INTO University of Exeter

INTO University of ExeterCurrent studentsProgramme specificationsDescription

Description

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

FdCert Exeter International Fast Track Foundation

1. Programme Details

Programme nameFdCert Exeter International Fast Track Foundation Programme codeLIF0INTINT24
Study mode(s) Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award3 (INTO)

2. Description of the Programme

This pre-undergraduate programme is intended to enable you to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to progress on to an undergraduate degree of your choice at the University of Exeter. You will study modules relevant to your chosen degree. The programme also aims to improve your academic English and independent study skills. This is an intensive programme, aimed at students who have already met, or who are slightly below, the English standards for progression. You will have the opportunity to specialise in an area of your choice and be awarded a Foundation Certificate with your chosen subject as part of your award (i.e. Business, Science and Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences). 

 

The programme consists of: 

 

  • Two academic content modules  

  • A module in English language for academic study 

  • A module in current issue and research skills 

 

You will explore the academic content modules through studying and applying core concepts and principles, whilst developing the relevant technical and communication skills. 

 

You will be offered a favourable learning environment (online and/or face-to-face), designed to meet your specific needs, in which to consolidate your English language competence, independent research and study skills and an understanding of academic subject content. Learning is well paced and supported with a generous allocation of teaching time (typically 22-24 hours per week) which will be comprised of both ‘live’ (synchronous) learning and guided study (asynchronous). 

 

The programme will give you experience of the expectations of study as a university student, while at the same time enabling you to benefit from small-group academic tuition and tutorial support. 

 

Entry to the first year of a degree at the University of Exeter is through the UCAS application process and is dependent on your achieving the required academic and linguistic standards. 

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. To enable you to increase your knowledge and skills in your given discipline to a level equivalent to Advanced Level (A Level) study;
2. To help you to improve your English to the levels required for entry on to undergraduate programmes at the University of Exeter, making sure that you can use written and spoken language appropriately within an academic context;
3. To help you to develop the necessary study skills and approaches to learning required in undergraduate level study
4. To develop your independent research and study skills;
5. To provide you with the technical, communication and personal skills that you will need both in your further studies and in employment;
6. To introduce you to the culture of academic study in a UK higher education institution.

The programme is designed specifically to enable you to enter a degree programme at the University of Exeter. The aims of the Exeter International Fast Track Foundation programme are: 

4. Programme Structure

The Exeter International Fast Track Foundation programme is a 6-month full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 3 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme comprises a single stage.

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.

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/into/current_students/

The Exeter International Fast Track Foundation programme is a 6-month full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 3 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme comprises a single stage.

Stage 1

Stage 1: 60 credits of compulsory modules taken by all students, 60 credits of optional modules (modules requirements for individual adjourned pathways are defined in Section 7 Programme Regulations).

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
INT0073 Fast Track Foundation Academic English Skills 30Yes
INT0053 Current Global Issues 30No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
INT0064 Economics & Finance 30No
INT0065 Mathematics and Statistics 30No
INT0066 Media, Film, and Literature 30No
INT0067 Physics, Engineering and Applied Mathematics 30No
INT0070 Social and Environmental Sciences 30No
INT0071 Introduction to World Politics and International Relations 30No
INT0072 Fundamental of Management and Marketing 30No
INT0074 Biology 30No
INT0075 Psychology 30No

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.
2. Apply the knowledge, theories and concepts you have learnt from your studies to respond to new contexts.
3. Read widely about your subject, going beyond the basic texts.
4. Operate in English effectively, including in the context of your discipline, and with the skills necessary for an academic context.

ILOs 1-3 are developed through the information  

within specific subject modules through lectures, seminars, discussion and group work, either in person or online. You will also be set asynchronous activities. You will also develop your research skills in a subject area of your choice, following consultation with your teacher  

 

ILO 4 is developed in English language classes in the compulsory English module including teacher-led groups, seminars and set tasks within subject modules. 

 

You develop the skills necessary in the context of your academic discipline. 

The assessment of ILOs1-3 will vary slightly depending on the particular modules you choose but will largely be assessed through written exams, case studies, essays, portfolios and exhibitions.  

 

ILO4 – whilst assessment of this ILO is embedded, to an extent, across the programme, the focus of English language assessment is in the compulsory English language module. .Assessment comprises a writing task, seminar, a reading to writing exam and a presentation.

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.
6. Analyse and evaluate information.
7. Apply relevant theories, procedures or skills to solve practical problems or analyse situations.
8. Demonstrate appropriate academic literacy practices, using citation and providing bibliographies correctly.

ILOs 5-7 are developed through teacher-led class activities which include group work and supported by evidence from wider presentations and seminar discussions. 

 

In reading, guided independent study, practice and use of ELE resources play an important role. 

ILO 5 is assessed through extended writing in and through other written tasks and a group seminar (INT0052). 

 

ILOs 6 and 7 are assessed in all subject modules, through both exams and a range of coursework assignments.  

 

ILO 8 is assessed through an extended project report in and through essays.

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. Work in multiple ways, taking responsibility for your own learning both individually and with others.
10. Present your work to others, communicating logically and effectively in the written or spoken form.
11. Assess your performance against given criteria.
12. Undertake straightforward research tasks (collecting and interpreting information) within a given framework and with guidance.

ILOs 9 and 10 are developed in the process of acquiring subject knowledge and core academic skills, partly through the development of a project which focuses on developing research methods and working semi-autonomously. This fundamental skill is embedded throughout the programme. The ILOs are also developed through class discussions and group work in the English language and other modules. 

 

ILO 11 is developed through the process of formative assessment and feedback. 

 

ILO 12 is developed through preparation for assessment and research tasks across the modules. 

ILOs 9 and 10 are assessed through the individual projects INT0053, as you demonstrate independent research skills on a topic of your choice. You will also work collectively to organise an academic exhibition. 

 

ILO 10 is also assessed through presentations in the English language module in addition to coursework assignments and exams. 

 

ILO 11 is assessed through a student portfolio in one of the compulsory modules. 

 

ILO12 is explicitly assessed in the small-scale research assignment that you conduct and write up as a report.

7. Programme Regulations

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.  

 

Programme-Specific Award Rules 

 

You can be awarded a Foundation Certificate with specialist named variants of the standard FdCert in Exeter International Fast Track Foundation. The specialist named variants are Exeter International Fast Track Foundation (Business), Exeter International Fast Track Foundation (Science and Engineering), and Exeter International Fast Track Foundation (Humanities and Social Sciences). 

 

Foundation Certificate in Exeter International Fast Track Foundation (Business). For this pathway you must take INT0073 and INT0053, and select 60 credits (two modules) from the list of optional modules: 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Code 
 
 
 
 
 

Title 
 
 
 
 
 

Credits 
 
 
 
 
 

Compulsory 
 
 
 
 
 

Non-Condonable 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0073 
 
 
 
 

Foundation Fast Track Academic English 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

Yes 
 
 
 
 

Yes 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0053 
 
 
 
 

Current Global Issues 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

Yes 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0072 
 
 
 
 

Fundamentals of Management and Marketing 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0065 
 
 
 
 

Mathematics and Statistics 
 
 
 
 

30  
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0064 
 
 
 
 

Economics and Finance 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 

No 

 

Foundation Certificate in Exeter International Fast Track Foundation (Science and Engineering). For this pathway you must take  INT0073 and INT0053, and select 60 credits (two modules) from the list of optional modules: 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Code 
 
 
 
 
 

Title 
 
 
 
 
 

Credits 
 
 
 
 
 

Compulsory 
 
 
 
 
 

Non-Condonable 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0073 
 
 
 
 

Foundation Fast Track Academic English 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

Yes 
 
 
 
 

Yes 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0053 
 
 
 
 

Current Global Issues 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

Yes 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0065 
 
 
 
 

Mathematics and Statistics 
 
 
 
 

30  
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0067 
 
 
 
 

Physics, Engineering and Applied Mathematics 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0074 
 
 
 
 

Biology 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0075 
 
 
 
 

Psychology 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

No 
 
 
 
 

No 

 

Foundation Certificate in Exeter International Fast Track Foundation (Humanities and Social Sciences). For this pathway you must take  INT0073 and INT0053, and select 60 credits (two modules) from the list of optional modules: 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Code 
 
 
 
 
 

Title 
 
 
 
 
 

Credits 
 
 
 
 
 

Compulsory 
 
 
 
 
 

Non-Condonable 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0073 
 
 
 
 

Foundation Fast Track Academic English 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

Yes 
 
 
 
 

Yes 
 
 
 
 
 

INT0053 
 
 
 
 

Current Global Issues 
 
 
 
 

30 
 
 
 
 

YesTQA 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 an Academic Tutor(‘Personal Tutor’) and will normally retain the same tutor throughout their time at INTO. You will have a formal meeting with your Academic Tutor on a regular basis (in group and 1:1 sessions). Academic Tutors liaise with the Programme Manager, who takes responsibility for the programme as a whole and provides a second line of support to students. The role of Academic (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://admin.exeter.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/Part%206/6B(2010)Personal%20Tutor%20System%20CoP%20FINAL.pdf 

and is supported by resources for personal tutors at:  

http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/staffdevelopment/aspectsofacademicpractice/personaltutoring 

 

 

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 Programme Handbook can be found here: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/into/current_students/  

 

Other resources for the programme are published on ELE 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 websites 

 

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 can communicate in the student's own native language and who may help to provide pastoral care 

 

Student/Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision. 

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.

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate 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.

 

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of INTO University of Exeter. Details can be found on the website here: https://www.intostudy.com/en-gb/universities/university-of-exeter/courses

Admission (or ‘progression’) to Year 2 at the University of Exeter is dependent on you meeting the requirements given to you in your conditional offer from the University of Exeter. These conditions have been approved by the University of Exeter’s Admissions Policy Group (APG) and can be found for the current admissions cycle at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/into/progression/.

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.

(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 Exeter International Fast Track Foundation

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

05/11/2020

 Date of last revision

18/07/2023