Course information
Length
1 year full-time
Department
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 degree in a related field.
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 BA level
- familiarise themselves both with ways of working in British academic culture and in the standards required at undergraduate degree level
It is useful for students who may not have a clear idea of exactly which subject they want to study. The programme enables you to attend lectures or choose modules in which you have a broad general interest and, with the help of the tutorial support, clarify your future area of study.
Two compulsory modules concentrate on different areas of language development:
- Academic Writing
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
A further module integrates interdisciplinary content with language and study skills development. Finally, you will select two option modules offered by various academic departments across Goldsmiths, including the Departments of Politics, Anthropology, Sociology, Educational Studies and History. The option modules will give you a taste of undergraduate study 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:
- BA Anthropology
- BA Anthropology and Sociology
- BA Anthropology and Visual Practice
- BA Arts Management
- BA Criminology
- BA Economics
- BA Economics, Politics & Public Policy
- BA Education, Culture & Society
- BA History & Politics
- BA International Relations
- BA Politics
- BA Politics and International Relations
- BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- BA Sociology
- BA Sociology & Politics
- BA Sociology with Criminology
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, Timothy Chapman.
What you'll study
For 2020–21, we have made some changes to how the teaching and assessment of certain programmes are delivered. To check what changes affect this programme, please visit the Programme Changes page
Overview
The programme is made up of the following modules:
- English for Academic Purposes (2 x 30 credits)
- Interdisciplinary modules (2 x 15 credits)
- Option modules – choose two modules offered by academic departments (2 x 15 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.
English for Academic Purposes modules | Module title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Academic Reading and Writing | 30 credits | |
Academic Listening and Speaking | 30 credits |
Interdisciplinary modules (15 credits each)
All students on the Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, and Media, Culture and Society Pathways take the following interdisciplinary modules. These introduce some basic ideas and theories that are important within many of Goldsmiths’ academic subjects, and integrate study skills and language development.
Interdisciplinary modules | Module title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Globalising Cultures | 15 credits | |
Understanding Images | 15 credits |
Option modules (15 credits each)
You select two of these modules. The option modules are taught in different departments and allow you to explore your particular area of academic interest and get a taste of the various disciplines that can be studied at Goldsmiths.
At least one option should relate to your intended area of future study. Some modules may be required for progression onto certain degree programmes. The list of IFC option modules here is indicative. Options may change and not all modules will be available each term. For full information contact the Centre for Academic Language and Literacies.
Option modules | Module title | Credits |
---|---|---|
London: Arts Capital | 15 credits | |
Urban London | 15 credits | |
Nations and Nationalisms | 15 credits | |
Identity, Movement and Change | 15 credits |
Assessment
The two compulsory English for Academic Purposes units are assessed by coursework, written examination and an oral examination. The remaining module units are assessed via a variety of methods which include, for example, essays and reflective journals.
Successful completion at the required level will guarantee you a place on a relevant Goldsmiths degree programme.
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 Social Sciences are:
Academic |
A good high school leaving certificate or equivalent academic study with some evidence of learning in relevant subjects. |
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 (immigration@gold.ac.uk).
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 2021/2022 academic year.
- International - full-time: £14600
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