A foundation year programme can be a stepping stone into higher education, especially where the learner does not have the right qualifications to go directly onto their chosen degree.
A foundation year gives students the opportunity to get an understanding of their field before progressing to the full three- or four-year Bachelor’s degree programme. In addition to subject knowledge, students will familiarise themselves to a higher education context and gain the skills needed to complete a degree programme.
The Advanced Level Diploma for Higher Education (“ALD”) is a 90 credits programme and has been benchmarked at Level 3 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
Completion of the ALD will allow student progression to Level 4 of a named honours award within identified subject routes.
The programme is designed to meet the following frameworks:
- Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
- Framework of Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
- Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
The ALD provides guaranteed entry into degree programmes within the School of Social Sciences of the University of Gloucestershire. ( visa is required.)
See UoG’s letter of Confirmation
The ALD is a pre-university preparatory and access programme. It will enable students outside or within the UK to enhance their English language capabilities, develop academic study skills appropriate to the UK Higher Education environment and acclimate to studying in another country and cultural context very different from their own.
Students on the ALD are also able to study modules directly related to the undergraduate programmes on which they wish to progress. They are therefore able to move on to studies at FHEQ Level 4 alongside native English speakers with increased confidence in their capabilities, study skills, and subject knowledge.
The main programme aims are to:
- Provide an access route to higher education for international learners who want to study at a university undergraduate level but who, before joining the ALD, lack the necessary academic and linguistic qualifications for direct entry.
- Develop in learners the intellectual, practical, and linguistic skills and confidence necessary to demonstrate successful achievement of stated learning outcomes.
- Underpin academic work with the development of English language and university study skills, which will not only sustain students through the ALD but also provide them with the tools for continuing success at the undergraduate level and beyond.
- Allow students to meet the language criteria specified by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), as appropriate, for study at levels equivalent to those defined by public standardised tests (such as IELTS and TOEFL) for entry onto undergraduate degree programmes.
Upon successful completion of this programme, students will be able to demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes:
A. Subject Knowledge and Skills
(i) Demonstrate a sound, basic knowledge of the subjects studied.
(ii) Demonstrate evidence of a clear grasp of principles and key concepts of those subjects.
(iii) Demonstrate an awareness of theories studied within subject areas.
(iv) Show an ability to determine the strength and validity of arguments and opinions within the subject areas.
(v) Demonstrate the written and oral linguistic ability to study effectively at FHEQ Level 4.
(vi) Show a facility with a range of academic study skills necessary for success at degree level.
(vii) Demonstrate a basic degree of ability in identifying and deploying key concepts.
(viii) Appreciate the need for referencing materials appropriately and in line with university practice.
B. Practical and Transferable Skills
(i) Show the ability to construct an organized and reasoned argument.
(ii) Demonstrate the facility to analyse material critically and with some insight and creativity.
(iii) Use information technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, Internet, social media and the virtual learning environment.
C. Personal attributes
(i) Manage time and work to deadlines.
(ii) Work independently with guidance and evaluation.
(iii) Interact and work cooperatively and in groups.
(iv) Acquire information and digital literacy competencies required for higher education
PROGRAMME & CURRICULUM STRUCTURE
The RQF Level 3 ALD accrues 90 credits over five core modules and one elective module. Each module carries 15 credits. The table below summarises the prescribed programme structure
RQF Level | Module Title | Credit Value | |
3 | English for Academic Purposes | 15 credits | |
3 | Essential University Study Skills | 15 credits | |
3 | Academic Writing Skills | 15 credits | |
3 | Information and Digital Literacy | 15 credits | |
3 | Critical Thinking Skills | 15 credits | |
Electives | |||
Each Elective is linked to designated specific L4 degree entry pathways | |||
Intro to ICT: Year 1 Information and Digital Technology degree Media and Society—Year 1 degree in Communication and Media Studies Intro to Psychology—Year 1 degree in Psychology / Other Social Sciences Principles of Management—Year 1 degree in Business and Management Fundamentals of Mathematics—Year 1 degree in Computer Science | |||
3 | Intro to ICT | 15 credits | Term 3 |
3 | Media and Society | 15 credits | Term 3 |
3 | Introduction to Psychology | 15 credits | Term 3 |
3 | Principles of Management | 15 credits | Term 3 |
3 | Mathematics Essentials | 15 credits | Term 3 |
Total credits | 90 credits |
Overview of the Programme Structure
- All students undergo either a face-to-face or online induction workshop, which is not assessed and aimed at acquiring e-learning skills for the use of the online learning portal. In addition, academic expectations, regulations, and the concept of independent learning are also covered, and the induction will be supported by recorded videos.
- There are 5 Core Modules of 15 credits each and 1 Elective Module at 15 credits linked to designated L4 Year 1 degree entry
- To complete the programme and gain the ALD award, students must successfully complete and earn a total of 90 credits.
- Blended Learning. Students are given a complete set of learning materials to facilitate independent study which can be downloaded from the designated learning portal. Face-to-face classes are conducted at a learning centre for 18 hours per module. Learners are encouraged to participate in online discussions with other learners and their tutors for at least 12 hours per module.
- Fully Online. Students are given a complete set of learning materials to facilitate independent study, which can be downloaded from the designated learning portal. Learners are encouraged to access and participate in online discussions with other learners and their tutors for at least 24 hours per module.
Applicants shall be admitted based on evidence to suggest that they will be able to fulfil and benefit from the objectives of the programme and achieve the standard required for the award.
No prior knowledge is required, and applicants should normally be at least 16 years old and preferably with the following:
From the UK
- Level 2 (QCF) Diploma; or
- Five GCSEs at grade C and above
From China
- Senior Secondary School Graduation Diploma (高中毕业证书) with the Senior Secondary Academic Proficiency Test (普通高中学业水平考试 – Putong Gaozhong Xueye Shuiping Kaoshi) / Huikao (会考) with a minimum grade of 70% (B)
From Hong Kong
- Typically, minimum HKDSE 2-2-2 or 48 UCAS points (normal UCAS tariff qualifications for eligibility)
From other countries
- Equivalent qualifications similar to the above countries
English Language Proficiency
- Entry is a minimum competency in English equivalent to IELTS 4.5.
NOTIONAL HOURS
Notional hours are defined in terms of the amount of time it should take a learner to achieve the learning outcomes. Each credit requires, on average, 10 notional hours of a learner’s time.
Guide to Learning Hours / Student Learning Time
The ALD accrues 90 credits spread over 6 modules and 900 notional hours in total. There are 3 different intake dates, and programme can be completed in as little as 6 months, and the longest is 12 months.
Please request the timetable.
Price
Online £ 2500
Blended £ 5000
- Sample Certificate