Solent University (QA)

Additional information

ourse overview

Studied at High School level overseas and ready to take the next step towards your STEM career?

Solent University’s International Foundation Programme in STEM aims to support students who have completed their High School education abroad transition into level 4 study in the UK. Emphasis is placed upon building your confidence and independence so you are able to learn effectively within the UK’s academic culture.

The STEM pathway has been designed to contain real-life scenarios and practical applications. The aim is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence when problem-solving in scientific and engineering contexts by applying the correct scientific and mathematical theory.

What will I study?

The STEM pathway enables students who are seeking to join a Solent Undergraduate degree in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) an opportunity to develop fundamental knowledge contextualised to their chosen area of study.

This programme is designed with real-life scenarios and practical applications in mind and equips students with the knowledge and confidence to apply scientific and mathematical theory for the purpose of problem-solving in a variety of contexts. Drawing on examples from science, computing, construction, mechanical and electrical engineering, the Pathway demonstrates the relevance of mathematical principles and helps to prepare learners to deepen their study in their chosen degree course.

This Pathway teaches the fundamentals of mathematical reasoning and, through the application of this knowledge to increasingly complex problems, develops the learners’ skills in independent problem-solving skills. The aim of the academic pathway-specific modules is to not only develop competencies in mathematics and problem solving but to expose learners to the knowledge and skills that apply to their chosen area of study related to STEM subjects.

What is an international foundation programme?

An International Foundation Programme is a subject-specific course which prepares you for university study in the UK by developing your academic skills and your ability to use English in an academic context, together with helping to develop your subject knowledge.

Who’s the programme for?

If you are a recent high school graduate, who would like to study for an undergraduate degree in the UK, but you do not fully meet the entry criteria (academic and/or linguistic), this programme is for you.

It is specifically designed to support your transition from high school to the UK higher education system if you are an international student who:

• Needs to improve your English language and academic skills in the context of the UK higher education system
• Prefers to adapt to the British culture in an academic context before starting an undergraduate degree.

Where will this programme lead you?

Once you successfully complete the International Foundation Programme you will be able to meet the entry requirements and be well equipped to progress to undergraduate study at Solent University.

What benefit will you get from the programme?

Specifically, the International Foundation Programme has a number of objectives:

• Equip you with appropriate learning and study skills to support your study experience, academically and personally, at an undergraduate level and above
• Develop and ensure you have the required level of English ability to engage successfully with undergraduate study at a UK University
• Enhance your ability to work with academic subjects at undergraduate level
• Develop your confidence and independence and your ability to learn effectively within the UK’s academic culture.
• Introduce you to the learning, teaching and assessment regimes adopted at undergraduate level and above at UK universities
• Learn specific knowledge relevant to your chosen degree and future career

Teaching and assessment

All of our pathway programmes are fully embedded so you will be studying your course on-campus in Southampton, with access to all of the university facilities that you can expect for your undergraduate studies at Solent.

Throughout your studies, you will be taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their experience to develop your English and academic skills in preparation for progression onto your chosen undergraduate course.

Course contact time: 16-20 hours/week

Additional study time: 15-20 hours/week for self-study and individual learning

You will be taught through a mix of teaching methods which may include: lectures, seminars, and workshops.

Assessment for this programme is through a mix of Coursework, portfolios, and in-class tests.

These programmes are delivered as part of a partnership between Solent University and QA Higher Education. The programmes are validated by the University and delivered by QA Higher Education staff.