Please note that the International Foundation Course will shortly be going through its periodic review.
The details below are correct at time of writing for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Changes may be implemented for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The International Foundation Course is intended to provide a vehicle for international students who wish to improve their English language proficiency and become familiar with the conventions of Higher Education in the UK. Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded with 120 Level 3 credits and will be assisted in applying for their chosen progression courses at Cardiff Metropolitan University on successful completion.
Students who have completed this course have gone on to study on courses across the university. The International Foundation Course is a full-time course which is designed to improve your English and academic skills to a level at which students are able to undertake study at a UK university.
Learning and Teaching:
The International Foundation Course focuses on developing your language skills and covers the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in an academic context.
Tutors on the International Foundation Course use a range of teaching methods and activities including whole class, group work, pair work and individual work.
As well as regular tutorials, you will be offered tutorials to support you throughout your course.
You will be provided with a course book and electronic resources. You will also need a laptop as soon as you start the course.
All course materials are provided, but we recommend that you buy an advanced learner dictionary to support your studies.
The ELTC is based at the Cyncoed campus and this is where the majority of our courses are run. However, please be aware that our courses can be delivered across the university’s sites.
Course Modules:
You will follow these six compulsory modules across both semesters (unless otherwise stated):
English Language Proficiency
English for General Academic Purposes (Semester 1 only)
English for Specific Academic Purposes (Semester 2 only)
Professional Development
Critical Thinking
Context Analysis
Each module is worth 20 credits.
Assessment:
Assessments will take place throughout the academic year. You will be given details of submission dates and assessment criteria on Moodle at the start of the course.
Assessments take the form of written submissions such as essays and reflections; portfolios; presentations; and posters. All written assessments are submitted electronically. The assessments are designed to provide a range of opportunities to develop a range of skills for HE study.
All your work must be your own and any research sources that you use must be cited and referenced correctly using the Harvard Referencing system.
Employability and Careers:
The aim of the International Foundation Course is to prepare you for your progression course. Previous students have progressed into all Schools at Cardiff Metropolitan.
How to apply:
Applications should be submitted via the links on the Global Engagement applications page.
Language requirements:
Students must have an overall IELTS level of 4.5 or above or an equivalent grade. A minimum of IELTS 4.0 in each component or equivalent is required. Please refer to this page for additional information Applying to Cardiff Met English Language Requirements.
Dates and fees for 2024/2025:
The International Foundation Course lasts for one academic year from September, or the equivalent of one academic year if joining in January.
The full time course runs on five days, Monday – Friday and you will have timetabled classes on campus through the week.
September 2024:
Course start date 23rd September 2024
Semester 1 runs from September – January
Semester 2 runs from January – May
Course fees: £12,000
January 2025:
Course start date to be confirmed
Semester 1 runs from January – May
Semester 2 runs from May – August
Course fees: £12,000
Certification:
Students who successfully complete the course will receive a level 3 foundation certificate and be awarded 120 Level 3 academic credits from Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Successful outcomes are Pass, Merit and Distinction.
PLEASE NOTE: The ELTC is based at the Cyncoed campus of the university and this is where the majority of our campus delivery takes place. However, please be aware that our courses can be delivered across the university's various sites.
