INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMme:
Guaranteed UK university entry for degrees in social sciences

The SCL International College University Foundation Programme in Social Sciences will:

• Teach you the skills required to succeed at the higher education level in the UK.
• Help you develop an analytical approach to your studies and apply newfound knowledge to practical scenarios.
• Encourage you to explore various learning styles to see what suits you best.
• Improve your study skills such as reading and note-taking strategies, essay construction, research methods, and translating theory into practice.
• Challenge you to work in teams, actively participate in class, and present to small groups.
• Enhance your communication skills in speaking, negotiating and writing.
• Develop your 21st century skills such as collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
• Prepare you for university entrance exams such as IELTS or OET.

Throughout the Foundation in Social Sciences course, you will participate in our Academic English programme, helping you prepare to meet English language standards set by your chosen university.

Assessment and feedback

Our assessment practices model those found in UK Higher Education with detailed feedback and support for mock, practical and final assignments.

We continuously monitor the progress of our students across the course duration – in lessons, progress tutorials and group work – as well as attendance for visa compliance.

All coursework, both formal and informal, is submitted electronically via an encrypted online service, and we use Unicheck to guard against plagiarism for all formal assessments.

With final examinations we ensure our students have the preparation needed to succeed and to progress to higher education; this includes opportunities for resits for assignments and exams as needed.

SCL International College's Social Sciences Foundation Course has been developed with an appreciation of the specific requirements of Social Sciences degree programmes. For example, the curriculum uses problem-based learning and real-world case studies.

International students will also gain comprehensive knowledge of the British university environment and of different aspects of living and studying in the UK. A vital part of our pre-university pathway programme into Social Sciences involves training students to adapt their skills and knowledge to the specific context and environments of UK universities. We guide students through the UCAS process, ensuring they achieve the best offers for the most appropriate universities for each individual. In addition, our university partners guarantee admission, subject to passing the relevant qualifications.

Student success and progression

At SCL, we are committed to ensuring you gain the necessary English language qualifications and study skills to advance to a British university. Your academic tutor will take a personal interest in your progress and help you develop your study plan accordingly.

With our personalised approach, we achieve great success with students who may not have a traditionally strong academic record, but who show huge potential. By the time you complete our programme, you will have the knowledge base and confidence needed to excel both academically and personally when studying Social Sciences at a university in the UK.

Through carefully selected modules, you will evaluate and analyse information, construct balanced arguments, and apply theories and concepts to current political, legal and economic issues.

Legal Systems & Processes

You will gain an understanding of the English legal system and processes, and develop skills in applying legal rules and principles to specific cases. The first term gives you a firm foundation in law making and interpretation, court systems, negligence, and contract law. In the second term, you'll develop a more detailed understanding of criminal law and explore issues of morality, justice, and judicial creativity. There is a strong emphasis on evaluating information and knowledge, as well as developing the ability to construct logical, coherent and balanced arguments.

Government & Politics

These specialist modules introduce you to political systems and processes in the UK. You'll look at the relationship between the legislature and executive models, and evaluate where power lies within the UK system. Classes will also show you how to examine representative processes and institutions, and question the strengths and weaknesses of democracy in the UK. There is a strong emphasis on applying knowledge to contemporary politics such as the General Election in 2015.

The foundation programme in Social Sciences also focuses on political institutions and processes in the USA, and again challenges you to evaluate and analyse how successfully power is dispersed within the political system. You will develop skills in comparing the systems in the UK and USA, and reaching judgments on the similarities and differences between them.

Economics

The Economics module combines a study of micro and macro content in exploring a range of economic issues drawn from national and international contexts. This Social Sciences course promotes an understanding of economic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues, problems, and institutions that affect everyday life.

There's lots of options! See our blog post "The Essential Guide to Studying Social Sciences" to discover various career paths as a Social Science graduate and starting salaries across the UK's biggest cities.