Description
Programme Specification for the 2018/9 academic year
FdCert International Foundation Programme in Engineering, Mathematics,Computer Science and Physical Sciences (September Start)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | FdCert International Foundation Programme in Engineering, Mathematics,Computer Science and Physical Sciences (September Start) | Programme code | LIF0INTINT17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2018/9 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 3 (INTO) |
2. Description of the Programme
This pre-undergraduate programme is intended to enable you to further your study of Mathematics, Computer Science or Physics and to improve your English and study skills in order to meet the requirements for entry to undergraduate degrees in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the University of Exeter.
The programme consists of:
- Four academic content modules
- A module in English language for academic study
- A module in study skills.
You will explore the academic content modules through studying and applying core concepts and principles, whilst developing the requisite technical and communication skills.
You will be offered a favourable learning environment, designed to meet your specific needs, in which to develop English language competence, study skills and an understanding of academic subject content. Learning is appropriately paced and supported with a generous allocation of teaching time (typically 22-24 hours per week).
The programme will give you experience of being a university student and allow you to take part in campus life, while at the same delivering benefits in the form of tuition and support.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. enable you to increase your knowledge and skills in this discipline to a level equivalent to A-level study;
2. help you to improve your English to the levels required for entry onto undergraduate programmes in the UK (in most cases equivalent to IELTS 7.0 or 6.5), making sure that you can use written and spoken language appropriately within an academic context;
3. help you to develop the necessary study skills and approaches to learning required in undergraduate level study;
4. introduce you to the culture of academic study in a UK higher education institution;
5. provide you with the technical, communication and personal skills that you will need in your further studies and throughout your professional career.
This programme is designed specifically to enable you to enter a degree programme at the University of Exeter. The aims of the Foundation programme are to:
4. Programme Structure
The International Foundation programme is a one year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 3, and is a single stage programme. The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. The programme consists of 120 credits with 90 credits at level 3, and 30 credits at level 2. There are 4 subject content modules of 20 credits at level 3, a 10-credit Study Skills module at level 3, and a 30-credit module in English Language Skills for Academic Study at level 2.
Academic content modules are based on semesters, with an assessment period at the end of each semester. English Language Skills for Academic Study is taken over two semesters with staged assessment at the midpoint as well as at the end of the period.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the following web site:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/into/current_students/
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| INT0038 | Academic English for Engineering and Science English for Academic StudyAcademic English for Engineering and Science | 30 | Yes |
| INT0041 | Engineering and Science Project Engineering and Science Project | 10 | No |
| INT0007 | Foundation Mathematics Foundation Mathematics | 20 | No |
| INT0012 | Foundation Physics Introduction to Physical Sciences | 20 | No |
| INT0020 | Maths 1 for Foundation Mathematics 1 | 20 | No |
| INT0021 | Maths 2 for Foundation Mathematics 2 | 20 | No |
| INT0030 | Introduction to Computer Science Introduction to Computer Science | 20 | No |
Optional Modules
Students will normally study INT0012 (Introduction to Physical Sciences in semester 1. INT0030 (Introduction to Computer Science) will only be offered if there are sufficient students intending to pursue Computer Science degrees to merit running a separate course. Note that students studying INT0012 (Introduction to Physical Sciences) can progress on to Computer Science degrees.
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Describe key theories, concepts and information within your specific subject area, as determined by the pathway you are following; | ILOs 1 and 2 are developed through lectures, and classes which consist of a variety of tasks, activities, student presentations and seminar discussions. ILO 3 requires guided independent study and use of ELE resources. ILO 4: English language classes employ a variety of learning activities and teaching methods. These include teacher-led groups, student presentations, seminars, and set tasks. | ILOs 1 to 3 are assessed by a combination of written examinations, presentations and coursework assignments. ILO 4: English language assessment comprises a group presentation, listening and note taking tasks, seminars and written tasks, (including note-taking, summary, paraphrasing, referencing). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Present an argument which is coherent and supported with evidence from wider reading; | ILOS 5-7 are developed through teacher-led classes which consist of a variety of tasks, activities, student presentations and seminar discussions. In addition, guided independent study, practice and use of ELE resources play an important role. ILO 8: input and practice are provided in the Academic English for Engineering and Science and Engineering and Science Project modules. This is supported in the other modules | ILOs 5 to 7 are assessed by a combination of written examinations, presentations and coursework assignments. ILO8 is assessed with a reading and study skills project, as well as, where appropriate, in essays in other modules |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
9. With support, take responsibility for your own learning and work independently; | ILO 9 is developed in the process of acquiring subject knowledge and core academic skills, since independent study and practice forms an important part of teaching and learning methods. ILOs 10 and 11 are developed through class and group discussions in classes and working in groups in all modules. ILO 12 is developed through the processes of formative assessment and feedback. ILO 13 is developed as students progress through the content modules, and explicitly in the Engineering and Science Project module. | ILOs 10 and 11 are assessed primarily through coursework assignments, exams and presentations. ILOs 9 and 12 are indirectly assessed – in the sense that, where modules require development of these skills, it would be very difficult to achieve a good mark in the assessments without having developed such skills. ILO 13 is explicitly assessed in the Engineering and Science Project module assignment and in some elements of assessment of Academic English for Engineering and Science. |
7. Programme Regulations
Credit
The programme consists of 120 credits. The pass mark for all modules is 40%.
To achieve the Foundation Certificate you are required to achieve 120 credits in this single stage programme.
Condonement is the process that allows you to pass a ‘stage’ should you fail to achieve the required number of credits in any stage. You are required to achieve 120 credits in this programme. You must have achieved an average mark of at least 40% across the 120 credits of assessment including the marks for any failed and condoned modules. You will not be allowed reassessment in the condoned credit. Up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage. However, you must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above. The pass mark for these modules is 40%.
Progression
Entry to the first year of a degree at Exeter is through UCAS application and dependent on your achieving the required academic standards and meeting the general entry requirements for the University of Exeter. You must achieve a minimum of:
- 65% in Academic English for Engineering and Science, and
- an overall average mark for academic content subjects and the Engineering and Science Project module of at least 65%.
Assessment and Awards
In case of non-progression to a degree at Exeter, assessment of this single stage programme contributes to the summative classification of the award.
Classification
The marking of modules and the classification of the Foundation Certificate broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks:
Distinction: A final credit-weighted mark greater than or equal to 69.50%, or a final credit-weighted mark greater than or equal to 68% (including English) and modules to the value of at least 50% with a module mark greater than or equal to 70%.
Merit: A final credit-weighted mark greater than or equal to 59.50%, or a final credit-weighted mark greater than or equal to 58% (including English) and modules to the value of at least 50% with a module mark greater than or equal to 60%.
Pass: A final credit-weighted mark greater than or equal to 40%.
Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website. Generic marking criteria are also published here.
Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
All INTO Foundation students will be allocated a personal tutor and will normally retain the same tutor throughout their time at INTO. You will have a formal meeting with your personal tutor on a regular basis (at least once per semester). Personal tutors liaise with the Programme Manager, who takes responsibility for the programme as a whole and provides a second line of support to students.
Each student will be issued with a Programme Handbook which contains information on:
- Programme staff
- Programme dates
- Programme structure and modules
- Attendance
- Assessment, including submission and marking
- Sickness, absence and mitigation procedures
- Other general, important information
The University Library is open 24 hours a day and, in addition to reference books and books available on loan, provides computer printing services and access to technical journals. Engineering-specific content can be found at: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/library/using/help/engineering/
Other resources for the programme are published on ELE http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3887 where there are separate areas for each of the programme modules. Resources include:
- Timetables
- Course programmes / schedules
- Coursework tasks, schedules and marking criteria
- Past exam papers
- Extra academic resources to support your studies
- Links to useful web sites
Personal tutoring: The role of personal tutors at INTO is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. A University-wide statement personal tutoring is included in the University’s Personal Tutor Code of Practice at:
http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/lts/personaltutor/
and is supported by resources for personal tutors http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/staffdevelopment/aspectsofacademicpractice/personaltutoring
Learning Resources
In addition to the centrally provided services detailed below, INTO University of Exeter also provides
- Its own computer suites, and printing facilities
- Students with specific physical and learning needs will have a support package put in place. We also liaise with AccessAbility, who can provide further information and resources. However, for International Students there may be cost implications for some support elements.
- One-to-one language tutorials to support subject assignments.
- Dedicated support for applications for further study.
- Dedicated online resources on ELE for each programme and module
- Language counsellors who speak a range of languages and who provide pastoral care and can communicate in the student's own native language.
- A social programme specifically for INTO University of Exeter students
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
Learning Resources
The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.
IT Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.
- University Wellbeing Service - available free of charge, to provide confidential help and support. Student Health Centre - We are a Primary Health Care Centre, primarily funded by the National Health Service, providing care for all acute and long-term health problems for students on the Streatham Campus.
- Student Services Centre - in the Forum is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of 12 student services from Accommodation to Finance, Wellbeing to International Student Support, IT to AccessAbility. You can access the SID team 12 hours per day during term time between 8am – 8pm plus 10am – 3pm on Saturdays. Out of term time we are open 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday.
- The Student Engagement and Skills - team offer support for all students who wish to improve their personal, professional and academic skills, through lectures, workshops, individual appointments and peer support programmes in colleges and interactive online resources on Exeter’s Learning Environment (ELE).
- Family Centre (Streatham campus)provides high quality care and education for early-years children of students and staff.
- Student Advice Centre - : (the Forum) is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues: housing, finance, and academic matters.
- The Students’ Guild is the students’ union of the University of Exeter providing representation, advice, activities, social events, dining outlets and more.
- Student complaints procedure.
- Chaplaincy offers confidential support, advice and pastoral listening for all students.
- The International Student Support Office supports non UK students across all University of Exeter campuses.
- INTO University of Exeter partnership provides English Language and other preparatory courses for international students.
- AccessAbility offers advice and support to students with specific learning disabilities (eg. dyslexia) and physical disabilities/health conditions. Support includes helping students access learning and teaching opportunities and make the most of university life.
- Employability and Graduate Development The Career Zone has over 40 staff working to help you improve your chances of getting a great job after you graduate. They provide expert advice to enable you to plan your future through: guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
INTO programmes are accredited by the British Accreditation Council.
INTO University of Exeter ensures that students studying on the International Foundation programme meet the standards required by the receiving Colleges for entry into the first year of a degree programme through representation at Examination Boards and through joint College/INTO Boards of Studies. An INTO/University Academic Board oversees implementation of the University’s quality assurance mechanisms.
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
INTO
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
FdCert International Foundation Programme in Engineering, Mathematics,Computer Science and Physical Sciences (September Start)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
3 (INTO)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 120 |
ECTS credits | 60 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 24/07/2002 |
Date of last revision | 19/04/2018 |
|---|