English Language Foundation Programme
Duration
1 year
Qualification Awarded
English Language Foundation Programme Attendance Certificate
Level of Qualification
Foundation
Language of Instruction
English
Mode of Study
Full-time
Minimum ECTs Credits
0
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Profile of the Programme
The English Language Foundation Programme (1 Year, 2 Semesters) is designed to prepare students for successful entrance to Higher Education Institutions by enhancing their language proficiency. This course focuses on developing the students’ English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as building their academic language and communication skills required for successful study in a Higher Education Institution.
More specifically, the programme aims at:
- Attaining proficiency in all language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Developing academic vocabulary and language necessary for Higher Education studies.
- Enhancing communication skills for academic and social interactions.
- Gaining confidence in participating in class discussions and debates and presenting academic topics.
- Improving critical thinking and analytical skills through reading and writing tasks.
Access to Further Studies
Graduates who successfully complete the Foundation Programme for Learning the English Language may proceed to enrol in 1st Cycle or 2nd Cycle programs, provided they meet the respective entry requirements.
Applicants must fulfill the following admission criteria:
– The minimum admission requirement is a recognized High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC). Students with a lower HSLC grade than 7.5/10 or 15/20 or equivalent, depending on the grading system of the country issuing the HSLC, are provided with extra academic guidance and monitoring during the first year of their studies. Some programmes have higher entry requirements.
– A Certificate of English Language proficiency with an average score of at least 4.0 in the IELTS examination or equivalent as per the table below
| Examination | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|
| University of Cambridge Exams | B1 Preliminary (PET) |
| IELTS | 4.0 |
| TOEFL (IBT) | 42 |
| IB English B Standard Level (SL) | 4 |
| IB English B High Level (HL) | 3 |
| IB English A: Literature SL & HL | – |
| Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a Second Language | E |
| Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a First Language | F |
| Cambridge GCE English A Levels | – |
| Cambridge GCE AS Level English Language | – |
| Anglia Examinations | – |
| Password Skills Plus Test | 4.0 |
| Michigan Language Assessment ECCE | 40 |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) | 450 |
| PEARSON PTE Academic | 43 |
| CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) | B1 |
Course assessment usually comprises of a comprehensive final exam and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment can include amongst others, mid-terms, projects and class participation.
Letter grades are calculated based on the weight of the final exam and the continuous assessment and the actual numerical marks obtained in these two assessment components. Based on the course grades the student’s semester grade point average (GPA) and cumulative point average (CPA) are calculated.
To successfully complete the Foundation Programme, students must achieve one of the following scores by the end of the second semester:
| Examination | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|
| University of Cambridge Exams | B2 First (FCE) |
| IELTS | 5.0 |
| TOEFL (IBT) | 71 |
| IB English B Standard Level (SL) | 5 |
| IB English B High Level (HL) | 4 |
| IB English A: Literature SL & HL | 4 |
| Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a Second Language | D |
| Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a First Language | E |
| Cambridge GCE English A Levels | D |
| Cambridge GCE AS Level English Language | C |
| Anglia Examinations | Intermediate |
| Password Skills Plus Test | 5.5 |
| Michigan Language Assessment ECCE | 52 |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) | 530 |
| PEARSON PTE Academic | 58 |
| CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) | B2 |
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates are expected to:
- Demonstrate intermediate to advanced proficiency in English, encompassing grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency, to communicate effectively in a variety of everyday and academic contexts.
- Comprehend, analyze, and critically evaluate a wide range of texts, including academic articles, literature, and multimedia sources, extracting key information and understanding complex ideas and arguments.
- Produce coherent and detailed written texts on diverse topics, effectively using appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and organizational structures to articulate opinions, arguments, and personal experiences.
- Understand spoken English in various contexts, such as lectures, discussions, and presentations, at a moderate to fast pace, recognizing main points and specific details.
- Engage confidently in discussions on a broad spectrum of topics, express opinions clearly, and deliver individual and group presentations with clarity and effective public speaking skills.
- Acquire and apply effective study skills and strategies, including note-taking, organizing study materials, and utilizing academic resources both on campus and online, to enhance independent learning.
- Develop an understanding of the cultural nuances and contexts of English-speaking communities, appreciating social norms, customs, and practices to foster cultural sensitivity and awareness.
- Expand knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary, mastering complex grammatical structures, idiomatic expressions, and specialized terminology relevant to both everyday and academic discourse.
- Apply critical thinking skills to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information presented in English, enabling informed decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to draw reasoned conclusions.
- Strengthen teamwork and collaborative skills through participation in group projects and presentations, fostering interpersonal communication and leadership abilities within an academic setting.
- Embrace the elements of academic culture, including academic integrity, research ethics, and effective time management, essential for success in higher education and beyond.
