Accelerated International Foundation Year in Humanities and Social Sciences

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

Students will be assessed in all four skills areas: listening, reading, speaking and writing, this is assessed through examinations, coursework, seminars and presentations.

The recommended text for this module is Academic Writing Skills for International Students by Read and English for Academic Study: Reading Course Book by Slaght.

This module will allow students to produce an artefact, either written or as a presentation, linked to their pathway degree. Students will pursue and develop subject-specific interests through an evaluative question set by the students themselves with tutor supervision. This encourages students to work independently and to reflect on the process in significant detail. This module will also allow students to develop methods of research and analysis appropriate to their specific progression route.

This module is assessed by a reflective log and an artefact (choose 1; essay, poster presentation, podcast).

Recommended reading text for this module is “The Academic Skills Handbook”.

Geography

This module seeks to develop knowledge and understanding of selected human and physical geographical processes. Students will be encouraged to develop observational, interpretative, and independent study skills. They will also use a range of skills and techniques, including the use of maps and images at different scales necessary for geographical study. It will also be possible for students to carry out research and fieldwork as appropriate to the topics selected. This module is assessed by an exam and an essay. Recommended reading texts for this module are The Geography of Tourism and Recreation; Environment Place and Space 4th Edition and Fundamentals of the Physical Environment 4th Edition.

Introduction to Modern History

This module looks to develop knowledge and understanding of selected periods of Modern History as well as the nature of historical sources and the methods used by historians, such as source analysis of primary and secondary sources. Students will also gain familiarity with and develop a critical perspective of differing interpretations of historical problems and alternative and conflicting sources of evidence.

This module is assessed by an exam and essay.

Introduction to Ancient History

This module will provide an introduction and basis for further study of a specified period of Ancient History and culture. Students will be encouraged to investigate central themes and topics of at least one ancient culture. They will gain familiarity with and develop a critical perspective of the studied historical period and the analyse various primary and secondary sources of evidence.

This module is assessed by an individual presentation.

Recommended reading texts for this module are Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic and Greek Fire.

Introduction to Liberal Arts

This module will introduce key theories, ideas and philosophies, that inform present day British and other Western societies; it will also introduce students to the relationship between a range of cultural icons and historical events and the values of society. Students will become familiar with studying primary source materials alongside relevant critical work, which locates these sources in their historical/sociological/artistic contexts as well as within a body of academic scholarship. It will also work to develop students’ ability to demonstrate critical thinking by describing, analysing and evaluating source materials, through convincing and effective academic written work.

This module is assessed by an essay.

English Literature

This module will introduce students to a wide variety of literary texts from various periods and cultures, exploring the main literary genres – poetry, prose and drama. It will introduce ways of reading texts which include an analysis of form, narrative perspective, intertextuality, literary theory, and knowledge of the context in which the text was produced. The work they undertake will develop students’ analytical and evaluative skills and increase their confidence in their personal response to literature. It will also develop their ability to write an effective, coherent and convincing argument, as well as increasing accuracy in essay writing.

This module is assessed by a group presentation and essay.

Recommended reading tests for this module are Wild Sargasso Sea and Romeo and Juliet.

Introduction to Modern History

This module looks to develop knowledge and understanding of selected periods of Modern History as well as the nature of historical sources and the methods used by historians, such as source analysis of primary and secondary sources. Students will also gain familiarity with and develop a critical perspective of differing interpretations of historical problems and alternative and conflicting sources of evidence.

This module is assessed by an exam and essay.

Introduction to Ancient History

This module will provide an introduction and basis for further study of a specified period of Ancient History and culture. Students will be encouraged to investigate central themes and topics of at least one ancient culture. They will gain familiarity with and develop a critical perspective of the studied historical period and the analyse various primary and secondary sources of evidence.

This module is assessed by an individual presentation.

Recommended reading texts for this module are Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic and Greek Fire.

Introduction to Liberal Arts

This module will introduce key theories, ideas and philosophies, that inform present day British and other Western societies; it will also introduce students to the relationship between a range of cultural icons and historical events and the values of society. Students will become familiar with studying primary source materials alongside relevant critical work, which locates these sources in their historical/sociological/artistic contexts as well as within a body of academic scholarship. It will also work to develop students’ ability to demonstrate critical thinking by describing, analysing and evaluating source materials, through convincing and effective academic written work.

This module is assessed by an essay.

Politics

In Politics, students are introduced to UK politics and government, through a range of contemporary political issues from political rights to executive power. Students will also explore political theory and ideologies from Conservatism to feminism. Politics encourages students to use their own contexts and experiences and develops the skills of persuasive argument, critical thinking, and evaluative reasoning.

This module is assessed by a debate and written speech.

Introduction to Modern History

This module looks to develop knowledge and understanding of selected periods of Modern History as well as the nature of historical sources and the methods used by historians, such as source analysis of primary and secondary sources. Students will also gain familiarity with and develop a critical perspective of differing interpretations of historical problems and alternative and conflicting sources of evidence.

This module is assessed by an exam and essay.

Sociology

This module looks to encourage students to think sociologically; to stimulate the ‘sociological’ imagination. It will introduce social science concepts and themes such as gender, family and inequality and explore the research skills needed for undergraduate study such as qualitative and quantitative data, research methods and literature reviews. Sociology also develops academic and analytical skills upon which students can build confidence for future learning and assessment.

This module is assessed by a research proposal.

Recommended texts include Discovering Sociology by Mark McCormak.

Introduction to Liberal Arts

This module will introduce key theories, ideas and philosophies, that inform present day British and other Western societies; it will also introduce students to the relationship between a range of cultural icons and historical events and the values of society. Students will become familiar with studying primary source materials alongside relevant critical work, which locates these sources in their historical/sociological/artistic contexts as well as within a body of academic scholarship. It will also work to develop students’ ability to demonstrate critical thinking by describing, analysing and evaluating source materials, through convincing and effective academic written work.

Politics

In Politics, students are introduced to UK politics and government, through a range of contemporary political issues from political rights to executive power. Students will also explore political theory and ideologies from Conservatism to feminism. Politics encourages students to use their own contexts and experiences and develops the skills of persuasive argument, critical thinking, and evaluative reasoning.

This module is assessed by a debate and written speech.

Recommended texts include UK Government and Politics for A-level Sixth edition By Philip Lynch and Political ideas for A Level: Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Feminism, Anarchism by Neil McNaughton.

English Literature

This module will introduce students to a wide variety of literary texts from various periods and cultures, exploring the main literary genres – poetry, prose and drama. It will introduce ways of reading texts which include an analysis of form, narrative perspective, intertextuality, literary theory, and knowledge of the context in which the text was produced. The work they undertake will develop students’ analytical and evaluative skills and increase their confidence in their personal response to literature. It will also develop their ability to write an effective, coherent and convincing argument, as well as increasing accuracy in essay writing.

This module is assessed by a group presentation and essay.

Recommended reading tests for this module are Wild Sargasso Sea and Romeo and Juliet.

Sociology

This module looks to encourage students to think sociologically; to stimulate the ‘sociological’ imagination. It will introduce social science concepts and themes such as gender, family and inequality and explore the research skills needed for undergraduate study such as qualitative and quantitative data, research methods and literature reviews. Sociology also develops academic and analytical skills upon which students can build confidence for future learning and assessment. This module is assessed by a research proposal. Recommended texts includ Discovering Sociology by Mark McCormak.

Introduction to Liberal Arts

This module will introduce key theories, ideas and philosophies, that inform present day British and other Western societies; it will also introduce students to the relationship between a range of cultural icons and historical events and the values of society. Students will become familiar with studying primary source materials alongside relevant critical work, which locates these sources in their historical/sociological/artistic contexts as well as within a body of academic scholarship. It will also work to develop students’ ability to demonstrate critical thinking by describing, analysing and evaluating source materials, through convincing and effective academic written work.

This module is assessed by an essay.

Foundation of Statistics

This module covers some fundamental techniques in statistics. Students will be given an opportunity to apply the skills studied to create a report by analysing a large data set. The module content includes sampling techniques, data exploration, correlation and regression, probability distributions and hypothesis testing. This module is assessed by an invigilated examination and a statistical report. Recommended texts for this module include:

• Attwood, G., Bettison, I., Clegg, A., Dyer, J., Hooker, S., Littlewood, J., Moran, B., Nicholson, J., Nicholson, S., Pateman, L., Pledger, K., Smith, H., Gallick, K. and Dyer, G. (2017). Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics – Statistics & Mechanics Year 1. London: Pearson.
• Attwood, G., Bettison, I., Clegg, A., Dyer, J., Dyer, G., Gallick, K., Hooker, S., Jennings, M., Ladal, M., Littlewood, J., Moran, B., Nicholson, S., Pateman, L., Pledger, K. and Smith, H. (2017). Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics – Statistics & Mechanics Year 2. London: Pearson.

Foundations of Psychology

This module provides students with a general introduction to the psychological processes underlying human behaviour. It will provide an awareness of application, and limitations of psychological theories. It will familiarise students with the scientific approach to interpreting data. it will provide students with an introduction to the psychological processes of cognitive development, conditioning, and social psychology. Students will develop scientific essay writing skills. This module is assessed by an invigilated examination and an essay. Recommended texts for this module include Gleitman, H., Gross, J. and Reisberg, D. (2011). Psychology (8th edition – international student edition). New York. Norton. And Walker, I. (2010). Research Methods and Statistics. Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan.

Sociology

This module looks to encourage students to think sociologically; to stimulate the ‘sociological’ imagination. It will introduce social science concepts and themes such as gender, family and inequality and explore the research skills needed for undergraduate study such as qualitative and quantitative data, research methods and literature reviews. Sociology also develops academic and analytical skills upon which students can build confidence for future learning and assessment. This module is assessed by a research proposal. Recommended texts includ Discovering Sociology by Mark McCormak.

Introduction to Liberal Arts

This module will introduce key theories, ideas and philosophies, that inform present day British and other Western societies; it will also introduce students to the relationship between a range of cultural icons and historical events and the values of society. Students will become familiar with studying primary source materials alongside relevant critical work, which locates these sources in their historical/sociological/artistic contexts as well as within a body of academic scholarship. It will also work to develop students’ ability to demonstrate critical thinking by describing, analysing and evaluating source materials, through convincing and effective academic written work.

This module is assessed by an essay.

Foundation of Statistics

This module covers some fundamental techniques in statistics. Students will be given an opportunity to apply the skills studied to create a report by analysing a large data set. The module content includes sampling techniques, data exploration, correlation and regression, probability distributions and hypothesis testing. This module is assessed by an invigilated examination and a statistical report. Recommended texts for this module include:

• Attwood, G., Bettison, I., Clegg, A., Dyer, J., Hooker, S., Littlewood, J., Moran, B., Nicholson, J., Nicholson, S., Pateman, L., Pledger, K., Smith, H., Gallick, K. and Dyer, G. (2017). Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics – Statistics & Mechanics Year 1. London: Pearson.
• Attwood, G., Bettison, I., Clegg, A., Dyer, J., Dyer, G., Gallick, K., Hooker, S., Jennings, M., Ladal, M., Littlewood, J., Moran, B., Nicholson, S., Pateman, L., Pledger, K. and Smith, H. (2017). Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics – Statistics & Mechanics Year 2. London: Pearson.

Geography

This module seeks to develop knowledge and understanding of selected human and physical geographical processes. Students will be encouraged to develop observational, interpretative, and independent study skills. They will also use a range of skills and techniques, including the use of maps and images at different scales necessary for geographical study. It will also be possible for students to carry out research and fieldwork as appropriate to the topics selected.

This module is assessed by an exam and an essay.

Recommended reading texts for this module are The Geography of Tourism and Recreation; Environment Place and Space 4th Edition and Fundamentals of the Physical Environment 4th Edition.

Sociology

This module looks to encourage students to think sociologically; to stimulate the ‘sociological’ imagination. It will introduce social science concepts and themes such as gender, family and inequality and explore the research skills needed for undergraduate study such as qualitative and quantitative data, research methods and literature reviews. Sociology also develops academic and analytical skills upon which students can build confidence for future learning and assessment.

This module is assessed by a research proposal.

Recommended texts include Discovering Sociology by Mark McCormak.

Foundation Biology

This module focuses on human biology and human health. Key processes in the human body are explained, common diseases that affect those systems identified and then ways to overcome these issues are identified. This focus on ways to explain how healthy living is important and supports the student’s development in their degree focus, including sports science, psychology, and biological sciences.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination.

Recommended texts for this module include And Freeman, S., Quilin, K., Allison, L., Black, M., Podgorski, G. and Carmichael, J. (2017). Biological Science. 6th edition. London: Pearson Education. And Hillis, D., Heller, C. H., Hacker, S. D., Hall, D., Sadava, D. and Laskowski, M. (2020). Life: The Science of Biology. 12th Edition. New York: WH Freeman. And Lowrie, P. and Smith, M. (2019). AQA A Level Biology. London: Hodder Education.

Core Foundation Mathematics

This module reviews and builds on many of the topics typically studied in mathematics in the latter years of high school. This module hopes to improve confidence in algebraic manipulation through the study of mathematical techniques and development of investigative skills. It will introduce and develop a knowledge of logarithms and their uses. The module also seeks to introduce and develop a knowledge of a range of standard techniques for differentiation and integration. This module is assessed by an invigilated examination. Recommended texts for this module include:

• Attwood, G., Barraclough, J., Bettison, I., Macpherson, A., Moran, B., Nicholson, S., Pledger, K., Smith, H., Staley, G., Ward-Penny, R., Wilkins, D., Oliver, D. and Petran, J. (2017). Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics, Pure Mathematics Year 1. London: Pearson.
• Attwood, G., Barraclough, J., Bettison, I., Goldberg, D., Macpherson, A., Petran, J., Pledger, K., Smith, H., Staley, G., Wilkins, D., Moran, B., Gallick, K., McAteer, A. and San, C. (2017). Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics, Pure Mathematics Year 2. London: Pearson.

Politics

In Politics, students are introduced to UK politics and government, through a range of contemporary political issues from political rights to executive power. Students will also explore political theory and ideologies from Conservatism to feminism. Politics encourages students to use their own contexts and experiences and develops the skills of persuasive argument, critical thinking, and evaluative reasoning.

This module is assessed by a debate and written speech.

Economics

This module seeks to introduce students to the fundamentals of economics in order to prepare them for further study in this subject. It will develop students’ theoretical and practical skills in economics, equip students with the ability to evaluate different forms of economic policies and enable students to correctly interpret economic data. This module is assessed by an examination. Recommended texts for this module include Pearson Edexcel’s A and AS Level Economics (by Alain Anderton).

Pure and Strategic Maths

This module seeks to introduce students to both pure and strategic maths. Pure mathematics explores the boundary of mathematics and pure reason. It has been described as "that part of mathematical activity that is done without explicit or immediate consideration of direct application," although what is "pure" in one era often becomes applied later. Strategic mathematics involves applying analytical methods to help make better decisions. The approach often involves constructing and using mathematical models and problem structuring methods to represent the wide range of problems encountered in the real world. The results of these models allow decisions that are more informed. The module content includes calculus, trigonometry, complex numbers, linear programming, game theory, and critical path analysis.

This module is assessed by two invigilated examinations. Recommended texts for this module include:

• Attwood, G., Barraclough, J., Bettison, I., Goldberg, D., Macpherson, A., Petran, J., Pledger, K., Smith, H., Staley, G., Wilkins, D., Moran, B., Gallick, K., McAteer, A. and San, C. (2017). Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics, Pure Mathematics Year 2. London: Pearson.
• Jameson, S., Sherran, P., Pledger, K. and Smith, H. (2017). Edexcel AS and A Level Further Mathematics – Decision Mathematics 1. London: Pearson.

Politics

In Politics, students are introduced to UK politics and government, through a range of contemporary political issues from political rights to executive power. Students will also explore political theory and ideologies from Conservatism to feminism. Politics encourages students to use their own contexts and experiences and develops the skills of persuasive argument, critical thinking, and evaluative reasoning.

This module is assessed by a debate and written speech.

Introduction to Modern History

This module looks to develop knowledge and understanding of selected periods of Modern History as well as the nature of historical sources and the methods used by historians, such as source analysis of primary and secondary sources. Students will also gain familiarity with and develop a critical perspective of differing interpretations of historical problems and alternative and conflicting sources of evidence.

This module is assessed by an exam and essay.

Sociology

This module looks to encourage students to think sociologically; to stimulate the ‘sociological’ imagination. It will introduce social science concepts and themes such as gender, family and inequality and explore the research skills needed for undergraduate study such as qualitative and quantitative data, research methods and literature reviews. Sociology also develops academic and analytical skills upon which students can build confidence for future learning and assessment.

This module is assessed by a research proposal.

Recommended texts include Discovering Sociology by Mark McCormak.

Introduction to Liberal Arts

This module will introduce key theories, ideas and philosophies, that inform present day British and other Western societies; it will also introduce students to the relationship between a range of cultural icons and historical events and the values of society. Students will become familiar with studying primary source materials alongside relevant critical work, which locates these sources in their historical/sociological/artistic contexts as well as within a body of academic scholarship. It will also work to develop students’ ability to demonstrate critical thinking by describing, analysing and evaluating source materials, through convincing and effective academic written work.

This module is assessed by an essay.

Foundations of Psychology

This module provides students with a general introduction to the psychological processes underlying human behaviour. It will provide an awareness of application, and limitations of psychological theories. It will familiarise students with the scientific approach to interpreting data. it will provide students with an introduction to the psychological processes of cognitive development, conditioning, and social psychology. Students will develop scientific essay writing skills. This module is assessed by an invigilated examination and an essay. Recommended texts for this module include Gleitman, H., Gross, J. and Reisberg, D. (2011). Psychology (8th edition – international student edition). New York. Norton. And Walker, I. (2010). Research Methods and Statistics. Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan.

Foundation of Statistics

This module covers some fundamental techniques in statistics. Students will be given an opportunity to apply the skills studied to create a report by analysing a large data set. The module content includes sampling techniques, data exploration, correlation and regression, probability distributions and hypothesis testing. This module is assessed by an invigilated examination and a statistical report. Recommended texts for this module include:

• Attwood, G., Bettison, I., Clegg, A., Dyer, J., Hooker, S., Littlewood, J., Moran, B., Nicholson, J., Nicholson, S., Pateman, L., Pledger, K., Smith, H., Gallick, K. and Dyer, G. (2017). Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics – Statistics & Mechanics Year 1. London: Pearson.
• Attwood, G., Bettison, I., Clegg, A., Dyer, J., Dyer, G., Gallick, K., Hooker, S., Jennings, M., Ladal, M., Littlewood, J., Moran, B., Nicholson, S., Pateman, L., Pledger, K. and Smith, H. (2017). Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics – Statistics & Mechanics Year 2. London: Pearson.

Sociology

This module looks to encourage students to think sociologically; to stimulate the ‘sociological’ imagination. It will introduce social science concepts and themes such as gender, family and inequality and explore the research skills needed for undergraduate study such as qualitative and quantitative data, research methods and literature reviews. Sociology also develops academic and analytical skills upon which students can build confidence for future learning and assessment.

This module is assessed by a research proposal.

Recommended texts include Discovering Sociology by Mark McCormak.

Foundation Biology

This module focuses on human biology and human health. Key processes in the human body are explained, common diseases that affect those systems identified and then ways to overcome these issues are identified. This focus on ways to explain how healthy living is important and supports the student’s development in their degree focus, including sports science, psychology, and biological sciences.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination.

Recommended texts for this module include And Freeman, S., Quilin, K., Allison, L., Black, M., Podgorski, G. and Carmichael, J. (2017). Biological Science. 6th edition. London: Pearson Education. And Hillis, D., Heller, C. H., Hacker, S. D., Hall, D., Sadava, D. and Laskowski, M. (2020). Life: The Science of Biology. 12th Edition. New York: WH Freeman. And Lowrie, P. and Smith, M. (2019). AQA A Level Biology. London: Hodder Education.