International Foundation in Humanities

Who this foundation course for?

Students who want to progress to a UK university and have 12 years of education in their own country (usually students will have completed High School).

Students who wish to prepare for study at an English-medium university in their own country.

Students who want a rigorous academic course and to study subject content in English.

Course overview

This outstanding Humanities Foundation course is for students who wish to study degrees in a wide range of subjects related to human behaviour and culture.

Popular degrees include international relations, sociology, politics, law, criminology, psychology, media or journalism. Students choose the subjects that best meet their future goals, and can either pre-select modules or receive advice on which to choose during their induction.

Course description

Subject modules

Students choose three subjects from the following:

Sociology

The module provides a foundation for the continued study of the role of sociology at a higher level. The module moves from the theoretical underpinning of key concepts and seeks to analyse and explore these using practical examples and case studies. Topics include:

• Key concepts in sociology: social change, culture, identity and globalisation
• International relations - Key principles
• Social research methods
• Families
• Education
• Crime and deviance
• The mass media
• Power and politics
• Stratification and social inequality

Economics

This module provides a foundation for the study of economics at a higher level. Gain an understanding of different economic systems at both micro- and macro-level and the factors affecting these systems.Topics include:

• Free market economies
• Demand and supply
• Costs and revenues
• Market failures
• National income
• Growth and living standards
• Inflation
• Unemployment
• Balance of payment deficits.

Politics

Gain an understanding of the system of politics and government in the UK, to continue to study politics at a higher level and to support studies in other disciplines too. The module follows current events in the media with frequent opportunities for discussion and debate on topical and important issues such as:

• Why did the Conservative party win the 2015 election?
• What is the role of the monarchy in a modern democracy?
• What is Britain’s role in Europe?
• Do the advantages of EU membership outweigh the disadvantages?
• How do Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland relate to England and the UK?
• What is Britain’s ‘unwritten constitution’ and isn’t it time it was written?
• How can human rights be protected in an age of terrorism?

Media Studies

This module provides a foundation for the continued study of the role of the media. Explore key concepts in the media through real examples including film, photography and advertising.Topics include:

• The analysis of images
• Narrative structure in film and news media
• Genre
• Postmodernism
• Gender and stereotyping
• Violence and censorship
• Globalisation and cultural imperialism
• Developments in documentary film
• How audiences and media are influenced by institutions
• Theories of audience
• Branding: cultural values in a commercial context.

Law

Gain a good knowledge of the English legal system to enable studies in law at a higher level. Get a well-rounded view of the legal world by examining key areas of criminal and civil law. We take a problem-solving approach to law through case studies and the analysis of current legal issues. Topics covered include:

• Courts
• Legal personnel and lay involvement
• Sources of law
• Tribunals and ADR
• Police powers and PA CE
• Pre-trial procedure
• Offences and sentencing
• Defences and appeals
• Using the civil courts
• Tort including negligence and defamation
• Introduction to the law of contract.

 

IELTS preparation

You will receive intensive preparation for the IELTS examination which you will take in the final weeks. The IELTS exam tests the four language skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. An overall IELTS band score of 5.5 or higher is usually required for entry to degree programmes at universities in the UK and abroad.

Academic Skills Module

This module will ensure you are fully prepared to succeed at university. You will be able to confidently work with native and non-native speakers of English.

Study skills

You will practise the study skills you will need for the tasks, assignments and exams set at university. You will engage in ways of studying which may be very different to the ones you have experienced in your own country, but you will quickly become familiar with them, and learn how to gain high marks. The main areas of focus are:

Reading and listening: the organisation of texts;note-taking from articles and lectures

Writing: planning and drafting essays; paraphrasing, summarising and synthesising

Speaking: giving presentations; discussing ideas and opinions

Critical thinking: analysing and evaluating arguments

Research: carrying out research; referencing.

Learning Support module

In this module you will prepare for life and study in the UK.

Information Technology (IT)

IT sessions ensure you are familiar with the software commonly used at university. There is no formal assessment, but classes will help you complete your coursework assignments, including essays, research projects and presentations.

Life in Britain

Life in Britain comprises one session per week in the first 12 weeks. It supports your studies by developing your understanding of aspects of the social and cultural background of Britain. The course includes the following sessions:

• Views of Britain and the British
• Holidays and festivals
• Customs and manners
• Varieties of English
• Media in the UK
• Monarchy and government
• Multicultural Britain
• Students’ culture and language
• School education in England.

Visiting speaker programme

Once a week, speakers who are experts in their fields give lectures and workshops on a range of topics related to the subjects offered on the course. Note-taking and other learning tasks will be set.

Tutorials and supported self-study

You will meet with your academic skills tutor every week. This is your opportunity to discuss your progress, receive guidance, and to ask any questions you may have.

You will also have a guided self-study session where you will be shown how to use the many learning resources available at Bell, and develop as an independent learner.

University applications

This essential part of the learning support module helps you to produce a successful university application. Our expert advisors will help you choose your course and university and guide you through every stage of the application process.

Course outcomes

You will be able to progress to a UK university undergraduate degree in humanities

You will have a Bell Foundation Programme Certificate highlighting your attainment, which is recognised by UK universities

You will have achieved an IELTS grade to gain entry to a UK or English-medium university

You will be a more independent learner and have the study skills to succeed at university

Course guarantees

Upon successful completion* of the University Foundation Programme,  you are guaranteed to be offered entry onto an undergraduate course at one of our partner universities, subject to admissions criteria. If not, you will be offered free tuition and university advice until your place is secured.

*Minimum pass grade of 40%, a score of 5.5 or above in each component of the IELTS test and an attendance record of at least 90%.     

Partner universities include;

• Leicester
• Reading
• Essex
• St Mary’s Twickenham
• Oxford Brookes
• University of Brighton
• University of Kent