International Foundation Diploma (IFD)
The International Foundation Diploma is a one-year, full time pre-degree programme for international students whose first language is not English. Taught at the University’s historic Greenwich Campus, it includes intensive English language (EAP) courses that are accredited by the British Council. Other courses in the programme include British Culture and Society, and introductory studies in Business and Computing. All courses develop students' learning skills – especially writing, reading, listening, note-taking, group work, speaking and presenting.
Core Courses:
- English for Academic Purposes 1
- English for Academic Purposes 2
- British Culture and Society
- Business Communication
- Leadership and Enterprise
- Business Insight
- Computer Fundamentals 1
- English for Academic Purposes 3
Optional Courses:
Students may enter the programme in September or January of each year. Applicants are required to have successfully completed secondary education in their own country, and to be at least 17 years old on entry. The minimum English language requirement is 4.5 IELTS (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 4.5 in each element.
Classes are taught Mondays to Fridays, 09.00-18.00, with a total of 15 hours’ contact time per week; this includes six hours per week for English language. In addition, timetabled weekly tutorials provide support and guidance on academic and other matters. There are at least 28 teaching/assessment weeks per year.
The programme is taught by highly-qualified University teachers, with support from a trained English language assistant. Teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, conversation classes and practical computing laboratories. English language classes are normally taught in groups of 20 students or less. E-learning is used in the classroom and to support independent learning. Foundation Diploma students are also given full access to the University Libraries and Language Centre, where they can use a wide range of electronic and paper-based learning resources. The total cost of additional materials which students are required to buy does not exceed £200.
Assessment is by examinations and coursework, including essays, portfolios of guided study and presentations. Successful completion of the Diploma provides access to many University of Greenwich undergraduate degree programmes, especially in Humanities and Social Sciences, Business and Computing. However some programmes have special entry requirements.
Further information, including special entry requirements, tuition fees, accommodation, and how to apply, is available from the University of Greenwich International Office:
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8331 8136
Fax: +44 (0)20 8331 8625
E-mail: international@greenwich.ac.uk