You may find the answer to a specific question you have about the International Study Centre on this page. See frequently asked questions and answers about:
What degrees can I study at the University?
The University of Huddersfield undergraduate degrees available to students successfully completing the foundation course can be seen in the undergraduate degree pathways table. Pre-Masters students can progress to one of sixteen taught Masters degrees listed in the postgraduate degree pathways table.
How can I find out about the degree courses?
Links to information about University of Huddersfield undergraduate degrees can be found in Huddersfield's online undergraduate prospectus. More information about Masters degrees is in the University's online postgraduate prospectus.
How long are undergraduate degrees in England?
England operates a 3 year degree system. On completion of the foundation year, students move into the first year of an undergraduate degree. Therefore, international students will complete their university study in 4 years.
How long are postgraduate degrees in England?
Full time postgraduate degrees usually take 1 year to complete. On completion of the pre-masters year, students will start into the postgraduate year the following autumn. Therefore, international students taking a pre-masters will complete their postgraduate university study in 2 years.
Am I guaranteed progression to a degree at that University?
Yes, if you obtain the required grades at the end of your ISC course, you are guaranteed a place on a University of Huddersfield degree.
What grades do I need on my Foundation Year or Pre-Masters course to gain a degree place?
If your application is successful and you are offered a place on an ISC programme, you will be informed of the grades that you are required to reach in order to guarantee progression onto your degree.
When do I have to choose the undergraduate degree I want to study?
You apply to take a particular subject route through the International Foundation Year, in line with your intended area of undergraduate study, and then are helped to select your actual degree course during your foundation course.
Do I need to take an IELTS exam before progressing onto a degree?
A: No, but you must gain the English grade required for your chosen degree at the end of your ISC course.
Can I go on to study at a different university?
If you take your Foundation Year or Pre-Masters at the University of Huddersfield International Study Centre, you are expected to go on to study your degree at the University of Huddersfield.
Who are the ISC courses validated by?
The University of Huddersfield.
Who are the ISC courses taught by?
ISC International Foundation Year and Pre-Masters courses are run and taught by Study Group, a world leader in education and training for international students. Every year, Study Group provides courses for 40,000 students from 120 countries. The International Study Centre is a dynamic partnership between the University and Study Group. All ISC teachers are specialists in university preparation.
Where are the ISC courses taught?
Courses are taught at the International Study Centre, located in the Brunswick Building on the University of Huddersfield campus. You will study alongside British and other International students at the University.
How will I be assessed?
By a mixture of unseen examinations, assessed coursework, presentations, case studies and extended essays.
Who is the course designed for?
The International Foundation Year is for non-UK students who have completed High School with good grades, but whose academic qualifications do not yet meet the University's general entrance or degree requirements. The foundation year is for you if you want a programme that takes you to the right academic level as well as improving your English.
Note that the International Foundation Year is NOT for British students who completed GCSEs in the UK.
If you come from an education system outside the EU, the International Foundation Year is designed to bridge the gap between your high-school studies and Huddersfield's undergraduate degrees.
What subjects can I study?
You can choose from two Foundation Year subject routes:
What will I study on the foundation course?
The course is modular. You will study ten modules in total: four or five core subjects (e.g. English and Study Skills) and five or six specific subject modules which vary depending on your foundation route. You will study three of these modules in term 1, three in term 2 and four in the final term.
How many hours a week will I study?
Study is for 36 hours per week, including 16 hours of class contact time (lecture and seminar style) and a minimum of 20 hours per week made up of small group seminar work and directed self-study.
How long does the Foundation course last?
3 terms. The length of a term varies between 9 and 11 weeks.
How long do I study each module?
Each module lasts one term and is studied for five hours per week.
Who is the course designed for?
The Pre-Masters is for EU and International students whose academic qualifications do not yet meet the University's postgraduate degree entrance requirements. The Pre-Masters is for you if you want a programme that takes you to the right academic level, or want to refresh your knowledge, as well as improving your English. The Pre-Masters programme will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in your Masters studies.
What subjects can I study?
The Pre-Masters course covers Business, Marketing and Management subjects. Successful students can choose to progress to one of sixteen Masters degrees (postgraduate degree pathways table)
What is the structure of the Pre-Masters course?
The course is modular. On the three-term Pre-Masters you will study ten credit-bearing modules in total: two in term 1, four in term 2 and four in term 3. On the two-term Pre-Masters you will study eight credit-bearing modules in total: four in term 1 and four in term 2. Some modules are English skills for academic study and some cover academic subjects.
How long does the Pre-Masters course last?
That depends on your English level:
The length of a term varies between 9 and 11 weeks.
What are the academic entry requirements for the International Foundation Year ?
A minimum academic background of high school graduation, with good grades or equivalent academic study. Contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.
What are the academic entry requirements for the Pre-Masters course?
Students are expected to have at least one of the following:
Contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.
What level of English language do I require for the ISC academic programmes?
Students must have a minimum English language level equivalent to:
Pre-course English Language Preparation is offered to students who do not have this level of English. See ELP FAQs below.
Do I need to take an IELTS or TOEFL exam before applying to the International Study Centre?
No. You can take the ISC English test if you do not have a current IELTS or TOEFL grade. We can assess your approximate English Language level from this test before you arrive.
How old do I have to be to start at the International Study Centre?
There is no legal minimum age requirement but students are usually:
Can ‘overseas’ students apply to the International Study Centre?
Yes, the International Study Centre offers specialised University preparation for 'overseas' students. In broad terms, an 'overseas' student is one who is not normally resident in the UK or in one of the countries of the European Community. Overseas students are accepted onto all ISC academic programmes.
Can UK, EU or EEA students apply to the International Study Centre?
Unfortunately we would not be able to accept applications from HEU students. Progression for these students taking the foundation course cannot be guaranteed because competition for places from those students is very high. Instead we recommend students consider joining an A Level course.
What options are available if my English Language level does not meet the ISC academic course entry requirement?
Depending on your level of English, you can study one or two terms of English Language Preparation before you start your academic programme. Read more about English language training for Foundation and English language training for Pre-Masters.
What level of English language do I require to start English Language Preparation at the International Study Centre?
You need to have a minimum English Language level of the equivalent to IELTS 3.0.
How long does English Preparation last?
One term for students with IELTS 4.0+. Two terms for student with IELTS 3.0+.
How is my English Language assessed for progression onto my ISC academic programme?
You are not required to take an IELTS exam. We measure your English language ability with an internal assessment based on the English Speaking Union System (ESU). The ESU provides a scale from 0 to 9. 0 is a beginner in English, and 9 is a near-native speaker. To start the Foundation Programme you need an ESU score of 5.0 (or the equivalent).
What are the ISC academic and English language tuition fees?
View the ISC tuition fees. Tuition fees are valid from 1 March 2008.
What are the University degree fees?
The international student fee for Undergraduate degree tuition in 2008/09 at the University of Huddersfield varies between 8000–9000GBP per year. Postgraduate fees vary between 8500–10500GBP per year. See more information about University of Huddersfield tuition fees.
When are the ISC tuition and accommodation fees payable?
Once you accept your offer of a place, we require a deposit of £500 together with £500 advance payment of fees (plus StudyCare Insurance fees applicable) - this being the required Confirmation Payment. The remaining fees can be either be paid in instalments, 1 month prior to the start of term, or in full in advance in preferred.
How can fees can be paid?
We accept payment by cheque, Sterling bank draft, telegraphic transfer or credit card. Credit card payments are accepted in sterling from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Switch, Solo, JCB or Debit Card. Please not that a 2% surcharge will be added to payments made by credit card, and £1 charge for payments by debit card.
What bank account should fees be paid into?
Account name: International Study Centre
Account number: 60060832
Sort code: 53-61-02
Swift code: NWBK GB 2L
IBAN Number: GB92 NWBK 5361 0260 0608 32
More information on payment of fees can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
Do I get a refund if I cancel my place?
If you do not meet visa entry requirements, a full refund will be given. A cancellation fee is charged if visa entry requirements have been met. For details see our Terms and Conditions.
When can I start my ISC programme?
You can start the International Foundation Year and three-term Pre-Masters in either September or January. You can start the two-term Pre-Masters in either January or April.
When can I start the English Language Preparation course?
ELP courses start in January, April, June and September each year. Your start date will depend on your English Language level. For the applicable English Language Preparation start dates, see Foundation Year study plan options and Pre-Masters study plan options.
What are ISC academic term dates?
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn | 22 September to 12 December 2008 |
| Spring | 12 Janaury to 27 March 2009 |
| Summer 1 | 14 April to 19 June 2009 |
| Summer 2 | 22 June – 21 August 2009 |
What date do I start my University of Huddersfield degree?
You will start your degree in the October following your ISC academic course start i.e. if you enter the Foundation Year or Pre-Masters in September 2008, you will start your degree in October 2009. If you start your course in January 2009, you will begin your degree in October 2009.
What is the deadline for applications?
Although there is no official deadline for applications, accommodation places may fill up in advance of the course start dates and therefore we recommend applicants submit their application as early as possible. Note that the visa application process may cause delays to admission. Subject to availability, we continue to consider applications up until the start of the academic programmes.
How do I apply for the Foundation Year, Pre-Masters and English Language Preparation course?
You need to apply directly to the International Study Centre. Do not apply through UCAS. You can submit your application in four ways:
Read about the steps in the admissions process.
If my application is successful, when will I receive the documentation required for visa application?
Once we have received your £1000 confirmation payment (see the fees FAQ above for details), we will send you a Certificate of Enrolment and Visa Support letter. You will need to submit this with your visa application.
How long does it take to apply to the International Study Centre?
The ISC application process is much faster than applying directly to a University through UCAS. If your application is successful, we can issue an offer within one working week once we have all your relevant documentation.
Is there an insurance policy offered to international students?
Yes. StudyCare is a comprehensive insurance plan administered by ACE European Group Limited, a leading insurance provider. It has been developed specifically for international students by leading education specialists with over 35 years' experience. View more information about StudyCare insurance.
Do I need a visa to study at the ISC?
That depends on your nationality or country of residence. See our visas page for more information. Visas will be issued for 1 year duration, and you will need to apply for a second visa before you start your degree.
Can I work while I am a student in the United Kingdom?
If you are hoping to work while you are in the United Kingdom, you must check the stamp or sticker which is put on your passport by the immigration authorities. If you have a student visa you are allowed to work for 20 hours per week in term time and any amount per week in holiday times. If you have a ‘prohibition’ stamp then you are not allowed to work. It is a very serious offence if you work without permission and students are liable to be sent home by the immigration authorities if caught doing so.
Further advice can be found on the University of Huddersfield International Student Services webpages.
How can I arrange an airport pick-up and how much is it?
You can request airport pick-up during the application process. Airport transfers are £40 from either Manchester (MAN) or Leeds/Bradford (LBA) airports.
What will happen when I arrive in the UK?
Specific pre-arrival information will be provided once we receive your flight details and due fees. You can also download the latest pre-arrival information (PDF, 570kB).
If my question is not answered on this site, what should I do?
Contact a Student Enrolment Adviser using the on-line form. They will be pleased to help you with any questions you have.
