Summary
- Faculty of Education, Law & Social Sciences
- School
- The School of Secondary and Post-Compulsory Education and Training
- Campus
- City North , Perry Barr
- Duration
- Full Time: 1 year
- Fees
- International Students: £6,400 per year
Overview
The Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCEAP) is a university preparation course for international students whose first language is not English.
It aims to develop English language skills and raise awareness of UK academic conventions and practices so that students will find it easier and more rewarding to study here.
Many students continue to study at Birmingham City University on either undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes after taking FCEAP.
FCEAP may be accepted as an English language entry qualification by other universities, but to broaden opportunities, candidates can take the Warwick University English Language Test (WELT) here at Birmingham City University, which is widely accepted in the UK and in many countries throughout the world.
We also believe that socialising is an important part of the learning experience so we provide a varied programme of lively activities such as bowling, sightseeing and eating out.
Our aim is to produce confident, reflective, independent learners who are well prepared for academic study in a UK university.
Key Facts
The Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes is an accredited course aimed at international students to improve their written and spoken English. It will enable non-native English speakers to be better equipped to tackle courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
The accreditation is consistent with the national standard of awards and because it is located within the Faculty of Education, Law and Social Science, it is governed by the Faculty’s quality assurance procedures.
The new revised course has six modules instead of 10, including a new culture module that gets students out of the classroom and into the local community.
There are a range of assessments, such as exams, essays and presentations to suit all learning styles and as modules are taught by different tutors, students can experience a variety of teaching styles.
Course Outline
Course Structure
Attendance is compulsory and full time. Successful students will be awarded the Foundation Certificate and any who hold an offer for an academic course will not need to retake IELTS or its equivalents. Successful completion of FCEAP allows students to progress automatically to their selected field of academic study.
Successful completion of FCEAP is consistently above 80 Per cent and successful completion of degree programmes for students who have firstly undertaken the FCEAP is high.
The FCEAP has a varied learning environment. Students can meet tutors on an individual basis in tutorials and assessments are designed to meet individual needs while increasing confidence in using English in both social and academic contexts.
Module assessments include a research-based essay, a spoken presentation and tests. We also have the Galton Learning Centre with a wide range of audio-visual materials, CD-ROMs and reference books that participants can use to develop independent study skills.
Modules
| P1 |
Course Modules - September to January |
P1 |
Course Modules - February to June |
Reading writing and reasoning (Foundation) (Module EM0V01) – 30 Credits
Speaking and communication skills (Module EM0V02) –15 Credits
Culture in action (Module EM0V03) –15 Credits
|
Reading writing and reasoning (consolidation) (Module EM0V04) – 30 Credits
Listening and note-taking (Module EM0V05) – 15 Credits
Academic speaking (Module EM0V06) –15 Credits
|
| Foundation Certificate In English For Academic Purposes (120 Credits At Level 3) |
| BA/ BSc/BEng/BMus/MMus/MSc/MBA/MA/PhD |
Assessments
Assessment methods are varied to meet all learning styles and are relevant to academic programmes. They include an essay, an exam, making a video, a poster presentation and an individual oral presentation.
After your studies
Further Studies
Students who successfully complete the course could join the following programmes: BA, BSc, BMus, BEng, MA, MSc, or PhD in any of Birmingham City University’s faculties.
Employment Opportunities
Our students have taken up careers in playing and teaching music professionally, opening businesses, management roles within large corporations, or helping to run the family firm. Arts graduates have taken up careers in the film industry, advertising and fashion.
How to apply
Entry Requirements
| You have IELTS |
You need IELTS |
Recommended course |
| 4.5 |
6.0 |
FCEAP Second semester only |
| 5.0 |
6.5 |
FCEAP Full Year |
| 5.5 |
6.5 |
FCEAP Second semester only |
| 5.5 |
7.0 |
FCEAP Full year |
| 6.0 |
7.0 |
FCEAP Second semester only |
Application Details
Direct to University via International Office.
See more general information on making your application for a course at Birmingham City University.
Fees Notes
If you already have an equivalent level qualification, you may be charged a higher fee for your course. For further information visit the fees area of the Student Info section.
Further Information
The University holds regular Open day events when timed presentations about the course are given.
Further visit days are offered when places on the course have been offered, enabling students to ask more specific questions about the course.
The Faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences
Birmingham City University
Faculty Office
4th Floor,
Dawson Building
City North Campus
Perry Barr
Birmingham
B42 2SU
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 7300
Fax: +44 (0)121 331 6622
Email: education@bcu.ac.uk
Web: Faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences