University of Wolverhampton International Academy Study Year Abroad Course Guide 2014-2015 1
Contents The Study Year Abroad Programme 2014/2015 How does Study Year Abroad work? Levels of English required Dates and prices Why Wolverhampton? Accommodation Welfare Explore Britain Frequently asked questions 2
The Study Year Abroad Programme 2014/2015 Students who spend a semester or two on a Study Year Abroad programme will have a lifechanging experience. After participating, they return home as changed people, more confident and capable of achieving their future aims in education and in life. A large seat of learning with around 30,000 students, the University of Wolverhampton offers courses and modules to satisfy most students whether their major is in the field of arts, science, humanities, language or business. Study Year Abroad participants will make new friends and work with people from the United Kingdom and around the world in this cosmopolitan, educational environment. This guide describes how the Study Year abroad programme works and answers frequently asked questions about studying in the UK. 3
How does Study Year Abroad work? The university has five schools that teach courses covering a wide range of academic interests designed to meet the needs of today s students. On the Study Year Abroad programme, students can choose to complete modules and gain credits on any of the courses that they think will be interesting or useful to them (subject to availability). They do not have to relate to their major in their home university, but home universities may stipulate that modules correspond to the degree subject for credit purposes. The 2014-15 Prospectus shows the complete range of our courses with details and descriptions that will help students make their choice. In September, before they start the academic programme, students will be tested for their level of English. Based on their scores and the requirements of the modules they want to do, the students will be advised on which modules of their chosen degree course they should choose from. Students with higher levels of English (TOEFL 525 / IELTS 5.5 or above) can take between three and four academic modules. Students with lower levels of English may choose one or two modules of a degree course and spend the rest of the time doing valuable study to develop their English language skills on our regular Academic Englishbased language courses. Successfully completed modules can then be awarded as credits on courses back at the student s home university. This means that studying with us will not delay their graduation. From this year, Study Year Abroad is also available at Masters level. Graduates who arrive with IELTS 6.0 or achieve 6.0 in the summer English course will have the opportunity to study postgraduate modules in the subject of their first degree. These students will then receive a postgraduate certificate on completion of SYA. The 2014-15 Postgraduate Prospectus gives more information on masters degree subjects and modules 4
Levels of English required Students already at IELTS 5.5 (TOEFL 525) will be ready to study on academic modules from semester 1 onwards. When their language level requires it i.e. they have IELTS 4.5 (minimum level) or 5.0 (see table of qualification equivalents), students will spend the first 3 months on a summer English language programme developing their language skills and familiarising themselves with the university, the City of Wolverhampton and the UK. For their English language preparation, students will study on our presessional courses with other students who are preparing for study on degree courses in the coming academic year. Qualified teachers focus on the language skills needed by students to cope with the demands of degree level study. Progression Paths: Your level: IELTS 4.5 or 5.0 12 week Summer Language School 9 th June 27 th August 2014 Your level: IELTS 5.5* (6.0 postgrad) Semester 1 6 October 2014 15 January 2015 Finish and go home mid-january 2015 OR Continue Semester 2 2 February 2015 8 May 2015 Go home end of May 2015 5
Dates and Prices: Study programme Dates Package* 1 Semester Academic Programme October 2014 January 2015 4,900 2 Semesters Academic Programme October 2014 May 2015 9,300 English preparation course 2 June 2014 Jan 2015 9,300 + 1 Academic Semester Programme English preparation course 2 June 2014 May 2015 12,950 + 2 Academic Semesters Programme Note: Specific semester dates for academic year 2015-2015 will be released closer to the time. * Package includes: Tuition fees Accommodation Private en-suite room with shared living space in student halls of residence. Each semester includes accommodation for 18 weeks. Social programme - programme of activities and day trips to different cities and places of interest. 6
Why Wolverhampton? Wolverhampton is one of the great British cities with a proud history that stretches back over a thousand years. It achieved prominence and wealth during the nineteenth century, in which it was one of the great cities of the Industrial Revolution. The university itself has its roots in that important historical period. Today it is a thriving, cosmopolitan and colourful city with much to offer visiting students. There are theatres, cinemas and an active nightlife among many other amenities. Wolverhampton is part of the second largest urban area in the UK, the West Midlands area, which includes Birmingham, Britain s second city. Students and visitors can access the region using the well-developed transport system with its Wolverhampton hub just minutes from the university. A more detailed introduction to Wolverhampton and the university can be seen here. The great variety of activities and amenities can be seen in this online guide to Wolverhampton s attractions. 7
Accommodation The university provides a range of excellent accommodation. Students have a private room in a hall of residence. This takes the form of a shared apartment within an apartment block in a gated area. These halls of residence have office staff and 24 hour security. On the Study Year Abroad programme you will be provided with your own en-suite private room sharing a kitchen and living areas with 4 to 5 other students in a hall of residence conveniently positioned within a short walking distance of your classes, shops and entertainment. 8
Welfare Accredited by the British Council, we take the welfare of our students seriously and are able to draw on long experience in running study programmes for overseas students. From helping with the booking of accommodation to providing a 24 hour emergency contact number, we ensure that all of our new students settle in, are safe and feel at home. Through social activities and facilities we encourage students to make new friendships and make the most of their time here. Explore Britain Wolverhampton is in the centre of the UK next to the transport hub of Birmingham the UK s second city. It is simple and affordable to get a train to most places of interest around the UK. If you prefer group travel, you can choose to come on the coach trips organised our International Office for an additional fee. If you set your sights on places further afield, why not book yourself a cheap flight from Birmingham International Airport (40 minutes by train) to locations such as Paris, Barcelona, Rome or Berlin? 9
Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can I open a bank account in the UK? Yes, you can. Once you have enrolled if you are studying for more than 6 months, you can open a local account and money can be transferred to it. 2. How does health insurance work? If you are going to be studying for more than 6 months, you will be entitled to free health care in the UK. This does not cover repatriation, but health insurance is far more affordable in comparison with studying in North America. 3. How much does accommodation cost? Accommodation in Wolverhampton is on average half the price of staying in Central London and is some of the cheapest in the UK. For university halls expect to pay between 70 95 per week which includes all utilities including internet 4. Do you offer homestay? No, we don t. Students usually have a positive experience in university halls and usually have the opportunity to meet new people and develop their language skills there. The halls have kitchens and laundry facilities. There is plenty of opportunity to eat out cheaply or buy ready meals from the supermarket for those less experienced at cooking for themselves 5. What are living expenses like in Wolverhampton? Wolverhampton is one of the most affordable university cities to live in. Accommodation is comparatively inexpensive and local supermarkets affordable. 6. What should I bring with me? You will need to provide your own towel, bed linen and kitchen utensils. You can either choose to bring this with you or it is inexpensive to buy from a local supermarket. 7. What is the cost of travel? With halls of residence a short walk from main university buildings and inter-campus buses free, the only expenses will be those for travel for entertainment. A return train trip to Birmingham costs from 3.75* and a trip to London on weekends is between 25-45* return depending on the service. 8. Can I get a mobile phone easily that I can call home with? Yes, if you have a SIM card phone already you can simply buy a pay as you go top up card with cheap calls back home or if you are from a country such as Japan with a different phone network just buy a local phone and SIM card for as little as 15* 9. Which airport should I fly in to? Birmingham International Airport is the local airport for Wolverhampton. 10. How do I get from the airport to the university? From around 6 am to midnight you can get a direct train to Wolverhampton which takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around 8* You can walk the 5 or 10 minutes to the halls from the train station or get a taxi for around 5*. Alternatively, if you arrive outside these hours a taxi from the airport to university halls of residence costs around 35 with a metered taxi. If you are part of a cohort group, transportation may be included or someone may meet you at the airport. 11. Where do I buy food Wolverhampton? There is 24 hour supermarket within a short walk of all city campus halls. The city campus is located in the centre of the city, so most amenities are accessible by bus. Other campuses have free bus travel to and from Wolverhampton city centre 12. Can I just come for the summer 3 months and then go home at the end of August? Yes, you can select this option 10
What students say I am enjoying the course and it is great to study modules in English with the local students, who are nice. Carol, Taiwan The time in Wolverhampton is the best memory in my life. It was enjoyable everyday and also there were lots of things I could learn. It wasn t only the language but also the culture from variety of countries because I made many friends from all over the world. Katsutaka, Japan 11
Table of language qualifications At this level: CEFR IELTS TOEFL Paper based Test TOEFL CBT TOEFL IBT TOEIC you can join 7 600 250 academic C1 100 modules from 6.5 575 232 90 605-780 September 2014 6 550 213 80 B2 5.5 525 196 70 you must 5 500 173 60 start with English B1 4.5 575 152 50 405-600 Programme 4 450 133 40 June 2014 3.5 425 113 30 Make an enquiry: University of Wolverhampton International Academy Millennium City Building City Campus South Wolverhampton WV1 1LY Email: clact@wlv.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1902 322 484 Apply to study: Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/international Email: internationaladmissions@wlv.ac.uk 12