Gateway to University
• Increase your cultural awareness
• Prepare for university classes taught anywhere in the world
A Pre-Foundation Course
This course is designed to bridge the gap between school and university – and is the perfect preparation for a University Foundation Course, at St Clare’s or elsewhere, in September.
Benefits for you:
Individual support and guidance is a high priority at St Clare’s. Small class-sizes (maximum 12) and weekly meetings with your own personal tutor provide academic support; and the enrichment programme creates opportunities to develop your English in new and exciting ways through shared activities, special study visits and guest speakers.
Course content: special features of the Gateway to University Course
IELTS
- Writing: brainstorming, planning, drafting, checking.
- Reading: develop reading sub-skills: scanning, skimming, sifting.
- Speaking: improve your pronunciation and confidence. Project your voice!
- Listening: learn how English is really spoken and convert sound into words.
- IELTS Tests: 2 chances to take the test.
Cultural Awareness
- Awareness: learn about life in the UK and other countries.
- Cooperation: take part in group discussions and learn with classmates in pairs.
- Collaboration: work together and make presentations in pairs and small groups.
Topic-based Content
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Discoveries and Inventions
- The Environment
- Styles of Leadership
- Transport
- Health and Fitness
Study Skills
- Time Management: learn strategies to make the most of your time.
- Self-study: structure and review your learning with guidance from a teacher every day.
- Skills surgery: focus on your own linguistic needs every week.
- Note-taking: revise more effectively with clear and concise notes.
Academic Literacy
- Autonomous learning: find out how to learn on your own.
- Write your own words: not Wikipedia’s!
- Learn how to cite and reference sources in academic essays.
- Careers Advice: start planning for university with the Higher Education Advisor.
Critical Thinking
- Develop an open mind and question your ideas.
- ‘Triangulate’ the truth
- Identify ‘fake news’.
- Broaden your horizons by attending talks from guest speakers and going on study visits.
Contact Us
| Manuela Williams |
|---|
| Admissions Registrar |
| +44 1865 517706 |
| manuela.williams@stclares.ac.uk |
| Louis Jobin |
| Client Relations Coordinator |
| +44 1865 517184 |
| louis.jobin@stclares.ac.uk |
University Foundation Course: Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the University Foundation Course at St Clare’s, including the benefits, the structure of the course and how to apply.
Student profiles: Flight attendants from Saudi Arabia
An interview with a group of flight attendants, studying Combination English. Here’s their view of the course, their accommodation and the British accent.
Welcome dinner at Queen’s College
We welcomed our new students in style, and introduced them to Oxford with a dinner at the University of Oxford’s Queen’s College. View the photos.
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements
Students wishing to enrol on the Gateway to University Course must:
- be 17 years or over
- have a knowledge of English at or above the following:
- IELTS score 4.0 or equivalent CEFR B1
Application procedure
- Complete this online booking form and pay the £100 registration fee plus £500 deposit
- Show proof of English level, either by:
- sending an official English language test certificate or
- by completing the St Clare’s grading test and have an interview via SKYPE
- We assess your application and send you a confirmation letter and invoice
- If needed, apply for a visa. If you have questions about your visa please do not hesitate to contact us
- Full fees are due three weeks before the start of the course
- Please read the terms and conditions
Term Dates and Fees
Course Dates and Fees
Each student’s level of English will be tested before a place is offered on the course.
Course dates
Arrival day: Sunday 18 February 2018
Departure day: Saturday 7 July 2018
IELTS examination dates: Saturday 21 April and 23 June 2018
(entries included in fees)
Course fees
£9,200 tuition
20 weeks
£100 registration fee
Non-refundable
£500 deposit
Refundable after the end of the course less any outstanding charges
Registration fee and deposit to be paid at time of booking.
The balance of your tuition and accommodation fees are due for payment three weeks before your course begins.
Please read our Terms & Conditions
Accommodation fees
Homestay accommodation
All students aged under 18 must go into homestay accommodation.
£4,580 homestay single standard
£6,040 homestay single superior
College residence
All students in college residence will move to homestay from 25 March until 7 April 2018.
£4,580 twin standard
£5,462 twin superior
£5,768 single standard
£6,974 single superior
What the Accommodation fees include
Homestay
- Accommodation from the day of arrival to the departure date above
- Single room
- Bed linen and towels
- Breakfast and dinner every day (lunches can be bought in college Monday to Friday)
- 24-hour support provided 7 days a week
College residence
- Accommodation from the day of arrival to the departure date above
- Bed linen and towels
- Room cleaning (as per rota)
- If you have chosen to include meals you are entitled to lunch Monday to Friday (excluding the semester breaks)
- 24-hour support provided 7 days a week
Travel Insurance
All students studying on our academic year courses are covered by our travel insurance. This insurance policy covers, for example, medical expenses, personal accident, cancellation expenses, personal belongings and travel delay. This detailed Travel Insurance policy document lists those items that are covered. There is no extra charge for this insurance. All students are advised to take out personal possessions insurance for items such as laptops, cameras, mobile devices, and phones.
IELTS exams
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures your ability to communicate in English across the four language skills — listening, speaking, reading and writing — and is for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
It is recognised worldwide in more than 4,500 institutions in 120 countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Not surprisingly, therefore, it is the most popular examination for St Clare’s students.
IELTS is regarded as the single most important requirement for non-native speakers who wish to enter a university in the UK. Tests can be taken in Oxford every month and the results are available within three weeks. You will normally need a score of 6.0 or higher to join a university in the UK.
Monitoring progress
The team at St Clare’s is very experienced and successful in preparing students for IELTS. We can help you in the following ways:
- Entry test: we give you a number of tests on arrival to help assess your level on entry.
- Setting goals: your teacher discusses your needs and agrees “learning milestones”.
- Classroom tasks: small classes provide a supportive learning environment.
- After-class: teachers set homework tasks which extend your classroom learning.
- Self-Access: you are given guidance on computer-aided learning and test packages.
- Regular tests: you take internal tests in class to help decide the date of your examination.
Success at IELTS
During the classes you practise the skills required for success at IELTS:
- Examination strategies
- Practice tests
- Speaking and listening tasks
- “Against the clock” activities
- Top tips from the examiners
Careers and Higher Education
The careers service at St Clare’s is exceptional. You can visit the careers library to find out more about universities around the world, read the St Clare’s careers blog, and you will receive a weekly newsletter with information and ideas about education and the world of work.
Our team of dedicated, experienced and impartial advisers can help you explore your options after the gateway programme and prepare for your future.