Lively eyes

What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most widely
recognised examination system in English language taken by international students
wishing to come and study in UK further or higher education. Students applying for
courses in FE colleges need to show evidence of competence in English language
and as IELTS is the most commonly used system for doing this, although others suchTOEFL or some Cambridge exams may also be accepted.
What is a foundation year programme?
Many FE colleges offer one-year international foundation year or 'access'
programmes. These programmes have different discipline-specific modules and
prepare students to enter an honours degree programme at undergraduate level.
They also include modules that can help international students reach the required
level in English language and develop the study skills needed for degree level study.
What are the benefits of doing a foundation year programme in FE?
If your aim is to study on an undergraduate degree programme at university, a
foundation year programme may help provide you with access to this. Many
universities prefer students who have completed foundation year programmes first,
and may even accredit or have official agreements with colleges offering them. This
means that you may be guaranteed a place on a course at a particular university,
provided that you pass the foundation year.
What is a foundation degree course?
A foundation degree programme is a vocational degree course which combines
academic study and work-based learning. FE colleges offering these universityaccredited
courses collaborate with local employers so that students can develop
their skills in the real workplace as part of their course. They may be full-time or parttime,
and involve modular elements, distance learning or online learning. Two-year
foundation degree programmes can often be topped up with a further year of study if
students wish to receive an honours degree, often at a university with which your FE
college is in partnership.
Will there be an orientation or induction programme to help me settle in when I
arrive?
All FE colleges are likely to provide an induction programme for home and/or
international students at the start of the academic year. This may be a one-day
induction or last for several days. It is likely to include an orientation to the college
and some of the study skills you will need on your course. It will allow you to meet
key people from the college and make friends with other students.
Will someone from college be there to help me when I arrive in the UK?
Many FE colleges operate a 'Meet and Greet' service at major airports in the UK.
This means that they will meet you on arrival and take you to the college by coach or
minibus. You should be able to find information about this service on your college
website or by emailing your college directly.
Where will I live when I arrive at college?
Accommodation options will vary depending on the location of your FE college.
Common options include staying in a college hall of residence, sharing a house or
flat with other students, finding a private bedsit, or living with a homestay family. Not
all of these options are available through every college. You should contact your
college accommodation office to find out what options are available for you in the
location where you will be studying.
How much support can my FE college give me if I want to find a job?
Many colleges put an emphasis on providing courses that increase their students'
opportunities
What about my personal safety while studying at college in the UK?
FE colleges are particularly concerned about the welfare of their international
students and want them to feel safe and secure while studying in the UK.
What is a Sixth Form college and why is it relevant to FE?
Sixth Form relates to the final 2 years of secondary education in the UK. Sixth Form
colleges focus on preparing students for pre-university exams.
What links do FE colleges have with their local community?
What is a college summer school?
Many FE colleges run summer schools between July and September.
What is an English Language Plus programme?
Some FE colleges offer English Language Plus programmes.
What size classes will there be on my course?
FE colleges prefer to teach students in smaller groups where possible. This means
that you are likely to experience an average class size of 15 for teaching.
Will I be able to choose several courses or units rather than just one?
FE colleges offer quite a lot of flexibility in terms of the courses that you can 'mix and
match' in your programme of study. For example it may be possible to follow
vocational and academic courses together. English Language Plus is often available
combined with an International Foundation Year programme.
What is the difference between an FE college and a private college?
There is a difference between FE colleges and private colleges. Only FE colleges
are subject to regular government inspection to ensure that their courses meet
national standards for quality. Private colleges are not subject to such regulation and
may reflect variable quality as a result. In contrast, some universities retain the word
'college' as part of their titles. These HE institutions are not the same as private
colleges but have full university status.