please visit our senior courses web pages: www.stclares.ac.uk/seniorcourses.

The St. Clare's University Foundation Course is an intensive one year preparation programme for entry into UK universities. Students on this course have gained places at top UK universities, including University College London and King's College London, Durham, York, Edinburgh, Sussex and many others.

Why choose the St. Clare's University Foundation Course?
St Clare's provides the personal touch:

• One-to-one academic support from your Personal Tutor
• Small class-sizes (maximum 12 students) and experienced teachers
• Information and advice from our full-time Careers and Higher Education Adviser
• A global outlook based on mutual respect

What are the entry requirements?
Please make sure that you can fulfil the following requirements:

• You must be aged 18
• You must have an Upper Intermediate level of English e.g. FCE (Grade A/); IELTS ( 5.5 or above with at least 5 in each skill); TOEFL with a minimum score of 197 (computer test) or 530 (paper test)
• You must have one year available for study, students admitted in September only
• You must have completed secondary education in your own country (examples of secondary school qualifications are listed here)

What are the course features?
The course is demanding ….

• The programme consists of
  • 10 hours of English language
  • 3 hours of English for Academic Purposes in the autumn and IELTS preparation in the spring
  • 9 hours subject studies
• For your subject studies, you choose either the Business Studies programme or Social Studies programme. You then choose 3 subjects from your preferred programme
• Your Personal Tutor monitors your academic progress and welfare, and our full-time Careers and Higher Education Adviser guides you through the university entrance process
• If you are aiming for entry into an American university, we also have a specialist adviser to help with your application
• If you need to improve your English before you start the course, you can take one of our other full-time English courses first
• Live, learn and socialise in English in an international environment

What are the benefits of the course?
The rewards are high:

• Improved results in English examinations (e.g. IELTS 6.5/7.0)
• Familiarity with the language and concepts of Business and Social Studies
• Confidence in living and communicating in an international world
• Entry to a good British university

Take a look at our sample University Foundation Course timetable.  For further information on academic subjects please visit our senior courses web pages: www.stclares.ac.uk/seniorcourses.