Foundation Certificate: Science and Engineering
Aim
Foundation Certificate: Science and Engineering prepares you for an undergraduate degree in the Faculties of Pure Science or Engineering at the University of Sheffield. The course provides quality learning and integrated academic studies in science and engineering, advanced level English language, and comprehensive study skills. In order to succeed, students should have studied Maths and Science in their own country at a level ABOVE the minimum requirements for at least 1 year.
The University of Sheffield’s undergraduate degrees are highly regarded as quality learning by employers across a range of industries. Guided by the latest developments in each subject, the University’s degree courses equip students with cutting-edge skills and abilities, and produce graduates who stand out in increasingly competitive job markets.
Engineering is one of The University's great strengths, and it was announced in August 2011 that an extra £21 million will be invested in its highly respected Faculty of Engineering. With 30% of UK engineering graduates coming from overseas, the Sheffield International College provides an excellent route to academic success in this field.
Sheffield International College is now offering a new course - Foundation in Science and Engineering (Maths and Science)for students who meet the overall entry for the 2 Term Foundation Certificate in Science and Engineering, but who either:
- Have lower than average scores in Mathematics and Science, and need to strengthen their subject knowledge
- Have been out of full time education for more than a few months and would benefit from reviewing core curriculum
- Are concerned they may struggle to achieve good results in the shorter, two term course
- Would like to solidify their basic Mathematics & Science knowledge before quality learning at a higher
level - Wish to increase their chances of obtaining good results in their further studies
It is a 3 Term course where students would benefit extra from an introductory term in Maths and Science in Term 1 which leads onto the traditional 2 Term Science and Engineering Foundation Certificate. The course outline could be found from ‘Downloads’ section on the right hand side of this page. Contact us if you have any more questions about this course!
Entry requirements
Entry into the Foundation Certificate course requires students to have successfully passed high school Grade 12 or equivalent. The exact entry requirements vary from country to country.
Find out more about entry requirements
Students wishing to take the Foundation Certificate in Science and Engineering are also subject to additional entry requirements.
The Certificate has flexible entry points depending on your level of English proficiency. The table below shows the different levels, course durations and start dates available:
| Course | Language Requirements | Duration | Start dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation in Science and Engineering (with Pre-sessional English) | IELTS 4.0 with min 4.0 in each component | 5 Terms | January 2012 |
| Foundation in Science and Engineering (Maths and Science) |
IELTS 4.5 or equivalent | 4 terms | January 2011 |
| Foundation in Science and Engineering | IELTS 5.5 (min 4.5 in each skill) or equivalent | 2 terms | January 2011 |
Course Outline
Student Tutorials
All students have a Learning Support Tutor who will work with you throughout your academic course at the college, and support you in achieving your study goals. Through regular meetings, your tutor can offer valuable advice to help you develop your study skills and knowledge, ensuring you receive a quality learning experience.
Assessment
Students are assessed through a combination of assignments, periodic tests and end-of-module examinations. Full-time attendance is an important part of the assessment.
Progression
The Certificate allows you to progress to the first year of an undergraduate degree within the Faculties of Pure Science or Engineering. Your place is guaranteed when you complete the Certificate course and achieve the grades stipulated in your offer letter. To find out more about our quality learning please follow the Quick Link to progression routes on the right.
Additional Entry Requirements
When considering applications to Sheffield International College, the below should be considered for all applicants seeking a progression route within:
Science: must have both the equivalent of Maths GCSE grade C and Science GCSE grade C.
Engineering: must have the equivalent of Maths GCSE grade C
| Country | Science and Engineering |
|---|---|
| UK education system | GCSE Maths grade C |
| Bangladesh and Nepal | Pass SSC with minimum grade of 60% |
| Brazil | Pass Grade 6 |
| China | Pass SM2 with minimum grade of 70% |
| Gulf Cooperation Council states | Pass SSC with minimum grade of 60% |
| Hong Kong and Macau | Pass HKCEE with minimum grade of Grade C |
| India | Pass 10th with minimum grade of 70% |
| Indonesia | Pass SM2 with minimum grade of 60% |
| Japan | Pass KGC with minimum grade of 3 |
| Kenya and East Africa | Pass KCSE with minimum grade of Grade D |
| Korea | Pass with minimum grade of Grade C |
| Malaysia | Pass SPM with minimum grade of C6 |
| Pakistan | Pass SSC with minimum grade of 60% |
| Russia | Pass Attestat with minimum grade of Grade 3 |
| South Africa | Pass Year 12 with minimum grade of 50% |
| Southern African education system (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius) | Pass GCSE with minimum grade of Grade C |
| Sri Lanka | Pass O-Level with minimum grade of S |
| Taiwan | Pass SM2 with minimum grade of 70% |
| Thailand | Pass M5 with minimum grade of 2.8 |
| Turkey | Pass HSC with minimum grade of 45% |
| US | Pass Year 11 with minimum grade of 2.8 |
| Vietnam | Pass Year 11 with minimum grade of 7.0 |
| West African education systems (Nigeria / Ghana etc) | Pass WASSCE with minimum grade of C6 |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | Pass SL with minimum grade of 5 |