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Programme Specification for International Foundation Programme in Health, Sport and Bioscience University Certificate

 

Final award

University Certificate

Intermediate awards available

Undergraduate Associate Certificate

UCAS code

N/A

Details of professional body accreditation

N/A

Relevant QAA Benchmark statements

N/A

Date specification last up-dated

September 2011

The summary - UCAS programme profile

The University of East London’s International Foundation Programme in Health, Sport and Bioscience (HSB) is designed to prepare international students who have successfully completed 12 years of schooling in their home country for undergraduate BSc study at the University of East London and other UK universities (subject to their own admissions criteria).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The normal entry requirements for entry into routes A and B of the International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a senior High School Leaving Certificate or equivalent. Students must have successfully completed at least 12 years of schooling in their home country. Route A is for students who have to study the full length of the programme (2 semesters). Route B is a fast track entry where students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Certificated Learning.

All applicants will be required to have a recognised English Language qualification. For Route A, this would be IELTS 4.5 or an equivalent level qualification. For Route B, this would be IELTS 5.5 or an equivalent level qualification.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

What is the International Foundation Programme?

The University of East London’s International Foundation Programme in HSB provides alternative routes into our University BSc programmes. It is aimed at international students whose educational qualifications fall short of those required for direct entry into our Bachelor programmes.

In addition, students will gain an appreciation of the UK education system and an understanding of UK educational cultural norms and expectations. Students on Route A will also develop their English Language skills.

Programme structure

The programme is offered in full-time mode and leads to a University Certificate International Foundation Programme. The programme structure is of 120 credits at Level 0 for the 2 semester long programme (Route A) and 60 credits at level 0 for the 1 semester long programme (Route B). Semester A starts in February and Semester B starts in May.

Route A
This route is two semesters long. Students take 6 core modules, one of which (English) is a double module with 40 credits. In the first semester, students will develop their English language skills and an appropriate knowledge of ICT, laying the foundation for successful education in IFP and higher levels. Students’ foundation knowledge is further developed in the second semester in the modules Communication and Study Skills, Essential Maths, and Human Biology.

Semester 1

  • English Language Development (double module)
  • ICT (ECDL)

Semester 2

  • Communication and Study Skills
  • Human Biology
  • Essential Maths

Route B
This route is fast track and one semester long. Students admitted through fast track will have been awarded Certificated Learning and/or Accredited Prior Experiential learning (AEL), so covering the modules delivered in semester 1 of the programme. This means students will be admitted directly to semester 2, and will study the three core modules.

Progression to degree programmes

Upon completion of the IFP, progression may be offered to a number of degree programmes in the following Schools:

Health, Sport and Bioscience
Acupuncture, Applied Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Fitness & Health, Forensic Science, Health Promotion, Health Services Management, Herbal Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, Medical Physiology, Pharmacology, Public Health, Sport & Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Development, Toxicology.

Combined Honours
Various programmes are on offer either as Single Honours or Combined Honours. For further information on programmes, please contact the Combined Honours Office at combined.honours@uel.ac.uk), or follow the link www.uel.ac.uk/hab/programmes/undergraduate/combined.htm

To pass the Foundation Year and progress on to a chosen degree programme, all modules must be passed. To pass a module, you must get an overall mark of at least 40%, and achieve a threshold mark of at least 30% in every assessment component.

Learning environment

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes within the context of the UK education in their chosen subject.

The programme will utilise various teaching and learning strategies, including:

  • Formal lectures to understand the relevant theory so enabling comprehension of the basics of Information & Communications Technology, as well as of the appropriate level of subject knowledge in the appropriate fields depending on the chosen degree programme.
  • Seminars, tutorials and workshops where students will have the opportunity to investigate specific areas of interest within the different fields.
  • Practical laboratory sessions where students will have the opportunity to develop the necessary skills that will enable them to succeed in their degree programme as well as enhance their employability skills.
  • The I.C.T. module is based on ECDL (European Computer Driving License), and leads to an internationally recognised Certificate. The module is delivered online and supported by constructed tutorial sessions.
  • The programme is supported by UELPlus (an online course delivery platform). This system supplies course contents, quizzes, assessments, discussion boards and much more.
  • Each student is allocated a Personal Tutor with whom regular meetings are held throughout the Programme.

Assessment

The assessment strategy takes into account the different focus of each individual module on the programme, and employs a range of assessment methods such as individual coursework (reports and literature reviews), group projects (reports, presentations and laboratory reports), and formal examinations. The range of assessment is designed to reflect the learning outcomes of each module. The programme team has been careful to ensure that the assessment weighting/burden for each module is roughly equivalent. More detailed assessment criteria will be made available in each Module Handbook.

Added value

Successful completion of the International Foundation Programme will equip students with the appropriate communication and language skills to enable them to undertake study on an Undergraduate UK honours programme. It will also familiarise students with the subject knowledge and skills relevant to their chosen fields, and develop the independent learning skills expected in a university student. This prepares them more appropriately for success in Year 1 of degree programmes, compared to students entering directly from schools or colleges.

The programme also has close links with English language support, careers advice and support for students with any learning difficulties like dyslexia.

We provide tutorials and workshops with tutors and programme leaders from several programmes to help students make informed decision on the choice of degree programmes to follow at level 1.

IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?

If you are interested in:

  • developing your key skills in order to study for a degree
  • gaining a grounding in subjects specific to your degree choice
  • gaining knowledge on how ICT is used for study and beyond
  • science and nature programmes
  • the discovery of medical breakthroughs
  • the media of public communication
  • conservation of the environment in which we live
  • aspects of the mind and human behaviour

and you enjoy ...

  • the challenge of increasing not just your knowledge of facts, but also your understanding of how science contributes to the search for new solutions to problems
  • doing scientific procedures and experiments in laboratories and IT labs with precision
  • communicating with a wide range of people
  • working in groups, using standard and new techniques to solve problems
  • being able to study quietly and individually away from formal staff-led sessions
  • reading or discussing developments in science and technology (do you already enjoy TV documentaries like Discovery, radio science programmes, New Scientist articles?)

if you want ...

  • a stepping stone onto a UK BSc degree programme
  • to keep your options open until after the IFP year on the choice of the subject for further degree study in your field (from Forensic Science to Medical Physiology).

then the International Foundation Programme in Health, Sport and Bioscience is for you.

Your future career …

Successful completion of the International Foundation Programme will allow you direct entry to level 1 in Health, Sport and Bioscience programmes, and all the benefits that a good degree can give for greater success in whatever career you choose. Students graduating from our University continue into postgraduate studies, or go on to work in a broad range of organisations including medical laboratories, research institutions, private as well as the public services and not-for-profit organisations.

How we support you

  • As a student on the International Foundation Programme, you will have a personal tutor who will be a permanent member of staff who will be familiar with your studies and intended degree programme. You will see your tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
  • Module and programme leaders also give support on academic matters and advise about other specialist help available through the University.
  • The School office has a Help Desk to advise where and how to get the right help.
  • Support for students at a University-wide level includes:
    • Libraries and Learning Resource Centres
    • Childcare for students with children aged 21/2 years to 5 years.
    • Careers advice and information · Counselling and Advice for practical problems
    • Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty.
    • Language tuition
    • Dyslexia support
    • Accommodation

Bonus factors

  • You will also be offered the opportunity to take part in both the induction activities and social activities programme organised by our University’s International Office. This runs throughout the academic session.
  • A School of Health, Sport and Bioscience , with staff and facilities matched to the wide interests and backgrounds of students
  • Sports facilities at the Atherton Centre, which is just a few minutes walk away.
  • A few minutes walk away in Stratford - a major site of new development in East London: the newly opened largest shopping centre in Europe (Westfield Stratford City) with multiplex cinema, theatre, restaurants, cafes, and pubs, and supermarkets and high street shops.
  • Central London only 20 minutes away by underground and extensive transport links with all parts of London.

Aims and learning outcomes

What is this programme designed to achieve?

This programme aims to provide international students with basic Senior High School qualifications the opportunity to develop:

  • English language competence
  • Academic study skills that will be useful in subsequent study at undergraduate level
  • Specialist knowledge appropriate for their chosen degree programme subject area
  • Communication skills using a variety of means
  • Skills required for continued self-managed academic development
  • Practical and transferable skills necessary for success when entering the chosen degree programme
  • Effective use of a range of information sources
  • Organisation and presentation skills required for intellectual argument commensurate with the level of award
  • The ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a team
  • Experience of studying in UKHE

What will you learn?

The International Foundation Programme will provide you with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills as well as accommodate and understand other attributes such as cultural differences. It will also equip and prepare you for studying within a UK university.#

Knowledge

  • A broad knowledge of study skills, a variety of relevant software applications plus subjects appropriate to undergraduate study in your chosen degree.
  • Subject specific theory and practice underpinning your chosen degree programme
  • An understanding of the driving forces behind current research in the field
  • An awareness of the wider implications of research on society as a whole
  • Relevant conventions of academic English (both written and oral) including the difference between formal and informal registers

Thinking skills

  • The ability to comprehend and analyse published information
  • The ability to use study skills effectively as required for undergraduate study in a UK university
  • The ability to use integrated approaches to problem solving

Subject-Based Practical skills

  • The ability to use numbers to analyse data from your own and other people's experiments and to interpret them
  • The ability to select and apply a range of practical skills relevant to your chosen degree
  • The ability to effectively communicate your work to others by a variety of means (individual and group reports, projects)
  • The ability to select and utilise appropriate computer software

Skills for life and work (general skills)

  • The ability to communicate ideas to others and to debate relevant technological, scientific and ethical issues
  • IT skills
  • Effective team work
  • Time management

The programme structure

Introduction

All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.

One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).

Credits are assigned to level 0: equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme

Credit rating

The overall credit-rating of this programme is 120 credits.

Typical duration

The expected duration of this programme is 1 year when attended in full-time mode. Students may acquire, prior to admission, accredited certificated and/or accredited experiential learning credits, in which case the programme can be 1 semester long.

How the teaching year is divided

The International Foundation Programme has a start date in February (Semester A) and a fast track start date in May (Semester B). The undergraduate BSc programmes’ teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February.

A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year.

What you will study when

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules)

Modules are defined as:

  • Core - Must be taken
  • Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
  • University Wide Option - Select from a wide range of university wide options

The International Foundation Programme consists of the following Level 0 core modules:

Semester 1

  • English Language Development (double module) - 40 credits
  • ICT (ECDL) - 20 credits

Semester 2

  • Communication and Study Skills - 20 credits
  • Essential Maths - 20 credits
  • Human Biology - 20 credits

Requirements for gaining an award

Students will normally be awarded a UEL University Certificate on gaining 120 credits and successful completion of the programme.

In order to be considered for progression to a BSc programme at the University of East London, you must have passed all your modules on the IFP programme.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and learning

A range of teaching and learning methods will be used including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials, coursework and practical assignments.

Knowledge is developed through:

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials and workshops
  • Practicals
  • Reading
  • Internet, UELPlus (WebCT) and Computer Based Learning

Thinking skills are developed through:

  • computer aided learning
  • presentations
  • preparing for tutorials and seminars/workshops
  • completing coursework assignments (including in class tests, presentations etc)
  • independent reading

Practical skills are developed through:

  • Laboratory practicals
  • Computer simulations and use of IT

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through:

  • A Personal Development Plan
  • Managing time
  • Presenting ideas and arguments in a structured manner - written and oral communication
  • Problem solving
  • Team work

Assessment

A wide variety of assessment methods are used including:

  • Portfolios
  • Written examinations
  • Practical reports
  • Essays
  • Oral presentations
  • Library exercises

Knowledge and Thinking Skills are assessed by:

  • Evidence of reading and comprehension of the topics covered in the module being assessed. This will be particularly apparent in essay work and examinations.
  • The ability to describe, explain and discuss various aspects of the course material in the context of class tutorials, group work, presentations and other pieces of assessed coursework for the module.

Practical skills are assessed by:

  • The ability to carry out laboratory practical work effectively, within the timeframe allocated
  • The ability to interpret and report on work carried out in the laboratory
  • The ability to complete assignments using appropriate resources
  • Evidence of logical planning and management of time in the preparation of materials for assessment

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by:

  • The ability to work to strict deadline
  • The ability to select and utilise appropriate problem solving skills
  • Demonstration of effective oral and written communication skills
  • Evidence of interpersonal skills such as teamwork and /or team leadership
  • Evidence of general numeracy skills

How we assure the quality of this programme

Before this programme started

Before this programme started, the following was checked:

  • there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme
  • adequate resources would be in place
  • the overall aims and objectives were appropriate
  • the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements
  • the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements
  • the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.

This is done through a process of programme approval which involves convening a panel of academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions. Each panel scrutinises available documents and talks to the staff who will teach the programme before deciding whether it can be approved.

How we monitor the quality of this programme

The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

  • external examiner reports (considering quality and standards)
  • statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate)
  • student feedback.

Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process (REP) which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is reviewed by the Quality and Standards Committee.

Once every six years, an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.

The role of the Programme Committee

The Programme Committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/ technician/ administrative staff). The Committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It oversees preparation of the AnnualREPReport and proposes changes to improve quality. The Programme Committee plays a critical role in the University's quality assurance procedures.

The role of external examiners

The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:

  • To ensure the standard of the programme
  • To ensure that justice is done to individual students

External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:

  • Approving exam papers/assignments
  • Attending assessment boards
  • Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks
  • Ensuring that regulations are followed
  • Providing feedback to the University through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future

Listening to the views of students

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

  • Mid-module and end-of-module evaluations
  • Student representation on Programme Committees (meeting each semester)
  • Personal Tutor, module leader, programme leader, subject area coordinator
  • Student/Staff Consultative Committee (meeting 3 times a year)
  • Examination reports

Students are notified of the action taken through:

  • Circulating the minutes of the Programme Committee and the annual REP report
  • Verbal feedback to specific groups
  • Providing details on the programme notice board

Listening to the views of others

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

  • Annual student satisfaction questionnaire
  • Feedback from former students

Where you can find further information

Further information about this programme is available from:

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