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Course information

Length

1 year full-time

Department

Centre for Academic Language and Literacies

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 BMus/BScElectronic Music, Computing and Technology

The International Foundation Certificate (IFC) programme is aimed at undergraduate students who need a year to:

  • develop or consolidate their language skills in academic English
  • undertake preliminary study in the subject areas they would like to study at undergraduate level
  • familiarise themselves both with ways of working in British academic culture and in the standards required at degree level

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 introduce you to the historical and cultural context of music studies and the foundations of computing 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 are 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 the Admissions Tutor, Helen Hickey.

What you'll study

Overview

You'll complete the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
Academic Reading and Writing 30 credits
Introduction to Musicology 15 credits
Foundations of Programming 30 credits
Foundation for Composition 15 credits

Depending on your IELTS level, you'll take either:

  • Academic Listening and Speaking (IELTS 6.0 or below)
  • or Collaborative Research (IELTS 6.5 or above)

Assessment

The English for Academic Purposes and the computing modules of the programme are assessed by a mixture of coursework, written examination and presentation. The music modules will include a research project and a listening assessment. 

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 Electronic Music, Computing and Technology 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: £TBC

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
  • A portfolio - this should be one short piece of your own original music, created using a computer

Student work

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

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