University Foundation Programme in Business for International Students

The University Foundation Programme in Business
(a dedicated course for international and EU students)

 This is a full-time, one-year course which has been specially designed for international and EU students wishing to progress to university.

The aim of the University Foundation Programme is to provide international students with the learning skills they will require for studying in a higher education institution in the UK. IELTS preparation and Business English are also included in the course.

The course is always fee-paying and is intended for students whose mother tongue is not English or who need to familiarise themselves with the British education system.

The programme is officially recognised by a number of universities such as the University of Lincoln, Nottingham Trent University, Leeds Metropolitan University and Manchester Metropolitan University. On successful completion, students are guaranteed a place at the above universities with an acceptable IELTS score. Former students have also been accepted by many other universities such as the University of Bath, University of York, University of Birmingham and University of Loughborough.

Content:

 Finance & Accounting
This unit covers the financial aspects of business operations. Students learn to construct final accounts, undertake performance analysis, cash flow forecasts and calculate break-even.

 IT Fundamentals
This unit provides an introduction to file management, e-mail, word processing and fundamental IT terminology. It considers the presentation of data through the application of: spreadsheets, database and PowerPoint.

 The Competitive Business Environment
This unit provides an introduction to how business operates. It develops an understanding of the operation of markets and competition and the influences of government.

 Marketing
This unit introduces the concept of marketing, its strategic importance and the marketing process as a whole. There is an emphasis on understanding the customer, ensuring that the products and services meet with customer needs, and ways of influencing customer behaviour.

 Personnel Responsibilities & Procedures
This unit covers the functions of a Personnel Department. It examines the roles and responsibilities of a range of different staff involved in the management of human resources in various types of organisations.

 Developing Effective Higher Education Study Skills
The aim of this unit is to ensure that international students develop a range of study skills that can then be applied when studying a course at a higher education institution.

 English Language Classes
Students also have specific English language tuition from experienced and qualified EFL teachers. Students are prepared for the internationally-recognised IELTS qualification which is usually required for entry to universities. Lessons are given in the four skills areas (reading, listening, writing and speaking), and there are also specialist classes in Grammar, Business English and Current Affairs. In addition, each student is assigned to a Personal Tutor who provides help and assistance in all aspects of studying abroad, including university applications, and individual tutorials are held with each student every month to discuss their progress and targets.