INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME 2018 · 6 University of Kent / International Foundation Programme WHY CHOOSE KENT? ... theatre at the heart of the campus. ... Statistics and one

The UK’s European universityKent International Pathways

INTERNATIONALFOUNDATIONPROGRAMME 2018Preparing you for a successful future

2 University of Kent / International Foundation Programme

42%of our academic staffare from overseas andwe have studentsrepresenting 158nationalities.

97%of research at Kent wasfound to be of internationalquality in the most recentResearch ExcellenceFramework (anindependent nationalsurvey of UK universities).

4THKent gained the 4thhighest score for overallstudent satisfaction in the2016 National StudentSurvey.

21STThe University is ranked21st, its highest everposition, in the TimesHigher Education (THE)‘Table of Tables’ 2017.

22NDKent is ranked 22nd inthe UK in The GuardianUniversity Guide 2018.

96%More than 96% of Kentstudents who graduatedin 2016 were in work orfurther study within sixmonths.

Quintin Lake

3www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

KENTRATED

OUTSTANDING TEACHING

Based on the evidence available, the TEFPanel judged that the University of Kentdelivers consistently outstanding teaching,learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK.

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On behalf of everyone here at the University of Kent,I am delighted that you are considering studyingwith us. I am confident that our high-qualityteaching, dedicated student support and excellentfacilities here at Kent will allow you to succeed. Ourcourse runs on our Canterbury campus, close to thehistoric city which we know you will love. I lookforward to welcoming you on to the InternationalFoundation Programme at Kent, where we canprepare you for a successful academic future.

Sebastien Cadinot, Director, Centre for English and World Languages and Kent International Pathways

University of Kent / International Foundation Programme

A WARM WELCOME

CONTENTSInternational Foundation Programme 5Why choose Kent? 6Ten reasons to choose Kent’s IFP 7Student profile 8Your study programme 10Student profile 18Supporting you 20Accommodation 21Living on our Canterbury campus 22Rewarding excellence 24Fees and how to apply 25Visit the University 26

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Who is the IFP for?The IFP is ideal for you if any ofthese apply: • you have excellent high school

grades but your qualificationis not suitable for direct entryto a UK university

• you have not gained the gradesyou need for direct entry on toan undergraduate programme

• you need additional languagesupport to prepare you forundergraduate study

• you want to spend a yearbecoming familiar with lifeand studying in the UK.

How is it structured?We have pathways in Business andEconomics, Law, Architecture andDesign, Psychology, Social Sciences,Sciences and Humanities, whichlead on to a range of degrees.Our September-start AutumnIFP runs over three terms andthe February-start accelerated

Spring IFP for some pathways runsover two terms.

Experienced teamWe are proud to manage anddeliver our own InternationalPathway Programmes. With nearly40 years of experience in helpinginternational students prepare fortheir learning journey, you willbe joining an experienced anddedicated Centre. We are afounding member of the UniversityPathway Alliance (UPA), an allianceof leading UK universities thatmanage and deliver their ownin-house academic and Englishlanguage programmes.

The University of Kent’stailored InternationalFoundation Programme(IFP) prepares you forundergraduate studyin the UK.

Based on our Canterbury campus,the IFP allows you to develop theskills, knowledge and confidenceyou need to be successful. Ourteam supports you as you settlein to student life, giving you thechance to focus fully on yourstudies. We are very experiencedin working with internationalstudents, supporting their transitionto university and making it excitingand enjoyable.

You graduate from the IFP wellprepared for university study,a confident learner, with lifelongfriends and at ease with life oncampus and in the UK.

www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

TERM DATES 2018/19Autumn IFP

Welcome Week 17 September 2018 – 21 September 2018

Autumn term24 September 2018 – 14 December 2018(Holiday 29 October 2018 – 2 November 2018)

Spring term14 January 2019 – 5 April 2019(Holiday 18 February 2019 – 22 February 2019)

Summer examination term6 May 2019 – 14 June 2019

Spring IFP (accelerated)

Welcome Week 28 January 2019 – 1 February 2019

Spring term4 February 2019 – 12 April 2019

Summer term29 April 2019 – 5 July 2019

Summer examination week8 July 2019 – 12 July 2019

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATIONPROGRAMME

www.universitypathwayalliance.org


WHY CHOOSE KENT?

The University of Kentis a leading UK universitywith an internationaloutlook and an excellentreputation for teachingand research. We receiveda gold award in theTeaching ExcellenceFramework*.

We offer a superb overall studentexperience, with first-classacademic and social facilitiesand lots of opportunities to gainthe transferable skills that employerslook for.

Your Kent experienceAn international communityKnown as the UK’s Europeanuniversity, we are a global university.Forty-two per cent of our academicstaff come from outside the UK andour students represent 158 differentnationalities, creating a vibrant,multicultural place to study. On theIFP, there are over 45 nationalitiesrepresented. The University’s UKcampuses are in Canterbury andMedway; we also have a studycentre in Tonbridge, andpostgraduate centres in Rome,Paris, Brussels and Athens.

Superb student experience The Canterbury campus hasa lively atmosphere and a diversecommunity. There are ninerestaurants, many study centres,a world-class library, a music centre,and the Gulbenkian – a cinema andtheatre at the heart of the campus.We also have first-class sportsfacilities. The students’ union runsa Student Media Centre and over200 clubs and societies, as wellas festivals throughout the year.

A foundation for your futurecareerWe have one of the best graduateemployment rates in the UK. Morethan 96% of our 2016 graduateswere employed or in further studywithin six months of graduation.

Develop transferable skills At Kent, we run an innovative andnationally recognised ‘EmployabilityPoints’ scheme, which encourages

you to develop transferable skillsthrough a range of extra-curricularactivities.

Global opportunitiesOur partnerships with over 170prestigious universities around the world in 37 countries mean thatyou have the opportunity to study for a year or sometimes a term atsome of the best universities in theworld. Our courses have a stronginternational focus, delivering yourteaching within an internationalcontext. We encourage you todevelop a global perspectiveto your learning.

Flexible programmesMany of our undergraduatedegrees offer you the option tospend a year in industry. It is alsopossible to add a year in computingor a year in arts to your degree.

*The University of Kent’s Statement of Findingscan be found at www.kent.ac.uk/tef-statement

DID YOU KNOW?In the QS World UniversityRankings 2017, 11 of Kent’ssubject areas were ranked inthe top 200 internationally.

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TEN REASONS TO CHOOSEKENT’S IFP

www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

1/ Guaranteed progression on to a wide range of coursesProgression on to your degree is automatic at the end of your IFP course if you achieve therequired grades. We offer progression on to 300+ degree courses at the University of Kent.

2/ A great location – a place to inspireOur Canterbury campus, set in beautiful parkland with views of the city, is a short walk or bus ridefrom the world-famous, historic city of Canterbury. Canterbury has fantastic travel links to London,Europe and beyond.

3/ Tailor your programme to your interests Depending on your pathway, you can choose a number of your subject modules to builda programme and experience to fit your study interests.

4/ Develop your academic skills and academic EnglishYou study specialist academic skills and, if needed, language modules essential for your studyand beyond. Skills you learn include extended research and writing, and presentation and groupwork skills.

5/ Become a University of Kent student You can fully experience student life on your pathway programme. You have access to all the sport,study, social and support facilities at the University.

6/ Inspirational teachingA great teacher doesn’t just teach you, they inspire you. Here at Kent, we are renowned fora teaching style that brings your subject to life and encourages you to think independently.Our academics have an outstanding ability to pass on their passion for their subject, and witha student to staff ratio of just 13:1, you are in a great position to make the most of their expertise.

7/ A dedicated international team Many of the staff at our Centre have studied or lived abroad. Our experienced, friendly IFP teamwork hard to help you to fulfil your potential and support you in your study and life in the UK.

8/ Personalised support You have an Academic Adviser to guide you through your course. You also have regular tutorialswith your teachers on each of your modules.

9/ A home from homeWe offer you on-campus accommodation for the IFP and your first year of undergraduate studyat Kent. We have a range of accommodation options.

10/ Achieve excellence We have a strong record of success. The majority of our IFP graduates go on to achieve a 2.1(merit) or a First (distinction) on their degree programmes.


“You learn so many thingsthat will benefit you in thefuture; it transforms you.”

9www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

STUDENT PROFILE

What about your fellowstudents?There were around 120 studentsdoing lots of different modulesbut we all came together for ouracademic skills modules. Afterlectures, we would get togethersocially and that is how I got toknow people. Everyone was sofriendly, it felt like I’d just joineda new family here. It was great.

Tell us about your IFP studies.When I started the IFP I wasvery motivated; I had to get an aggregate score of 65% toprogress to an Economics degreeand I wanted to prove that I coulddo it. The IFP is challenging but theteachers are incredibly supportive.The feedback they give you on yourwork is fantastic and I was able to use that feedback to improve my grades. You are taught aboutessay writing, referencing and how to study independently. Yougain critical competence, anunderstanding of how to frame yourresponse to a question rather thanjust writing everything you know. Itdoes take time to adjust but in theend my exams went well and I goton to my chosen degree.

Did the skills you learnt on theIFP help in your undergraduatestudies?Yes, absolutely, I think everyoneshould do a foundation year. I stillremember my first Economicslecture: I thought ‘What have I letmyself in for?’ But the study skillsand knowledge I had gained onthe IFP had given me a foundationon which to build.

Did you enjoy your degree?Yes, I did. Obviously, I was delightedto get a First. When my lecturer toldme I felt so happy; when I got my A-level results I was very disappointedand never imagined I would be ableto get a First, but now I have.

I took the year in industry optionso spent time on two placements,one at the Office for NationalStatistics and one at Cummins.It was good to work in the publicand the private sector and mademe realise that I do want to usethe knowledge I have learnt inmy career.

Did you join any societies?Not in my foundation year, becauseI wanted to focus on my studies.That’s not to say I didn’t enjoymyself though, we went on picnics,tours, it was really good fun.

What advice would you give tosomeone considering the IFP?Do it! You learn so many thingsthat will benefit you in the future;it transforms you, heightens yourambition and gives you thefoundation for a successful career.I could give you so many examplesof people who have benefited fromtheir foundation year: one of myfriends has become a managerwithin a year and another hasbecome a lawyer.

The IFP had a huge impact on me,it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.You make lifelong friends – myclosest friends are all frommy foundation year. I woulddefinitely recommend it.

Rajeeb Ghose studiedon the IFP in 2012. Hecompleted his EconomicsBSc in 2017, graduatingwith a first-class degree.

Where are you from originally?I was born in Kenya but then wemoved to India where I did myprimary and secondary education.

Why did you choose Kent?I wanted to study economics andwas looking at the best rankeduniversities for economics.Unfortunately, I didn’t get the A-levelresults I was hoping for, but Kentaccepted me on to the InternationalFoundation Programme (IFP). TheIFP looked interesting; it gave me achance to live on campus and takeadvantage of all the University’sresources, while preparing fordegree-level study. Also, Englishis not my first language and itgave me a chance to developmy language skills.

And Kent is kind of a family tradition– my brother, my sister, my cousinand my uncle all came here. It’slike my second home!

Did the IFP live up to yourexpectations?Yes, it was an exceptionalexperience. As an internationalstudent, you expect to find it difficultto adjust to a new education systembut I got along with everybodystraightaway. The teachers andlecturers were so friendly andsupportive, it was brilliant.


YOUR STUDY PROGRAMME

Teaching and assessmentYou learn through lectures,seminars, workshops, tutorials,online learning, independent studyand regular meetings with yourAcademic Adviser. You haveapproximately 18 hours of tuitiona week and are also expected tostudy independently for at least20 hours a week. Assessment onyour course is ongoing; we usevarious methods including exams,coursework and seminarparticipation.

For details about the programmemodules you can study, pleasevisit www.kent.ac.uk/international-pathways/ifp

Entry requirements Academic qualificationsYou need a good academic school-leaving certificate with particularstrengths in subjects linked toyour chosen degree course.Some pathways and degreeshave additional entry requirements.For detailed information aboutthe academic grades and to checkyour qualifications, please emailus on [email protected]

Language qualificationsTo study on the InternationalFoundation Programme, you needa minimum of 5.0 overall and 5.0in each skill on an IELTS for UKVI(Academic) test. If you have anEnglish language qualificationthat is equivalent to IELTS, pleasecontact us and we will advisefurther.

All students on theInternational FoundationProgramme (IFP) takean Academic SkillsDevelopment module.As well as teaching youtransferable skills so youcan be successful on yourcourse, it gives you achance to get to knoweveryone and to learnto work together.

On your foundation course, youstudy compulsory modules thatcover academic subjects for yourspecialist pathway, academic skillsand, if required, English language.You can also choose modules,either to tailor your course to yourstudy interests or to explore a newsubject.

“I am grateful for myexperience on the IFP as myacademic skills have improvedimmensely over the past year.I also got the opportunityto meet and interact withstudents from differentcountries and cultures. TheIFP offered me an excellentsocial and learning experiencedue to the internationalatmosphere and high-qualityteaching by excellentacademics.”

Sara Marzooq Former International FoundationProgramme student, now studyingat Kent Business School

11www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

Many of our degrees offer theoption of a year in industry as partof your degree, which allows youto gain valuable work experienceand gives you the opportunity toput your knowledge into practice.Business and management at Kentwas ranked 20th in the UK in TheComplete University Guide 2018.

School of EconomicsThe School of Economics has along-standing reputation for world-leading research and many of ouracademic staff serve as expertadvisers to UK, European andinternational agencies. We offerstrong academic-based supportto our students and also run a peermentoring scheme, where final-yearstudents provide support to newstudents. Economics at Kent wasranked 16th in the UK in TheGuardian University Guide 2018.

It is possible to spend a yearin industry on some of ourprogrammes.

Students on our Businessand Economics pathwaycan progress on to a rangeof degree programmes inrelated fields.

Alongside your academic skillsmodules, you choose three furthermodules depending on entryqualifications, for example:• Economics• European and International

Business • Law• Maths and Statistics• Politics and International

Relations• Psychology.

Degrees you can study From the Business and Economicspathway, you can progress on toa wide range of degrees in KentBusiness School and the Schoolof Economics including:

Kent Business School• Accounting and Finance• Business and Management

with a Year in Industry• International Business• Management• Marketing

School of Economics• Economics• Financial Economics.

Kent Business SchoolWith professional accreditation inmany areas, Kent Business School(KBS) has over 25 years’ experiencedelivering business education.

SOCIAL SCIENCES/BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

“Taking the IFP was the bestdecision I have ever made.I have now moved on to myundergraduate degree andI think that if I had notcompleted the IFP, I wouldnot be doing as well as I am.The IFP gave me backgroundknowledge on important topicsthat I have studied in my firstyear.”

Elizabeth HaFormer International FoundationProgramme student, now studyingat Kent Business School

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SOCIAL SCIENCES/LAW

If you are interested ingoing on to study law,this pathway providesyouwith the knowledgeand skills you need todo so.

Alongside your academic skillsmodules, you typically studythree of the following modules,depending on your final degreechoice and entry qualifications:• Law• Economics• History• Maths and Statistics • Philosophy• Politics and International

Relations • Psychology.

Other recommended modulesfor Law students to take includeEuropean and InternationalBusiness, and Drama, Filmand Literary Text.

Degrees you can studyStudents on this pathway canprogress on to a wide range ofdegree options offered by ourschools in the Faculty of SocialSciences. These include:• Law • International Legal Studies

with a Year Abroad• Law and Criminology• Law and Economics • Politics and Law.

Kent Law SchoolRanked 15th in The GuardianUniversity Guide 2018, withoutstanding teaching, an award-winning Law Clinic, world-leadingresearch and excellent graduateprospects, Kent Law School is theUK’s leading critical law school.At Kent, you are encouragedto develop your studies in aninternational context and thereare also opportunities to studyabroad. The Wigoder Law Buildinghouses the Kent Law Clinic, whereyou can work on live cases underthe guidance of qualified lawyers.The Wigoder also includes a replicacourt-room, giving you the chanceto hone your advocacy skills ina realistic setting.


“I had to work my way up.There was encouragementand support and my learningexperience was better as aresult. The highlight for mewas getting my results; to seethem really reflect my effortsgave me so much joy andproved that my chosendegree was indeed for me.”

Harrison OkoyeFormer International FoundationProgramme student, now studyingat Kent Law School


SOCIAL SCIENCES/ PSYCHOLOGY

Are you interested inpeople and the uniqueways they see the world?This pathway offers youa route to a number ofdegrees in Kent’s Schoolof Psychology.

Alongside your academic skills andsubject modules, you typically studythree of the following modules,depending on your final degreechoice and entry qualifications:• European and International

Business• Law• Maths and Statistics• Philosophy• Politics and International

Relations• Psychology• Sociology.

Degrees you can studyStudents on this pathway canprogress on to a wide range ofdegree options offered by ourschools in the Faculty of SocialSciences. These include:• Applied Psychology• Psychology• Psychology with Clinical

Psychology• Psychology with Forensic

Psychology• Social Psychology.

School of PsychologyPsychology at Kent is ranked 1st forgraduate prospects and 9th overallin The Complete University Guide2018. The School is a leading centrefor social psychology and also hasstrengths in cognitive, forensic anddevelopmental psychology.

We offer high levels of support,and our staff are friendly andaccessible. The internationalenvironment of the School givesyou a chance to look at the subjectfrom a wide range of perspectives.There are plenty of opportunitiesfor you to become involved in theacademic life of the School, suchas the Research ParticipationScheme, where you can gaindirect experience of psychologicalresearch. The School’s state-of-the-art facilities house specialistequipment for research activities.

“I enjoyed studying on the IFP.One of the highlights for mewas meeting people from allover the world. The moduleswere all interesting and hard,it was a good challenge forme. The level of support fromthe lecturers and academicadvisers was great and helpedme throughout my IFP.”

Cassandra Png En-YiInternational Foundation Programme(Social Sciences) student


POLITICS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES PATHWAY

If you want to understandsociety and its structures,learn why people commitcrime, or discover whatmakes us human, thispathway is for you. Itoffers a route to degreesthat broaden your outlookon the world around you.

Faculty of Social SciencesThe Faculty of Social Scienceswelcomes students across a rangeof subject areas, from business toanthropology, law and criminologyto politics. The schools within theFaculty produce high-quality,internationally recognised research,which creates an exciting academicenvironment in which to learn.

Social Sciences pathwayAlongside your academic skills andsubject modules, you typically study

three of the following modules,depending on your final degreechoice and entry qualifications:• European and International

Business• Law• Maths and Statistics• Philosophy• Politics and International


Degrees you can studyStudents on this pathway canprogress on to a wide range ofdegree options offered by ourschools in the Faculty of SocialSciences. These include:

School of Politics andInternational Relations• Politics• Politics and International

Relations

• War and Conflict

For more details about the School,see: www.kent.ac.uk/politics

School of Anthropology andConservation• Anthropology• Social Anthropology• Wildlife Conservation

For more details about the School,see www.kent.ac.uk/sac

School of Sociology, SocialPolicy and Social Research• Criminology• Cultural Studies and Media• Sociology

For more details about the School,see www.kent.ac.uk/sspssr

Centre for Journalism• Journalism

For more details about the Centre,see www.kent.ac.uk/journalism

“The lecturers are friendly andsupportive and worked closelywith us. I have always beeninterested in politics andpsychology and the lecturersmade it fun to learn moreabout them. The lecturer forthe academic skills modulewas amazing; learning howto properly write academicessays fuelled my desire tolearn more.”

Amirul Shah-Rizal International Foundation Programme(Social Sciences) student


HUMANITIES/ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Would you like to designactual buildings, or usethe latest technology tocreate imagined worlds?This pathway sets youon the road to a numberof exciting degrees and,further ahead, rewardingcareers.

Alongside your academic skillsmodules, you typically study our Artand Design* module and one of thefollowing modules, depending onyour final degree choice and entryqualifications:• Drama, Film and Literary Text• History• Maths and Statistics • Sociology.

Degrees you can studyStudents on this pathway canprogress to degree options withinKent School of Architecture and theSchool of Engineering and DigitalArts including:

Kent School of Architecture• Architecture

School of Engineering andDigital Arts• Digital Arts • Multimedia Technology

and Design

Kent School ofArchitectureKent School of Architecture (KSA)is ranked 10th in the UK in TheGuardian University Guide 2018.KSA has an enthusiastic team ofacademic staff who are respectedpractitioners in their fields. TheSchool is equipped with the latestresources, including moderndesign studios, dedicated modelworkshops, a computer studio andlabs. We also have a state-of-the-artDigital Crit Space, where studentsand tutors can interact andcontribute to ‘crit’ presentationsand tutorials.

The Kent Architectural StudentAssociation is run ‘by the studentsfor the students’. It promotes debatearound all aspects of design andorganises events.

School of Engineeringand Digital ArtsThe School of Engineering andDigital Arts offers innovative, flexibleand multidisciplinary programmesthat allow you to develop yourcreative practical skills in designand programming. You also gaina thorough understanding ofindustry-standard technologies.Design and crafts at Kent wereranked 3rd in the UK in TheGuardian University Guide 2018,and 2nd for graduate prospects.We have excellent links with industryand have worked with industrypractitioners such as Warner Bros.,The Walt Disney Company, theMoving Picture Company, award-winning documentary filmmakers,professional photographers andanimators. Many of our coursesoffer you the option to spend a yearabroad or in industry to further yourstudy and gain valuable skills. *Students who wish to take the Art and Design module must provide an electronic

portfolio of their work. See www.kent.ac.uk/ifp for details.


ARTS AND HUMANITIESPATHWAY

Study on our Humanitiespathway if you arepassionate about artsand culture or fascinatedby history, ancient andmodern.

Faculty of HumanitiesAs a student in the Faculty ofHumanities you become part of athriving academic community. Whileall schools in the Faculty have theirown distinct identity, they also takepart in interdisciplinary research,which creates a dynamic researchculture. A number of trips andevents, including lectures byhigh-profile speakers, arearranged each year. The schoolsoffer degrees covering all areasof the arts, including literature,drama, ancient and modernhistory, languages, film, thehistory of art and music.

Humanities pathwayAlongside your academic skills andsubject modules, you typically studythree of the following modules,depending on your final degreechoice and entry qualifications:• Drama, Film and Literary Text• History• Philosophy• Politics and International


Degrees you can studyStudents on this pathway canprogress on to a wide rangeof degree options in the Facultyof Humanities. These include:

School of Arts• Art History• Drama and Theatre• Film• Media Studies

For more details about the School,see www.kent.ac.uk/arts

School of English• Contemporary Literature• English and American LiteratureFor more details about the School,see www.kent.ac.uk/english

School of European Culture andLanguages• Ancient History• Comparative Literature• English Language and

Linguistics

For more details about the School,see www.kent.ac.uk/secl

School of History• History• Military History

For more details about the School,see www.kent.ac.uk/history

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SCIENCES PATHWAY

Whether your interestis in sports science orcomputer science,bioscience or engineering,our Sciences pathwaygives you the skills tomove into the area thatmost excites you.

Faculty of Sciences In the Faculty of Sciences, we buildon the strength of our individualschools to create an environmentwhere those from different scientificdisciplines can work together tocreate new and exciting areas ofresearch. Our cross-disciplinaryresearch centres cover cybersecurity, cognitive neuroscienceand cognitive systems.

Sciences pathwayAlongside your academic skills andsubject modules, you also choosethree to four modules (dependingon your chosen degree and entryqualifications) including:• Economics• European and International

Business• Fundamental Human Biology • Programming• Life Sciences• Maths and Statistics• Politics and International

Relations • Skills for Bioscientists.

Degrees you can studyStudents on this pathway canprogress on to a wide range ofdegree options offered by ourschools in the Faculty of Sciences:

School of Biosciences• Biochemistry• Biology• Biomedical Science

For more details about the School,see www.kent.ac.uk/bio

School of Computing• Business Information Technology• Computer Science

For more details about the School,see www.cs.kent.ac.uk

School of Engineering andDigital Arts• Computer Systems Engineering

For more details about the School,see www.eda.kent.ac.uk

School of Sport and ExerciseSciences• Sport and Exercise Science• Sport Management

For more details about the School,see www.kent.ac.uk/sportsciences

Medway School of Pharmacy• Pharmacology and Physiology

For more details about the School,see www.msp.ac.uk

Many degrees on this pathway offera placement year, allowing you togain relevant work experience, ora year studying abroad.

www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

“I enjoyed the IFP becausethe teachers made the subjectsstraightforward and so lessstressful. I liked studying ina class full of internationalstudents as they have differentways of studying andcommunicating. Also, I wasable to take an elective modulein sociology, which is aninteresting subject to learn.”

Wei Siang EyuFormer International FoundationProgramme student, now studyingat Kent’s School of Computing


“I would recommend the IFP,it gives you so much, not justacademically but alsosocially; I really felt I waspart of something when Iwas studying on the IFP .”

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STUDENT PROFILE

Mariam Al-Bader studiedon Kent’s InternationalFoundation Programme(IFP) before starting herBiomedical Science BSc.She is now in the secondyear of her degree.

How did you hear aboutthe IFP?I applied to study BiomedicalScience but I didn’t get the gradesI needed. The University thenoffered me a place on the IFPand I decided to accept it. I amvery happy that I did, because ithas helped me in lots of ways.

How did you feel when youarrived at Kent? Excited and tense at the same time.I am from Norway and it was the firsttime I had lived away from home.I lived on campus, which is a goodway to get to know everyone. Youdon’t feel alone; there are alwayspeople around you – walkingaround campus I can have fiveconversations in 500 metres! Thereare lots of places to eat on campusand a shop if you need supplies.The campus becomes your home– I feel like I have two homes now,Norway and Canterbury.

What did you enjoy aboutthe IFP?The class sizes are quite small,so you get lots of attention.Everybody does the AcademicSkills Development module, whereyou learn about essay writing,and referencing – it’s hard but veryuseful – as well as other study skills.

The teachers were very good.I’m not that good at maths butthe teacher we had was great.He taught maths in a fun wayand, in the end, I got 92 in thatclass, which was amazing. I alsoenjoyed the seminars, there’s a niceatmosphere which makes it easierto ask questions and get help whenyou need it. Of the science modulesI took, two were actually first-yearBSc modules, which meant whenI started my degree I was able todo an additional module – hardwork but good experience.

The pass mark for the IFP ischallenging, but we all helped eachother. I remember before one exam,we all got together in the library tohelp each other, each of us knewdifferent things so we could all helpsomeone. Even though it was justbefore the exam, it was fun, I hadnever seen anything like that before;it was really nice.

The other good thing about theIFP is that if you change your mindabout the degree you want to study,they will do all they can to help youmove on to a different degreeprogramme, as long as it is withinthe same area as your IFP.

Has your IFP helped you inyour degree studies?It has been very helpful; I didn’trealise while I was doing it howuseful it would be – I just enjoyedthe social benefits of it. But in myfirst year I realised how much ithad helped. The maths andstatistics skills I learnt have definitelybeen valuable; we were also taught

how to do presentations, anothervery useful skill. Knowing howto reference and cite sourcesis something I will need for mydissertation, so you learn a lot thatyou can use in your later studies.

Have you used the Careers andEmployability Service?Yes, they help with your CV andlots of other things, and also let youknow about internships and otheropportunities. It is a very goodservice.

What next?I am not sure. I have always wantedto be a doctor so I may pursue that.

Do you like Canterbury?I love it, it’s amazing. From themoment I came to Canterbury,I fell in love with it, it’s nice andcalm but at the same time it’s lively.It’s a good student city and you feelyou belong very quickly. It’s a goodarea and there are lots of niceplaces around it too.

Would you recommend the IFP?Definitely, it gives you so much, notjust academically but also socially;I really felt I was part of somethingwhen I was studying on the IFP.There are lots of events to helpyou get to know everyone and youare given a ‘buddy’ (a student whohas studied on the IFP previously),which is a nice idea. You learna lot of useful things, even thoughat times you think, ‘this is annoying,how is this going to help me’ – in theend it does.

www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

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SUPPORTING YOU

Our dedicated team willsupport you from themoment you apply, soplease get in touch ifyou have any questions.

During arrivals weekend, we offerall international students an airportpick-up.

When you arrive at the Canterburycampus, we host an InductionWeek to help you settle in, learnabout your course and meet yournew colleagues and teachers.Throughout your course, we inviteyou to regular events to help you getto know the University, your course,the Centre for English and WorldLanguages and your school.

Our nurturing approach developsyour talents and helps you to fulfilyour potential through differentapproaches. For example:

• you are taught in small classes,which makes it easy for you toask questions

• an Academic Adviser is assignedto you to guide your academicdevelopment throughout yourcourse

• you have subject tutorials eachterm in each of your modules,which help to develop your skills,knowledge and confidence

• you also have access to all thesupport and social activitiesoffered at the University.

We like to work in partnershipwith you and provide opportunitiesfor you to become a studentrepresentative for your course.Student representatives attendmeetings of the Staff–StudentCommittee and can put forwardtheir views, and those of their fellowstudents, on matters relating to theInternational Foundation Programme(IFP) and University life in general.

Within the Centre, there is a wealthof support available to you fromstaff and students. Our StudentSupport and Experience Officer andSenior Tutor can provide help andguidance on any matters relatingto the IFP, whenever you need it.

We have strong links to widersupport networks and servicesavailable across the University, suchas the Student Learning AdvisoryService, the Student Support andWellbeing teams and the Careersand Employability Service. There isalso an on-campus Medical Centre,nursing services, a pharmacy anda multi-faith Chaplaincy. See pp22-23 for details.

As you near completion of your IFPprogramme, we guide you throughthe next steps as you look to moveon to a degree. We also celebrateyour success with you at the endof your course.

Contact usIf you have any questions aboutthe IFP and studying at Kentat any stage, please [email protected]


“Together with our SeniorTutor, we are here to ensurethat all students registered onKent International Pathwaysprogrammes are offered thebest possible pastoral support,to enable them to make themost of their experience atKent.”

Amy Moses Student Support and ExperienceOfficer

21

ACCOMMODATION

We offer you campusaccommodation for yourIFP and your first yearof undergraduate studyat Kent.

All of our accommodation optionsare set in beautiful parkland on ourcampus with easy access to themany study, sporting and leisurefacilities available.

You can choose between threetypes of accommodation to suityour needs:• self-catered – this option means

that you have access to a sharedkitchen so you can prepare yourown meals

• bed and bistro – with this optionyour breakfast and dinner areincluded in your fees during termtime, taking the stress out of yourfirst year of university

• bed and flex – with this option,you have £8 a day, seven daysa week (during term-time only)to spend on food in a variety ofcatering outlets across campus.

Our accommodation provides youwith a home away from home in asupportive community. Communalareas create a friendly and relaxedatmosphere and are a great placeto meet new friends.

There is 24-hour support andsecurity available on campusand buses run from the city to thecampus throughout the day andnight during term-time.

Our accommodation packageincludes personal contentsinsurance, all utility costs andhigh-speed wired and Wi-Fiinternet connection throughoutthe accommodation.

For more details, prices andto take a virtual tour of eachaccommodation type, visitwww.kent.ac.uk/accommodation

How to book youraccommodationYou are guaranteed accommodationprovided you meet the followingcriteria:• the University receives

your online application foraccommodation by 31 July

and• you firmly accept (as your first

choice) either a conditional orunconditional offer from thisUniversity by 31 July.

(For those starting the IFPin February, the deadline forboth is 15 December.)

When you receive an offer tostudy on the IFP, we also sendyou details of how to book youraccommodation.

www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

“I lived in Park Wood, I lovedthe accommodation there.It’s a short walk from thecentre of campus and there’slots of greenery.”

Rajeeb Ghose, Former International FoundationProgramme student, recentlygraduated from Kent’s Schoolof Economics


LIVING ON OUR CANTERBURY CAMPUS

Our Canterburycampus is set in beautifulparkland, with modernbuildings surroundedby green open spaces,courtyards, gardensandwoodland.

The campus is just 25 minutes’walk (or a short bus ride) fromCanterbury city centre, which isone of Britain’s oldest cities. Fromthe University, there are wonderfulviews of the world-famousCathedral and the beautiful cityand countryside that surroundit. Kent’s student population istruly international, with studentsrepresenting 158 nationalities.

The campus provides all you needto excel in your studies, as well assport, music and entertainmentvenues.

Further informationwww.kent.ac.uk/locations/canterbury

Templeman LibraryThe Templeman Library providesa wealth of resources and servicesto support study and research.Its extensive print and electroniccollections are specifically aimedat supporting courses and subjectareas taught at Kent.

Our electronic resources, whichare available online wherever youare, include e-journals, e-books,databases, reference resourcesand newspaper archives. We also

provide tools and expert adviceto help you navigate the world ofonline research.

The Library has hundreds of studyspaces and PCs, Wi-Fi and printing,copying and scanning facilities. Wehave laptops you can borrow withinthe building. There are silent andquiet study zones, a social studyzone with café, and bookablegroup study and viewing rooms.

Further informationwww.kent.ac.uk/library

IT services and facilitiesWe provide full IT servicesto assist your studies, and trainingand support to help you makethe most of the facilities on offer.To help you work and study online,we provide:• student PCs across the

Canterbury campus, withspecialist subject software

• Wi-Fi access to the web andKent network in all buildingson campus, including studentbedrooms, and in some outdoorspaces

• a Kent IT account, personal email account, and many of theIT systems you will use for yourstudies.

It is also possible to access filesand resources on the Kent networkfrom off campus.

You can participate in free trainingsessions in IT, study and researchskills.

Further informationwww.kent.ac.uk/itservices

Student LearningAdvisory ServiceThe Student Learning AdvisoryService provides training andinformation on writing essays,revision and many other skills.You can find information in theform of leaflets and brochures,personal support groups andworkshops, and on the web.

Further informationwww.kent.ac.uk/learning

Personal support servicesOn campus, there is a UniversityMedical Centre, which providesa range of clinics and advice,a nursing service and a pharmacy.Other facilities include the StudentSupport and Wellbeing team, a daynursery for children up to five yearsold, and a Chaplaincy team, whichserves all the main Christiandenominations and the Buddhist,Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Sikhfaith communities on campus.

Further informationwww.kent.ac.uk/studentservices

Students’ unionOur students’ union at Canterbury(Kent Union) offers both socialand support facilities. The socialside includes a nightclub, a rangeof bars across campus, andthe purpose-built award-winningStudent Media Centre, housing thestudent radio station, newspaperand television station. Kent Unionsupports many different societies,including sports clubs andbranches of national student


societies. The advice centre canhelp with all aspects of student life.Kent Union also runs the campusJobshop and volunteering services.

Further informationwww.kentunion.co.uk

SportKent Sport members enjoy first-class facilities, including a fitnesssuite, fitness class studios andindoor tennis and netball courts.Other facilities include badminton,basketball and squash courts,outdoor tennis courts, all-weatherfootball pitches, and cricket pitches.We provide sports courses,leagues and tournaments, fitnessassessments and tailored exerciseprogrammes. You can also joina range of sports societiesand teams.

Further informationwww.kent.ac.uk/sports

The Gulbenkian The Gulbenkian is the University’sarts centre, housing a theatre,cinema and café stage for livemusic. Our exciting and diverseprogramme showcases theatreand dance from leading UK andinternational companies, plus greatstand-up, live music, spoken wordand University of Kent studentproductions. Our cinema showsthe best in film: British, foreignlanguage, indie, cult, blockbustersand favourite classics.

Further informationwww.kent.ac.uk/gulbenkian

MusicThere is a wide range of music-making at the University, andstudents of all subjects have theopportunity to get involved in theflourishing programme of extra-curricular music activities. There

are numerous bands, choirsand events, with concerts rangingfrom classical and jazz to worldand folk music. The Colyer-Fergusson Building is our musicperformance centre for concertsand rehearsals. Kent also offersmusic scholarships to talentedinstrumentalists and singers.

Further informationwww.kent.ac.uk/music

CateringThe University provides a rangeof catering facilities on campus,from traditional dining halls tobistros, as well as bars, shopsand snack machines acrosscampus. There is a wide varietyof food available, from sandwichesto hot meals, including halal foodand national cuisines.

Further informationwww.kent.ac.uk/catering


REWARDING EXCELLENCE

At Kent we believe thatall students who havethe academic potentialto benefit from ourcourses should be ableto come to the University.We therefore offer a rangeof scholarships to supportyou in your studies.

ScholarshipsWe have a number of awards ateach stage of your course.

International FoundationProgramme scholarshipsWe offer three £5,000 tuition feescholarships for students on ourAutumn International FoundationProgramme and one £5,000 tuitionfee scholarship for a student on ourSpring International FoundationProgramme. For more informationand help on how to apply, pleasecontact [email protected]

Pathway prizesTo recognise their hard work, thetop-performing students on the IFPare awarded a prize, which includesa discount on their first-year tuitionfees at the University of Kent.

Scholarships forundergraduate students Once you have progressed onto your undergraduate degreeprogramme, there are otherscholarships you can apply for,such as the music and sportsscholarships listed below.

For details of other scholarships,see: www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships

Music PerformanceScholarshipsMusic and culture bring benefitsto both individual students and tothe wider University community.In recognition of this, Kent awardsMusic Performance Scholarshipsto talented instrumentalists andsingers. New students from alldegree programmes are welcometo apply for this Scholarship, whichis not means-tested.

Further information andapplication procedure www.kent.ac.uk/music/scholarships.html

Sports scholarshipsStudents who perform at aminimum standard of county levelor equivalent can apply for a sportsscholarship.

Further information andapplication procedurewww.kent.ac.uk/sports/scholarships

“The IFP at the University ofKent is a truly well designedprogramme providing anexcellent social and academicexperience within a campusatmosphere. This is somethingthat I shall cherish a lifetime.”

Keshav Vinayagar ThavalinghamWinner of the International FoundationProgramme pathway prize in 2016,now studying at Kent Business School

25

FEES AND HOW TO APPLY

How to apply: step-by-stepguide1) Select your pathway anddegree We run seven main pathways inBusiness and Economics, Law,Architecture and Design, Sciences,Psychology, Social Sciences andHumanities. Some of our pathwaysalso offer a February start date.Find out which pathway is rightfor you by visiting www.kent.ac.uk/international-pathways/ifp

If you have any questions regardingyour application, please [email protected] and we’llbe able to help you.

2) Complete your application There are three ways to apply foryour IFP programme:• using our direct online application

form at www.kent.ac.uk/international-pathways/apply/ifpapply.html

• using one of our overseasrepresentatives in your country.For a full list of representativesnear you, visit www.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent/application/representatives/index.html

• using the Universities andColleges Admissions Service(UCAS). Please check that youhave the correct course code –these are available on thepathway page for yourchosen area of study. Seewww.kent.ac.uk/international-pathways/apply/ifpapply.html

When you apply you need toprovide us with:• your academic qualifications

or transcript• your language qualification• a short personal statement

explaining why you want to studythe IFP at Kent, what you hopeto achieve and why you selectedyour chosen degree

• an academic reference fromyour school.

If you are applying to study theArchitecture and Design pathwayyou also need to submit anelectronic portfolio. Please see ourwebsite www.kent.ac.uk/international-pathways/ifp/ifp-entry.html for help andinformation on preparing andsubmitting your portfolio.

3) Get our response When you apply, you get anautomatic email to say we’vereceived your application. Then,in around 14 days, we will emailyou with our response.

4) Accept your offer If your application is successful,we will send you your offer. Youneed to accept and return this to us.

5) Choose and apply for youraccommodationWe offer IFP students on-campusstudent accommodation for theIFP year and the first year of theirundergraduate study. We guaranteeaccommodation as long as studentsapply by the deadline. See p21.

6) Receive your CAS If you need a visa to study in theUK, once you have met all your offer conditions we will give you aConfirmation of Acceptance forStudies (CAS) and you can startapplying for your visa. For moreinformation on applying for yourvisa, visit www.kent.ac.uk/studentimmigration/applying-for-a-visa/applying-overseas.html

7) Prepare for your arrival When we send you your CAS, orconfirm your place on our courseif you don’t need a visa, we will alsogive advice and arrival informationto help you prepare for your life andstudy in the UK.

www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

TUITION FEES 2018/19International students£15,200, payable in instalments

Home/EU studentsFees to be confirmed (fees for2017/18 were £9,250). For thelatest information, email us [email protected]

26

VISIT THE UNIVERSITY

Find out more aboutbeing a student at Kent bymeeting our staff overseasor coming to visit theCanterbury campus.

In your own country Fairs and exhibitionsMembers of the University, includingacademics, regularly visit fairs andexhibitions overseas. For details ofour next visit to your country, seewww.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent

Overseas representativesKent has official overseasrepresentatives around the world.They can give you up-to-dateadvice on the courses at Kent,the application process, visarequirements and details aboutliving and studying in the UK.

To get contact details for yourlocal overseas representative, see:www.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent

Visiting the UKYou can visit us in the UK to see thecampuses and find out everythingyou need to know. Friends andfamily are all welcome. For details,see www.kent.ac.uk/opendays

Open DaysOur Open Days are big eventssuitable for everyone and offeringinformation on all our courses.These take place at our Medwayand Canterbury campuses withrepresentatives from the variousacademic schools. This makes ita good way to see what’s on offer.You can tour the campus toget a taste of what the campus

environment is like and look ataccommodation, sport, libraryand leisure facilities.

Applicant DaysApplicant Days are for thosewho have already applied to Kent.They give you an in-depth guide tostudying your subject at Kent. Youhear presentations from academicstaff and have the chance to asklots of questions. You also geta tour of the campus with oneof our current students. Seewww.kent.ac.uk/visit for details.

Informal visitsYou are also welcome to make aninformal visit to our campuses atany time. The University runs toursof the Canterbury and Medwaycampuses throughout the yearfor anyone who is unable to attendan Open Day or Applicant Day.

Personal tours of the campus canalso be arranged for you and yourfamily. It may also be possible toarrange meetings with academic

staff, although we cannot guaranteethis. For more details and to bookyour place, seewww.kent.ac.uk/informal

Self-guided toursYou can explore the Canterburycampus in person or from thecomfort of your home. Ourself-guided audio tour gives youa real flavour of the campus and youwill hear from the people who help tomake Kent such an inspiring placeto study – our staff and students.Go to www.kent.ac.uk/courses/visit/informal/audio-tour.html to getstarted.

We provide self-guided tour leaflets,for both our Canterbury andMedway campuses, which includethe main points of interest. Formore details and to downloada self-guided tour, go towww.kent.ac.uk/informal

You can also take a virtualtour of our accommodation atwww.kent.ac.uk/accommodation



This brochure was produced in August 2017. The University of Kent makes every effort toensure that the information contained in its publicity materials is fair and accurate and to provideeducational services as described. However, the courses, services and other matters may besubject to change. For the most up-to-date information, see www.kent.ac.uk/ug and for full detailsof our terms and conditions, see www.kent.ac.uk/termsandconditions

For the University to operate efficiently, it needs to process information about you foradministrative, academic and health and safety reasons. Any offer this institution makes to you issubject to your consent to process such information and is therefore a requirement before we canregister you as a student.

Kent International PathwaysCentre for English and World Languages Keynes CollegeUniversity of KentCanterburyKent CT2 7NP, UKT: +44 (0)1227 824401 E: [email protected]

www.kent.ac.uk/ifp

DPC 12510608/17PUB944

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INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME 2018 · 6 University of Kent / International Foundation Programme WHY CHOOSE KENT? ... theatre at the heart of the campus. ... Statistics and one