Extended Foundation Programme
Prepare for university with the Extended Foundation Programme
The Extended Foundation is an International Pathway programme which prepares international students for university entry. It is an official entry route into undergraduate degree courses at Aberystwyth University, and offers a guaranteed university place to students who satisfy the entry requirements and successfully complete the course.
The Extended Foundation is specifically designed for students who have an English Language level of 4.5 IELTS, with at least 4.0 in each skill. It starts with 12 weeks of intensive English language before the academic subjects are introduced.
The Extended Foundation course is organised and taught by university staff with long experience of working with international students, supported and supplemented by academic staff with expertise in specific academic subjects.
Course Level of Extended Foundation
Because this course prepares students to enter an undergraduate degree course, the course levels are:
| English Language | CEFR Level B2 |
| Academic Subjects | NQF Level 3 |
Entry Date for Extended Foundation
The Extended Foundation has one entry date on 24 September 2012.
| Course | Dates | Length | IELTS Entry Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extended Foundation | 24 September 2012 to 6 September 2013 | 42 weeks | 4.5 overall score, with at least 4.0 in all skills |
Course Content for Extended Foundation
The Extended Foundation includes:
- English Language. Students are helped to raise their English language skills to the level required for living and studying in a British university.
- English for Academic Purposes. The course includes a strong focus on academic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
- Academic Subject study. Students gain a background of studying other subjects through the medium of English. The subjects studied depend on their planned degree studies.
- British Culture. Students are introduced to cultural studies, to help them with everyday life as well as developing their understanding of the subjects that they will study.
- The Skills Agenda. All students develop skills of independent study, research skills, and the ability to work individually and in groups, which are essential for their degree studies.
Degree Subjects
Students can be prepared for entry to undergraduate programmes in most subjects including:
- Art / History of Art / Gallery Studies
- Biological Sciences
- Business / Finance / Management
- Computer Science
- Geography & Earth Sciences
- International Relations/ International Politics
- Law / Business Law
- Mathematics & Physics
- Performance & Media / Theatre, Film & TV Studies
- Psychology
Other departments will consider students from this programme. Please enquire.
Examinations
The International English Centre is a testing centre for the IELTS examination.
Entry Requirements for Extended Foundation
Students who are accepted onto this programme should be able to satisfy the University's requirements for entering a degree course.
You should have a senior high school leaving certificate from your own country, an English language level of at least 4.5 IELTS, and a good pass in Mathematics.
The offer of a university place is subject to normal matriculation requirements, which normally include previous educational background and successful completion of the Extended Foundation course.
Students will be tested on arrival. Those whose English language score is not up to the required level will be advised to join an English language course (e.g. Target English or the English Language Summer school.)
What is included
The tuition fee includes a wide range of learning materials and use of facilities such as multi-media language laboratory, resource centre, university library and computer services, and subsidised rates for sports and recreational facilities. Students will usually be asked to buy the course book for their course.