English Language Preparation Programme (ELPP) for students progressing to the Foundation programmes at USIC
The Pathway to Academic English preparatory course at the English Language Teaching Centre focuses on language skills that students will need in a British academic environment. Students are taught, and will actively practice, their skills in all language components so that they become more confident in using English in academic and general situations. The course aims to help students become more autonomous learners as well as giving students some insights into British life so that they can settle into the City of Sheffield and the University Campus more easily.
The particular features of this course are that students will have the opportunity to use The University of Sheffield libraries and be part of the University from the outset. Students will develop listening and practice their listening and note-taking skills in real time through attendance at the weekly lecture given by University academics. They will also develop their presentation skills, building their confidence, receiving constructive feedback on their performance.
The Pathway to Academic English programme is likely to comprise the following:
- Core Language Development: 15 hours per week
- Afternoon classes: 4.5 hours per week
- Lecture: 1 hours (every Wednesday)
- Tutorials: 30 minutes every 2 weeks
Book your seat for the seminar.
English for Pre-Masters Programme (EPM) for students progressing to the Pre-Masters programmes at USIC
The Pathway to Academic English preparatory course at the English Language Teaching Centre focuses on language skills that students will need in a British academic environment. Students are taught, and will actively practice, their skills in all language components so that they become more competent and confident in using English in an academic context. Students must achieve 5.5 minimum in all components to progress to the College and must achieve this through a Secure English Language Test (SELT), approved by the Home Office. Because students will take a SELT there is a strong focus on exam preparation on the EPM course.
The Pathway to Academic English programme for EPM is likely to comprise the following:
- Core Language Development: 15 hours per week
- Afternoon classes: Based on a review of the student’s entry profile, an ELTC baseline test and regular tutorial meetings, students will be guided on where they need to focus their attention for maximum benefit.
- Examination Preparation Classes: 3.0 hours per week
- Speaking and Pronunciation: 1.5 hours per week
- Grammar and Vocabulary: 1.5 hours per week
- Lecture: 1 hour (every Wednesday)
- Tutorials: 30 minutes every 2 weeks
Book your seat for the seminar.
International Foundation Year in Business, Law & Social Sciences and Science & Engineering
Background to the programme and subject area
Students study in English on a full-time basis for either 3 or 2 terms dependent on their proven English language score on entry. The IFY BLSS and SE are designed with pathway specific subject modules and a common core curriculum aimed at developing appropriate English and academic skills. The programme provides the University with confidence that, subject to successful achievement of progression requirements, graduates have the requisite subject knowledge and understanding, academic and language skills to embark on a range of University undergraduate degrees in the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. A list of the approved progression degrees can be found on the USIC website. This programme has been developed by Study Group International in consultation with relevant University of Sheffield academic departments and Professional Services.
Programme aims
The overall aims of this programme are to:
- provide high quality learning opportunities to international students seeking a pathway to undergraduate degree provision in the Faculty of Social Sciences or Faculty of Arts and Humanities at The University of Sheffield;
- support development of students in transition to UKHE to enable them to achieve the required academic conditions for progression;
- enable students to progress with the appropriate level of knowledge and understanding, academic and language skills, confident and empowered to succeed on their degree programme;
- engender in students an awareness of their potential to contribute to the international academic community of The University.
Pathway learning outcomes
- Business & Management pathway: Leading to degrees in the Management School
- Economics pathway: Leading to degrees in the Department of Economics and Computer Science (BSc IT Management for Business)
- Society & Environment pathway A: Leading to degrees in the Departments and Schools of Archaeology (BA only), East Asian Studies, Education, Geography (BA only), Journalism Studies, Landscape, Philosophy, Sociological Studies, Town Regional Planning
- Society & Environment pathway B: Leading to degrees in the Departments and Schools of Politics and Human Communication (BSc Speech & Language Sciences)
- Law: Leading to degrees in the Department of Law
- Physics & Physical Engineering: Leading to degrees in the departments of Aerospace, Automatic Control & Systems Engineering, Bioengineering, Civil & Structural Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Physics & Astronomy.
- Chemistry & Chemical Engineering: Leading to degrees in the departments of Bioengineering, Chemistry and Chemical & Biological Engineering.
- Bioengineering pathway: Leading to degrees in the department of Bioengineering
- Biological & Life Sciences pathway: Leading to degrees in the departments of Animal Plant Science, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology & Biotech, Nursing & Midwifery, Psychology, Archaeology (BSc only), Geography (BSc/MEnv only), Human Communication (BSc Speech & Language Sciences)
Programme structure
International Foundation Year (IFY) in Business, Law & Social Sciences common to all pathways
- Critical Reading
- English Skills for University Study 1, 2 and 3 (ESUS)
- Reach Higher (an interdisciplinary group challenge)
- Personal Development Programme (PDP)
International Foundation Year (IFY) Science & Engineering common to all pathways
- English Skills for University Study 1, 2 and 3 (ESUS)
- Academic & Laboratory Skills (ALS)
- Personal Development Planning (PDP)