Course information
Length
1 year full-time
Department
English Language Centre
Design
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 BA (Hons) in Design.
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 core modules of language development:
- Academic Writing
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
The other half of the programme will introduce you to different design disciplines and practices and give you an opportunity to reflect on your own design approach. The design modules will give you a taste of undergraduate study in that area at Goldsmiths.
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 Edd Bagenal
What you'll study
Overview
The programme is made up of the following modules:
- English for Academic Purposes (2 x 30 credits)
- Department of Design foundation modules (1 x 30 and 2 x 15 credits)
English for Academic Purposes modules (30 credits each)
Students on all IFC Pathways take both of these core modules, designed to develop your ability and confidence in the four key areas of writing, reading, listening and speaking.
English for Academic Purposes modules | Module title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Academic Reading and Writing | 30 credits | |
Academic Listening and Speaking | 30 credits |
Department of Design foundation modules
All students on the Design Pathway take the following three modules in the Department of Design.
Design foundation modules | Module title | Credits |
---|---|---|
What is Design? | 30 credits | |
Sketchbooks and Reflective Journal | 15 credits | |
Making Drawings Making Design | 15 credits |
Assessment
The English for Academic Purposes modules of the programme are assessed by a mixture of coursework, written examination and presentation. The design modules will include assessment of a portfolio of work, a reflective journal and an exhibition.
Download the programme specification, for the 2019-20 intake. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office.
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for the International Foundation Certificate in Design are:
Academic |
A good high school leaving certificate or equivalent academic study with some evidence of learning in relevant subjects. You will also need to submit a portfolio of work to demonstrate art and design skills and experience. |
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 |
Only international students can apply. Applications from home/EU students will not be accepted. |
Portfolio |
You will need to supply a portfolio of your design related work or a written visual presentation (including images) that shows at least three previous projects in a related field, uploaded as a PDF or a link to a similar portfolio online. |
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 2019/20 academic year.
- International - full-time: £14440
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 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 portfolio
- A personal statement
- English Language certificates
- Transcript or student record