International Foundation Programme in Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture

A one-year programme to prepare international students for their undergraduate degree.

• Academic Good high school graduation grades or equivalent
• English language - Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 (minimum 5.0 in writing)
• Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 6.0 in writing, no skill below 5.5) is required for students aiming to progress to Medicine, Dental Surgery, Pharmacy, Optometry and Medical Pharmacology, Journalism and Communications; Journalism, Communications and Politics; Media and Communications or Media, Journalism and Culture.
• Age 17

Core Modules

1. Pure mathematics
The overall aim of the module is to provide students with a foundation in core mathematical concepts and theories in engineering and science disciplines. The module supports students to recall mathematical facts, concepts and techniques, and develop the mathematical background required for their studies at Higher Education in the UK. 

2. Design Thinking and Idea Generation
The overall aim of the module is to improve students’ understanding and critical appreciation of the ideas, practices and techniques in relation to design thinking processes, focusing particularly on how to structure a project, how to conduct research from a variety of primary and secondary data, and how to produce and generate ideas with on-going evaluation and reflection. Students will practise each stage of the creative process based on a given brief, considering the needs of clients and for a specific audience. Students will practise with appropriate and professional communication skills to boost their confidence in participating and discussing ideas. In addition, this is a preliminary module which consolidates fundamental skills for all future learning in a design project. 

3. Building information Modelling for Architects
This module sets out essential concepts and skills relating to architectural drawings, both manual and using the basic features of the latest professional technical tools such as Revit. Students can continue to use their skills during their studies in Higher Education and their exposure to industrial software such as Revit will play a key factor in their employability and future professional development. The emphasis in this module is to continue to develop the students’ relevant computing skills while pointing the content towards the demands of first year undergraduate study in relevant subject areas. 

4. Visual and Perceptual Studies Project
This module is designed to introduce to students the development of creativity and visual perception through exploration. It seeks to develop some of the essential skills required by undergraduates studying in this field. The module will improve students’ understanding and critical appreciation of the ideas to identify their personal strengths and interests, and introduces concept development through a range of research, media, processes and reflection. In addition, students will demonstrate the ability to move through initial research to development of ideas and refine a final outcome. 

Engineering Modules

1. Applied Mathematics
The overall aim of the module is to provide students with a foundation in the relationship between mathematical models and methods that can be used to solve practical problems. Students will develop a solid understanding of mathematical notation and relevant technical terminology. The module aims to support students’ transition to undergraduate studies in physical sciences and engineering disciplines at the University of Cardiff. 

2. Fundamental Programming Concepts
This module sets out essential concepts and skills relating to Python programming. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the principles of computing (including programming) and how these are applied to the solution of real problems. The emphasis in this module is to continue to develop the students’ relevant computing skills while pointing the content towards the demands of first year undergraduate study in relevant subject areas. 

3. Maths and Stats 2
The overall aim of the module is to provide students with a foundation in core mathematical and statistical concepts. The module supports students to recall principles and concepts in statistics and develop the mathematical and statistical background, required for their studies at Higher Education in the UK. 

4. Physics
The overall aim of the module is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of foundations in physics including phases of matter, thermal properties of matter, elastic properties of solids, waves, electrical circuits, and basic data analytics skills. The module aims to develop students’ physics background, providing them with the sound foundation required for their studies at Higher Education in the UK. The module focuses on student-led activities to boost their confidence when carrying out practical tasks and applying their mathematical skills to solve physics problems. Additionally, students will build their technical English writing skills to critically analyse and discuss results obtained from practical tasks. 

Physical Sciences Modules

1. Fundamental Programming Concepts
This module sets out essential concepts and skills relating to Python programming. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the principles of computing (including programming) and how these are applied to the solution of real problems. The emphasis in this module is to continue to develop the students’ relevant computing skills while pointing the content towards the demands of first year undergraduate study in relevant subject areas.

2. Maths and Stats 2
The overall aim of the module is to provide students with a foundation in core mathematical and statistical concepts. The module supports students to recall principles and concepts in statistics and develop the mathematical and statistical background, required for their studies at Higher Education in the UK. 

3. Urban Environment
The aim of this module is to explore how cities grow and change and how urbanisation process has impacted urban and public life. Students will be introduced to the factors and processes that have influenced and promoted urban growth and consider their relevance from history to contemporary urban contexts. Students will understand and explore the concepts of diversity, integration, sustainability and social inclusion, and develop the skills for critical thinking and analysis of their environment. In addition, students will gain experience of field work, project work and interaction with local communities to learn what will prepare them for a wide range of urban environment study in future learning.

£18,750 Course Fee (ISC) 

£235 Enrolment Fee (non-refundable) 

£1,000 Deposit