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Course information

Length

1 year full-time

Department

Centre for Academic Language and Literacies
Computing

Course overview

This one-year programme gives you the opportunity to develop your English language, become familiar with UK academic culture, and prepare to study for a BSc degree in Computer Science, or Creative Computing.

This programme combines relevant content modules with the development of language and study skills. You will develop the ability to:

  • reason critically
  • develop an argument
  • analyse and interpret a range of text types
  • work cross-culturally
  • structure and communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
  • participate constructively in groups
  • manage time
  • work independently
  • find information and use IT

Half of the programme will focus on the four compulsory modules of language development:

  • Academic Writing
  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Speaking

The other half of the programme will be taught in the Department of Computing and will focus on ‘Foundations of Problem Solving and Programming’.

You will have a personal tutor, who you meet in small groups or on a one-to-one basis to discuss progress on the course, general approaches to study, and ways of maximising language learning. Tutors will also support you in finalising your plans for future study. 

You are encouraged throughout the programme to work independently and in particular to use the resources available in the Goldsmiths Library.

Guaranteed progression

If you pass the programme at the required level (a pass in all modules with an overall score of 50% or more), you will be guaranteed a place on a related Goldsmiths degree programme:

Alternatively you may choose to continue your studies at another university. 

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Helen Hickey.

What you'll study

Overview

The programme is made up of the following modules: 

  • English for Academic Purposes (2 x 30 credits)
  • Option modules – choose two modules offered by academic departments (2 x 30 credits)

English for Academic Purposes modules (30 credits each)

Students on all IFC Pathways take both of these compulsory modules, designed to develop your ability and confidence in the four key areas of writing, reading, listening and speaking. Depending on your English language proficiency, you can choose between either Collaborative Research or Academic Listening and Speaking.

 

Module title Credits
Academic Reading and Writing 30 credits
Academic Listening and Speaking 30 credits
or
Collaborative Research 30 credits

Department of Computing foundation modules (30 credits each)

You take the following Computing modules:

Module title Credits
Foundations of Problem Solving 30 credits
Foundations of Programming 30 credits

Assessment

All modules of the programme are assessed by a mixture of coursework, written examination and presentations.

Successful completion at the required level will guarantee you a place on a relevant Goldsmiths degree programme.

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Between 2020 and 2022 we needed to make some changes to how programmes were delivered due to Covid-19 restrictions. For more information about past programme changes please visit our programme changes information page.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for the International Foundation Certificate in Computing are:

Academic

A good high school leaving certificate or equivalent academic study with some evidence of learning in relevant subjects. 

You should also demonstrate numeracy skills at, or equivalent to, grade C in GCSE Mathematics. 

English

Evidence of English language proficiency:

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) IELTS 5.0 overall with no element lower than 5.0. 

If you have a lower English language score you may be accepted after successfully completing one of our Pre-sessional English courses. 

Age

You must normally be 17 years of age or above. 

Country of residence and nationality

All non-native English speakers will be considered. However, please be aware that all students will be subject to the International rate of fees.

If you are not sure which type of IELTS test you need to take, contact our Immigration Advisory Service.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of UKVI IELTS 5.0 (with no individual score lower than 5.0) to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Fees & funding

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

  • International - full-time: £16820

Find out about our undergraduate tuition fees and funding opportunities.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

How to apply

As part of your application you'll need to include: 

  • A reference
  • A personal statement
  • English Language certificates
  • Transcript or student record

Student work

Students from the International Foundation Certificate programme made this film about studying at Goldsmiths

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