Information for the 2023/2024 academic year will be available soon.
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 transferrable academic credits and will be assisted in applying for their chosen progression courses.
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 which students are able to undertake study at a UK university.
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 timetabled 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.
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)
Each module is worth 20 credits.
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 – please see our testimonials page.
Entry requirements and how to apply:
To be confirmed
Dates and fees for 2023/2024:
The International Foundation Course lasts for one academic year from September, or the equivalent of one academic year if joining in January.
Course start date 18th September 2023
Semester 1 runs from September – January
Semester 2 runs from January – May
Course start date 8th January 2024
Semester 1 runs from January – May
Semester 2 runs from May – August
Certification:
Students who successfully complete the course will receive a level 3 foundation certificate and be awarded 120 transferrable 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.
NEW COURSE!
The new Pre-Sessional Course is designed to meet the Cardiff Metropolitan University's postgraduate entry requirement* - Applying to Cardiff Met English Language Requirements
*please note that some courses may require higher scores - please refer to the relevant course pages and International Students - Applying to Cardiff Metropolitan University for further information.
Course Content:
The Pre-Sessional Course is a full time course which is designed to improve your English to a level at which students are able to undertake postgraduate study at Cardiff Metropolitan.
Learning and Teaching:
The Pre-Sessional Course focuses on developing your language skills and covers the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in an academic context.
Your timetable will include language lessons and skills lessons focussing on the four skills, academic vocabulary lessons, language production and tutorials. You will have the opportunity to develop a language portfolio of work.
The course will be delivered in person, face to face, on campus in Cardiff. If you are joining the 14 week course, there is the opportunity to study the first four week 'bridging course' online before coming to Cardiff. Please note that your visa will cover the in person face to face element of your course only - you must be studying in Cardiff for the duration of your visa.
If you follow this route, online elements of the course will be delivered on MS Teams - you will need access to a laptop with webcam and microphone.
For all course options, materials will be provided, but we recommend that you have access to an advanced English learner dictionary to support your studies. You will need access to a laptop throughout the course.
Assessment:
You will be assessed in each of the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing at the end of your course. A minimum of C1 on the CEFR must be attained overall and minimum of B2 on the CEFR in each skill.
The assessments will take the format of exams and tests covering the four skills of Listening, Reading and Writing and conversation, including extended discussion, for Speaking.
Employability and Careers:
The aim of the Pre-Sessional Course is to prepare you for your progression course. Previous Pre-Sessional students have progressed into all Schools at Cardiff Metropolitan.
Entry requirements and how to apply:
Summer 2023 Pre-Sessional:
Our Summer Pre-Sessional will run from 22nd May to 25th August, with advanced entry points for higher IELTS (or equivalent) levels.
Please choose the most appropriate start date from the table below:
Overall IELTS level (or equivalent) | Minimum level in any skill | Length of course | Start date | Course fees |
5.0
| 4.5
| 14 weeks*
| Monday 22nd May
| £4,900
|
5.5
| 5.0
| 10 weeks | Monday 19th June
| £3,500
|
6.0
| 5.5
| 6 weeks
| Monday 17th July
| £2,100
|
Course Options:
* 14 weeks
This course can be followed as 14 weeks in person in Cardiff or as a four week online distance learning bridging course followed by 10 weeks in person in Cardiff. Note that your visa will only cover the element of your course in Cardiff and you will need to be in Cardiff for Monday 19th June.
Course Location:
The English Language Training Centre is based at the Cyncoed campus and most of our courses are delivered at Cyncoed. Please be aware however that our courses, including the Summer Pre-Sessional may also be taught at the Llandaff campus.
