Pre Masters Programme and Diploma in Business & English Centre for International Foundation Programmes
I must say my year on the Pre-Masters at the University of St Andrews has been the most exciting learning experience of my life. Not only because of the excellent teaching following the tradition in this old, prestigious Scottish institution, but also because the friendly atmosphere gives you enthusiasm to learn overall English skills. I couldn t believe how easily I could communicate with and take so much advice from teachers. Moreover, during lectures, everyone can easily contribute and share ideas. I m proud of myself for studying on the Pre-Masters, and my time in St Andrews will always be there in my heart! Shen Wen Wen Pre-Masters and then PhD student at the University of Bath.
7000+ students 600 years of history 5 th in the Sunday Times 2010 4 th in the Times 2010 3 rd oldest university in the UK 21 years of successful foundation programmes 1 st for student satisfaction St Andrews is situated about forty miles north of Edinburgh, and about ten miles south of Dundee. Edinburgh airport (EDI) has regular flights to both London and many international destinations, as does Glasgow (GLA) which is about two hours from St Andrews. Both airports have good connections to the international hubs of Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris. Our local railway station, Leuchars, is on the main line to London, with a frequent service. The University of St Andrews is located on the east coast of Scotland in the attractive mediaeval town of St Andrews. Surrounded by world-famous golf courses and stunning sandy beaches, it offers a cosmopolitan student experience in a unique historical setting. The town and the University are closely intertwined, which creates a very different atmosphere from a campus-based University. Students and University staff make up about a third of the town s population, so the town really is the campus. St Andrews has a very international student community, with some 25 per cent of students coming from overseas. This contributes to the interesting learning experience as well as a vibrant social life. St Andrews may be a small mediaeval town, but it has a remarkably high number of coffee shops and restaurants, small fashionable boutiques as well as larger supermarkets; international five-star hotels as well as smaller B&Bs, pubs and bars, and a theatre and cinema. Belfast Dublin Aberdeen Dundee ST ANDREWS Glasgow Edinburgh Newcastle Leeds Liverpool Manchester Birmingham Cardiff LONDON Bristol
The Centre for International Foundation Programmes has been a popular and busy centre of teaching in the University since 1990. It is located close to the mediaeval town centre, with panoramic views across the science campus and Old Course the world-famous golf course to the hills and sea beyond. It provides excellent teaching facilities with experienced and enthusiastic teaching staff. It offers a selection of courses for overseas students, two of which enable students to study for their Masters degree over two years. These are: Diploma in Business and English for students who need to upgrade their qualifications to continue on to a masters programme, and Pre-Masters Programme for students with a degree who need to improve their knowledge of English language and study skills, especially writing. The course also includes an academic component to enable students to broaden their knowledge of academic topics relevant to their future studies. The Diploma in Business and English This is an intensive programme designed for students who have graduated with a diploma or similar qualification, which in itself is insufficient for entry onto a postgraduate Masters programme in the UK. The aim of the programme is to help students upgrade their qualifications to allow them to enter a businessrelated Masters programme. It runs for thirty-one teaching weeks and includes modules in English language, academic study skills and a significant number of business-related subject modules, which together will build on students previous qualifications to raise their academic level to degree equivalence. In the Academic English courses there is a strong emphasis on academic writing, as most grades on a Masters course depend on the ability to write competently. Students also work on academic reading, to broaden their vocabulary and increase reading speed. There is practice in listening to lectures and developing note-taking skills. Students are also trained in making presentations and the use of a range of visual aids, including the effective use of Powerpoint. Academic modules are a vital part of the programme. Students study a wide range of subjects, which typically include courses in Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Statistics, International Business and Management. These modules are delivered by staff from the University of St Andrews School of Management, as well as external experts. The programme consists of English with a strong focus on business-related English, but also includes speaking, pronunciation, authentic listening, IELTS training and grammar. Each week, there is a minimum of twenty hours of taught classes. Students will have a minimum of 225 hours of academic input overall. Students who graduate with a score of 14 on the University of St Andrews 20 point scale (equivalent to a 2:1 degree) or more are guaranteed a place on an appropriate programme at the University of St Andrews School of Management for their Masters degree. The CIFP also assists students to secure places at other UK universities. We have close links with many UK universities and students who graduate successfully from the programme can expect a smooth progression to the next stage of their academic career.
Pre-Masters Programme The Pre-Masters Programme is designed as an academic and study skills preparation course for students who wish to take a business, social science or computer science related Masters degree at the University of St Andrews, or at any other UK institution. Experienced staff from the CIFP teach Academic English, Study Skills and Business English classes. Students are also provided with regular one-to-one tutorials and receive considerable support from our staff, to ensure a successful transition into British university life. Academic courses are delivered by staff from the University of St Andrews and external experts. The academic input can be tailored to meet the particular needs of the students who join the course each year. Completion of the Pre-Masters Programme with an overall grade equivalent to a 2:1 degree will allow students to progress to an appropriate Masters degree at either the University of St Andrews School of Management or School of Computer Science. Other Schools such as Psychology, will also consider accepting Pre-Masters graduates on to their Masters programmes. The course has three terms of ten weeks. Morning classes cover academic, general and business study skills work. Students develop vocabulary, academic listening and note-taking skills, reading strategies, academic and formal writing techniques, presentation and formal discussion skills. IELTS preparation classes are also a key element of the programme. Academic courses run in the afternoon. Students will have lectures and seminars which reflect the learning experience on a UK Masters programme. Subjects include Management, Marketing, Psychology, Human Resource Management, Economics, Finance and Statistics, Computer Science and Internet Programming but may vary depending on the students needs. During term three the students work on one long essay related to their own subject area. This mini-dissertation involves researching, reading and critically evaluating data and source material. Students receive one-to-one help and feedback as they progress with this piece of work. The academic courses allow the students to put into practice their academic English and study skills and help them become familiar with the demands and conventions of postgraduate study.
Fife Park David Russell Apartments Accommodation for Pre-Masters and Diploma students Students have a choice of standard or superior selfcatering accommodation, living in student houses or apartments and doing their own cooking and cleaning. Bedding and kitchen utensils are provided but students must bring their own towels. The cost of accommodation is included in the course fee, which will vary depending on whether students choose standard or superior rooms. Application forms and more information about the courses may be obtained from: Standard self-catering accommodation: Six students per house Shared kitchen and two bathrooms Single study bedrooms Broadband internet access and telephone Superior self-catering accommodation: Five students per apartment Single study bedrooms with en-suite shower and WC Shared kitchen/living room Broadband internet access Bedroom TV and telephone Diploma in Business and English Lesley Thirkell CIFP/ELT University of St Andrews, Kinnessburn, Kennedy Gardens, St Andrews, Fife KY16 DJ T: +44 (0)1334 462263 F: +44 (0)1334 462270 E: lt@st-andrews.ac.uk Pre-Masters Programme Jonathan Harvey CIFP/ELT University of St Andrews, Kinnessburn, Kennedy Gardens, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9DJ T: +44 (0)1334 462271 F: +44 (0)1334 462270 E: jh42@st-andrews.ac.uk
I strongly believe the University of St Andrews Pre-Masters Programme to be a very good one. The exceptionally high level of education, wonderful teachers and friendly atmosphere result in an unforgettable studying experience. Even if you consider your level of English to be enough for a Masters Programme, I would recommend taking the Pre-Masters first. Yulia Lukyanova Pre-Masters 2009-2010, Masters in Psychology, University of St Andrews.
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/elt Centre for International Foundation Programmes Kinnessburn Kennedy Gardens St Andrews Fife KY16 9DJ Scotland (UK) T : +44 (0)1334 462646/462255 F : +44 (0)1334 462270 E : cifp@st-andrews.ac.uk To find out more about what we offer, please go to: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/elt/foundation For current programme dates and fees, please visit: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/elt/fees Prospectus To view our current postgraduate prospectus and request a copy, please visit: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/ug This publication is available in Large Print, Braille, or Audio, on request: +44 (0)1334 463020 Photographs by: Christopher Davy, Jane Magee, Caroline Trotter. Produced by Print & Design, University of St Andrews, July 2011. All the information in this guide is correct at time of going to press. Printed by Winter Simpson on Revive Pure White Silk 100% recycled paper. The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland. No: SC013532