Q. Why study on a St Andrews foundation programme?
A. Because we offer . . .
- High quality English language and study skills training from highly-qualified and experienced teachers
- Close liaison with University departments to provide relevant academic input
- A safe and healthy environment - tranquil surroundings and pollution-free atmosphere
- 100% success rate in placing qualified students on university programmes
- Programmes which are widely-recognised by top UK universities
- An inclusive price with no hidden extras
- A high level of personal attention and pastoral care
- Good accommodation in comfortable individual study bedrooms
- Excellent facilities for study and leisure
- A traditional and prestigious university setting
Overview of programmes
Undergraduate foundation programmes
The English Language Teaching Centre delivers specialised 10 month long foundation programmes, each of which is specialised to meet particular student needs.
These programmes are specially designed for students from countries where school-leaving qualifications are not recognised as satisfying the entrance requirements of good British universities. The programmes are longer than average, running for 33 to 35 teaching weeks and providing introductory courses in a variety of academic subjects, academic English and study skills. Students can be sure that they will finish their programme with the subject-specific knowledge and improved English language skills that will equip them to cope with an undergraduate degree. These programmes are widely recognised by other universities throughout the UK as an entrance qualification for undergraduate study.
The structure and content of these programmes has evolved over many years, and is specifically designed to help overseas students function effectively as undergraduates. Although the language component of the programmes is important, our aim is to ensure that our students develop the more analytical approach to learning which is required in a British university, as well as providing them with knowledge which will enable them to start undergraduate studies on a more equal footing with students who have followed a UK high school curriculum. We do this by requiring students to participate in programmes in a variety of academic subjects, with intensive training in study skills. These are structured so that students can choose a group of either mainly business or social science programmes, according to study intentions. Throughout the programme students are encouraged to express their opinions both orally and in writing.
For students who would benefit from a pre-foundation programme, ELT has worked collaboratively with the Cambridge Academy of English for several years, and this partnership has worked well for our students. If you are looking for a high quality language programme which will activate your knowledge of English to a level where you can enter a foundation programme, then studying at the Cambridge Academy could be a good choice for you. Working together, we can ensure that you have a well-integrated study plan, and can move easily from one stage of your education to the next.
Foundation year in Science for international students
This programme has been designed and developed to meet the needs of students wishing to undertake a degree in a science subject. It is taught jointly by the staff of the University of St Andrews English Language Teaching Department and the Schools of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science.
On this combined programme, students will have classes in the ELT department and first year modules in the science subjects of their choice, attending lectures with first year British undergraduates, as well as having a weekly tutorial session which will provide an opportunity to review topics being studied.
ELT liaises closely with academic departments within the University in order to provide students with the best possible pre-undergraduate experience.
Postgraduate foundation programmes
We also offer a variety of programmes for postgraduates intending to further their studies at a UK university. These courses range from 30 to 33 weeks and provide intensive English language and academic input with an emphasis on academic English together with a focus on research skills, appropriate formats for dissertations, report writing, referencing and footnoting.
The Business Masters foundation programme
This programme is designed to develop the skills needed for students to enter a business-related Master's programme in the UK. It is designed specifically to meet the needs of students who will require to develop both their general and academic English language skills as well as acquiring the appropriate specialised language which will allow them to successfully undertake a Business-related masters programme in a British university.
Diploma in English and Business
The University of St Andrews Diploma in Business and English is an intensive academic English and Study Skills programme for students who have graduated from college with a sub-BA/BSc level qualification who wish to study for a Master's degree in the UK. The programme runs for 33 teaching weeks. The aim of students taking the programme is to enter postgraduate masters degree programmes the following autumn, in a business or finance-related subject. ELT will assist students in the application process to UK universities.
The programme has three basic components - academic study skills, lecture/tutorial courses) and general English with a strong focus on Business. The lecture programmes are specifically designed to enable students to participate on their subsequent masters programme and are taught by subject specialists from the University's Graduate Business School. Modules include International Business, Marketing and Finance. The academic part of the programme is highly intensive and all components are assessed.