Foundation

English Language Foundation Programme

English Language Foundation Programme

The English Language Foundation Programme (1 Year, 2 Semesters) equips students with the language and academic skills needed for success in Higher Education. Focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing, the programme builds confidence in communication, academic vocabulary, and critical thinking to ensure readiness for further studies.

Programme Aims

The programme aims at:

1

Attaining proficiency in all language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

2

Developing academic vocabulary and language necessary for Higher Education studies.

3

Enhancing communication skills for academic and social interactions.

4

Gaining confidence in participating in class discussions and debates and presenting academic topics.

5

Improving critical thinking and analytical skills through reading and writing tasks.

Course Curriculum

Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
ENGL-010 Academic Writing and Academic Environment 0
ENGL-020 Reading and Introductory Listening Skills 0
ENGL-011 Academic Writing and Academic Vocabulary 0
ENGL-021 Advanced Listening and Language Practice 0

Semester Breakdown

A/A Course Code Course Name ECTS Credits
1 ENGL-010 Academic Writing and Academic Environment
2 ENGL-020 Reading and Introductory Listening Skills
A/A Course Code Course Name ECTS Credits
1 ENGL-011 Academic Writing and Academic Vocabulary
2 ENGL-021 Advanced Listening and Language Practice

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme, the students should be able to:

1.

Demonstrate Proficiency in English Communication

Demonstrate intermediate to advanced proficiency in English, encompassing grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency, to communicate effectively in a variety of everyday and academic contexts.

2.

Comprehend and Critically Evaluate Texts

Comprehend, analyse, and critically evaluate a wide range of texts, including academic articles, literature, and multimedia sources, extracting key information and understanding complex ideas and arguments.

3.

Produce Coherent and Effective Written Work

Produce coherent and detailed written texts on diverse topics, effectively using appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and organizational structures to articulate opinions, arguments, and personal experiences.

4.

Understand and Process Spoken English

Understand spoken English in various contexts, such as lectures, discussions, and presentations, at a moderate to fast pace, recognizing main points and specific details.

5.

Engage in Confident Speaking and Presentations

Engage confidently in discussions on a broad spectrum of topics, express opinions clearly, and deliver individual and group presentations with clarity and effective public speaking skills.

6.

Apply Effective Study Skills and Strategies

Acquire and apply effective study skills and strategies, including note-taking, organizing study materials, and utilizing academic resources both on campus and online, to enhance independent learning.

7.

Develop Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity

Develop an understanding of the cultural nuances and contexts of English-speaking communities, appreciating social norms, customs, and practices to foster cultural sensitivity and awareness.

8.

Master Advanced Grammar and Vocabulary

Expand knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary, mastering complex grammatical structures, idiomatic expressions, and specialized terminology relevant to both everyday and academic discourse.

9.

Apply Critical Thinking to Analyze Information

Apply critical thinking skills to analyse, evaluate, and synthesize information presented in English, enabling informed decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to draw reasoned conclusions.

10.

Collaborate Effectively in Team Settings

Strengthen teamwork and collaborative skills through participation in group projects and presentations, fostering interpersonal communication and leadership abilities within an academic setting.

11.

Embrace and Uphold Academic Integrity

Embrace the elements of academic culture, including academic integrity, research ethics, and effective time management, essential for success in higher education and beyond.

Programme Profile

The English Language Foundation Programme (1 Year, 2 Semesters) is designed to prepare students for successful entrance to Higher Education Institutions by enhancing their language proficiency. This course focuses on developing the students’ English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as building their academic language and communication skills required for successful study in a Higher Education Institution.

Requirements & Regulations

Admission Criteria

Applicants must fulfill the following admission criteria:

– The minimum admission requirement is a recognized High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC). Some programmes have higher entry requirements.

– A Certificate of English Language proficiency with an average score of at least 4.0 in the IELTS examination or equivalent as per the table below:

Examination Minimum Grade
University of Cambridge Exams B1 Preliminary (PET)
IELTS 4.0
TOEFL (IBT) 42
IB English B Standard Level (SL) 4
IB English B High Level (HL) 3
IB English A: Literature SL & HL
Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a Second Language E
Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a First Language F
Cambridge GCE English A Levels
Cambridge GCE AS Level English Language
Anglia Examinations
Password Skills Plus Test 4.0
Michigan Language Assessment ECCE 40
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) 450
PEARSON PTE Academic 43
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) B1

Course assessment usually comprises of a comprehensive final exam and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment can include amongst others, mid-terms, projects and class participation.

Letter grades are calculated based on the weight of the final exam and the continuous assessment and the actual numerical marks obtained in these two assessment components. Based on the course grades the student’s semester grade point average (GPA) and cumulative point average (CPA) are calculated.

To successfully complete the Foundation Programme, students must achieve one of the following scores by the end of the second semester:

Examination Minimum Grade
University of Cambridge Exams B2 First (FCE)
IELTS 5.0
TOEFL (IBT) 71
IB English B Standard Level (SL) 5
IB English B High Level (HL) 4
IB English A: Literature SL & HL 4
Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a Second Language D
Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a First Language E
Cambridge GCE English A Levels D
Cambridge GCE AS Level English Language C
Anglia Examinations Intermediate
Password Skills Plus Test 5.5
Michigan Language Assessment ECCE 52
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) 530
PEARSON PTE Academic 58
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) B2

Students who successfully complete the Foundation Programme for Learning the English Language may proceed to enrol in undergraduate programmes, provided they meet the respective entry requirements.

Apply Now

PROGRAMME
OVERVIEW

Duration: 1 Year

Qualification Awarded: English Language Foundation Programme Attendance Certificate

Level of Qualification: Foundation

Mode of Study: Full Time

Language of Instruction: English

Venue: Intercollege