St Clares Oxford University Foundation Course International College

Course Structure

There are two start dates:

early September for 35 weeks where minimum entry level is IELTS 5.0
late October for 28 weeks where minimum entry level is IELTS 5.5

Course content
Both courses follow a combination of English Language and academic subjects:

English for IELTS
From early September to late October
Duration: 7 weeks	Lessons: 21 per week
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)	Academic Subjects
From late October to December
Duration: 7 weeks	Duration: 7 weeks
Lessons: 10 per week	Lessons: 9-11 per week
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)	Academic Subjects
From January to mid-June
Duration: 21 weeks	Duration: 21 weeks
Lessons: 10 per week	Lessons: 12-14 per week

One lesson = 55 minutes

English for IELTS
From September to October the primary focus is on improving your score at IELTS (the International English Language Testing System).

This examination is recognised worldwide by more than 4,500 institutions in 120 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It is the single most important requirement for non-native speakers who wish to enter a university in the UK or other English-speaking country.

Our teachers have many years’ experience in preparing students for IELTS and success rates are extremely high.

English for Academic Purposes
Your lessons explore contemporary, cross-course themes through the medium of English and develop high level English Language and study skills.

You concentrate on more advanced English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and the study skills required at university including:

researching, evaluating source material, note-taking, referencing, avoiding plagiarism
analysing essay questions, paragraphing, developing arguments
developing reading strategies, building academic vocabulary, presentation skills and strategies

There are a number of formal assessments during the course:

formal and informal writing activities
an extended essay based on your own research and
academic oral presentations

Academic subjects for UFC
The academic element of the University Foundation Course takes place over 28 weeks. You must select one of the following academic streams:

Business Stream Subjects
Business Studies	+	Mathematics for business	+	Economics
International Affairs Stream Subjects
Philosophy	+	Politics	+	20th Century History

These academic subjects are taught at pre-university level by specialists who bring the benefits of the latest research in their own areas of expertise. Each subject requires background reading and research and is assessed through: