Undergraduate prospectus

Undergraduate study: alternative routes/foundation years of entry

Why study at the International Academy?

The International Academy offers some of the best routes for international students to enter higher education in the UK. Our innovative courses and programmes have proved very successful with international students and have also attracted home students because of the distinctive learning environment we offer.

Studying at university can be exciting and rewarding. You will study new and fascinating subjects in ways that may be different from those you are used to in school or college. If you are an international student, you may find that the education system in the UK is slightly different to that in other countries, and, sometimes, the transition to the British system can be challenging. You may therefore benefit from a foundation year before entering a degree course – even if your level of English is already good.

What does the International Academy do?

The International Academy offers courses at pre-undergraduate, undergraduate, pre-Masters and postgraduate levels.

The International Academy brings together all the teaching services and programmes which have been developed for students who have:

• a range of non-standard qualifications often from overseas but also from Europe and the UK; or
• not met the entry requirements for a three-year degree course.

What is the International Academy like?

Each year, hundreds of students undertake pre-degree programmes and of these, most continue with degree courses afterwards. Many other students register for shorter programmes with a view to improving their English skills for university studies. With such a highly diverse population of international students and staff, you will find a welcoming and friendly community on arrival.

Our aim is that you achieve your full potential, enjoy your course and gain experience in different ways of thinking and learning. You will be working with enthusiastic and friendly members of staff who are experts in their fields. Our teachers will help you to acquire the necessary subject knowledge and skills, and develop a critical and reflective approach to your study. Classes are run in small groups of approximately twelve, and students receive a lot of individual attention.

The following pages contain a brief overview of our courses and programmes. For more detailed information, or to request a copy of the International Academy prospectus, please visit the International Academy website.

Telephone: +44 (0)1206 872217

E-mail: intacad@essex.ac.uk

Undergraduate degree routes

If your academic qualifications do not yet meet the University’s entrance requirements for our undergraduate degrees, and you want a programme that takes you to the right academic level as well as improving your English language and study skills, you can take one of the following three routes offered by the International Academy:

• Four-year degree courses
• Bridging Year
• Certificates of Higher Education

Four-year degree courses

The four-year degree courses include a foundation year, referred to as Year Zero, followed by three years of undergraduate study.

Year Zero

During Year Zero, you will study four academic subjects relevant to your chosen course. A compulsory English language and study skills module supplements the academic subjects. After successful completion of Year Zero in the International Academy, you will transfer to the relevant school, department or centre to complete your degree.

Accelerated route

The accelerated route is only available for certain degrees. It is designed for students who excel in their subjects and are highly motivated. This route would enable you to study for a total of three years, rather than four. At the end of the spring term in Year Zero you have the option of sitting examinations to enter the accelerated route which lasts for a further two terms. During this time you will be studying the first-year syllabus of your intended degree. Therefore this programme requires you to work through the summer vacation to assimilate the additional taught material. Successful completion of the accelerated route with the appropriate grade allows direct entry to the second year of study making graduation possible in three years.

If you are unable to meet the requirements for entry into the second year of the course in October, you will continue on the four-year route.

How do I apply?

All students must apply through UCAS to study on the four-year degree.

Entry requirements for four-year degree (no accelerated route available)

A-levels: 180 points, including DD at A-level or equivalent

Entry requirements for four-year degrees (with accelerated route available)

A-levels: 180 points, including DD at A-level or equivalent GCSE Mathematics: C

The minimum academic qualifications for each degree are shown above in terms of British A-level UCAS points and GCSE exam results. For students with non-UK qualifications, the University will evaluate the equivalent level on receiving the application. You should have graduated from secondary or high school in your own country with good grades. Questions about qualifications can be directed to the International Office by e-mailing: ioadmit@essex.ac.uk.

The English language minimum requirement is IELTS 5.0 or equivalent. If you have lower scores, you have the possibility to enrol on the Preparatory English programme to reach IELTS 5.0 or above.

First-year direct entry

Bridging Year

The Bridging Year is a one year foundation programme and comprises a curriculum of both academic, and language and study skills modules. The choice of modules depends on the future area of study that you wish to pursue; various subject combinations can be found on the International Academy website. Successful completion of the Bridging Year with the appropriate grade guarantees entry to any relevant Bachelor’s degree at the University.

For more information on Bridging Year options please visit the International Academy website.

Second-year direct entry

Certificates of Higher Education

The three-term Certificate of Higher Education (HE) is designed for students seeking entry into the second year of certain undergraduate courses offered at the University of Essex.

Certificate of HE students study subjects equivalent to those studied in year one of an Essex course in the subject area they have chosen. The course runs from October through to July. Class sizes on the course are kept small, enabling each student to receive personalised attention and support with their studies. As with the Bridging Year and four-year degrees, all Certificate of HE courses are taught at the University of Essex Colchester Campus.

There are two Certificate courses, each leading into the second year of a course in a particular subject area:

• Certificate of Higher Education in Business (Accounting, Finance and Management) - leading into the second year of relevant accounting, finance and business management courses taught at the Colchester Campus.
• Certificate of Higher Education in Business (International Entrepreneurship and Innovation) - leading into the second year of all business, marketing and entrepreneurship cousres taught at the Southend Campus.

Entry requirements

A good academic record at senior secondary/high school or junior college. Students who have taken A-levels, International Baccalaureate or a similar examination, but who have not achieved the grades required for direct entry to the first year may also be eligible to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS 5.5 (writing 5.0). Students whose first language is English or who have been taught entirely in English at school are not normally required to take an IELTS or TOEFL test.

How do I apply?

Applications are made directly to the University of Essex. Please e-mail: certheapply@essex.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1206 874298 for an application pack or for further information. If you have not yet finished a course or have not taken an English test, please contact us.