- Your University degree
- The foundation course
- Location in the UK
- The University and its campus
- Accommodation
- Entry requirements
- English Language Preparation
- Fees
- Dates
- Applying
- Other (insurance, visas, arrival information etc)
Your University degree
Q: What degrees can I study at the University?
A: Lancaster University degree subjects available to students successfully completing the Foundation Year can be seen in the progression table.
Q: How can I find out about the degree courses?
A: Information on all of Lancaster’s undergraduate degree courses can be found in the online course search.
Q: How long are University degrees in England?
A: 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.
Q: Am I guaranteed progression to a degree at that University?
A: Yes, if you obtain the required grades at the end of your foundation year, you are guaranteed a place on a Lancaster University degree.
Q: What grades do I need to gain a degree place?
A: If your application is successful and you are offered a place on the International Foundation Year, you will be informed of the grades that you are required to reach in order to guarantee progression onto your degree.
Q: When do I have to choose the degree I want to study?
A: You apply to take a particular subject route through the foundation course, in line with your intended area of undergraduate study, and then select your actual degree course during your foundation year.
Q: Do I need to take an IELTS exam before progressing on to a degree?
A: No, but you must gain the English grade required for your chosen degree at the end of the Foundation course.
Q: Can I go on to study at a different university?
A: If you take your Foundation Year at Lancaster University International Study Centre you are expected to go on to study your degree at Lancaster University. In effect, you are enrolling for four years of study on the University campus.
The foundation course
Q: Who is the course validated by?
A: Lancaster University.
Q: Who is the course designed for?
A: The International Foundation Year is for non-EU 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 Surrey's undergraduate degrees.
Q: Who is the course taught by?
A: The International Foundation Year is 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.
Q: Where is the course taught?
A: The course is taught on Lancaster University campus - you will study alongside British and other International students.
Q: What subjects can I study?
A: You can choose from three Foundation Year subject routes:
Q: What will I study on the foundation course?
A: The course is modular. You will study ten modules in total: five core subjects (English Skills 1 & 2, Study Skills, Project Study and Maths) and five 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.
Q: How will I be assessed during the foundation year?
A: By a mixture of examinations, assessed coursework, presentations and extended essays.
Q: How many hours a week will I study?
A: 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.
Q: How long does the Foundation course last?
A: 3 terms. The length of a term varies between 9 and 11 weeks.
Q: How long do I study each module?
A: Each module lasts one term and is studied for five hours per week.
Location in the UK
Q: How far is campus from the nearest city?
A: The campus is 3.5 miles (5.5 km) south of the city of Lancaster. It takes 20 minutes on the regular bus service. See a map of the local area (
, 82KB).
Q: How far is Lancaster from London?
A: 3 hours by train.
Q: What is the nearest city like?
A: Lancaster is a vibrant University city. Cinemas, cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs can be found in abundance. There are many small, independent boutiques and well known high street shops. The Visit Lancaster website gives further information. Lancaster is easily accessible by road and rail.
Q: What is the cost of living?
A: The cost of living in Lancaster is much lower than London, See sample monthly living costs.
Q: What area of England will I be studying in?
A: Lancaster is in the Northwest of England. Some of the most beautiful countryside England has to offer can be found just outside the city. The famous mountains of the Lake District provide breath-taking views, tranquil walks and opportunities for paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, sailing or sedate picnics. The coast is also nearby with Morecambe Bay and the famous seaside resort of Blackpool. View a map of the region.
Q: What are the nearest international airports?
A: Manchester International Airport (MAN) is 90 minutes by train. There are also coach services from Manchester airport to the centre of Lancaster.
Q: What is the postal address of the International Study Centre?
A: The campus address of the ISC is only for use by students who are planning their travel to the University for the start of their course:
Lancaster International Study Centre
Room B8, Bailrigg House
Lancaster University
Bailrigg
LANCASTER
LA1 4YE
UK
The University and its campus
Q: How well regarded is the University?
A: Lancaster University is a world class institution. It is rated in the top ten UK universities for research and has an excellent track record for the quality of its teaching. Lancaster is ranked 21st in the UK by The Times Top Universities League Table 2007 and 23rd by the Guardian University Guide 2008. The Business School is rated equal 1st in the UK for both teaching and research and is one of the very best in the world.
Q: Which subjects are rated particularly highly at the University?
A: The Times Good University Guide 2007 ranked these Lancaster undergraduate subjects in the following positions in the UK:
- 8th Business & Management Studies
- 14th General Engineering
- 16th Computer Science
- 17th Economics
- 18th Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- 19th Mathematics
The Guardian University Guide 2008 ranked these Lancaster undergraduate subjects in the following positions in the UK:
- 4th Mechanical Engineering
- 7th Computer Science
- 8th Business & Management Studies
- 9th Mathematics
- 9th Economics
- 15th Sociology
- 17th Law
- 19th Physics and Astronomy
Lancaster's MBA is ranked 28th in the world and 5th in the UK by the Financial Times global MBA rankings 2007
Q: How many students does the University have?
A: Lancaster is a medium-sized university with a total of 11,500 students.
Q: How many international students and faculty does the University have?
A: There are 2,300 international students at Lancaster, representing over 100 nationalities. 25% of undergraduate students and 56% of postgraduate students are non-British. Of the faculty, 27% are international, coming from 58 countries.
Q: Will I be a University student while I study on the foundation year?
A: Yes, you will be a member of Lancaster University from the day you start your course.
Q: What is the campus like?
A: Lancaster University campus is set in 250 acres of parkland 10 minutes from the city centre. Academic departments, colleges, library, banks, shops and sporting facilities are all situated on campus making life cheaper, safer and easier than in many other places. There is a strong sense of community, enhanced by the colligate structure. Unlike Oxford and Cambridge, Lancaster’s nine colleges form an integral part of the self-contained university campus. Read more information about Lancaster's colleges.
Q: Will I have access to the University's academic and campus facilities?
A: You will have access to a range of University services and facilities. See more information about academic resources and campus services in general.
Accommodation
Q: Is on-campus accommodation guaranteed while I study on the International Foundation Year?
A: Yes, providing you have accepted your offer of an academic place and we receive your accommodation application by any published deadlines, you are guaranteed a place in University-managed accommodation. Accommodation is allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Q: Is accommodation guaranteed while I study for my degree?
A: Yes, as an international student you are guaranteed University-managed accommodation for the duration of your degree at Lancaster.
Q: What type of accommodation is available to me?
A: On-campus accommodation is either an en-suite room or standard single room with a shared bathroom. View more information about accommodation.
Q: Where is the accommodation?
A: You will live in one of the eight colleges that make up the University. You can see the college locations on this map of the University campus (, 242K).
Q: How much is the accommodation?
A: Costs vary depending on the accommodation type. Weekly fees for 2008/09 are set out on the accommodation page.
Q: What is included in the accommodation fees?
A: All on-campus accommodation is self-catering. Kitchens are equipped with microwave, cooker, fridge and freezer. All utility bills (gas and electricity) are included. A cleaning service is included for communal areas. All rooms have a telephone and a computer network point.
Q: Can I stay in my room over the vacations at no extra charge?
A: If your tenancy agreement includes the Christmas and Easter vacation periods then vacation supplements will not be applicable.
Entry requirements
Q: What are the academic entry requirements for the foundation course?
A: 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.
Q: What level of English language do I require for the foundation course?
A: Students must have an English language level equivalent to IELTS 5.0 (TOEFL 500 or 173 computer based test). Pre-course English Language Preparation is offered to students who do not have this level of English. See the English Language Preparation section below.
Q: Do I need to take an IELTS or TOEFL exam before applying to the International Study Centre?
A: 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. Contact us if you need to take the test.
Q: How old do I have to be to start at the International Study Centre?
A: There is no legal minimum age requirement, but students are normally 17 years-of-age on commencement of the International Foundation Year.
Q: Can EU/EEA/Home* students apply to the International Study Centre?
A: Unfortunately not. We would not be able to guarantee progression for EU/EEA/Home* students taking the foundation course because competition for places from those students is very high. Instead we recommend students consider joining an A Level course.
*EU/EEA/Home includes the following categories:
- Permanent residents in the UK who have been resident in the UK for three years
- EEA (European Economic Area) migrant workers and their families in the UK who have lived in the EEA for three years
- EU nationals and their children who have lived in the EEA for three years
- Refugees (recognised by the UK government) and their families
- People who have applied for asylum and have been granted leave to enter/remain, and their families
English Language Preparation
Q: What options are available if my English Language level does not meet the Foundation Year entry requirement of IELTS 5.0?
A: Depending on your level of English, you can study one or two terms of English Language Preparation before you start the Foundation Year.
Q: What level of English language do I require to start English Language Preparation at the International Study Centre?
A: You need to have a minimum English Language level of the equivalent to IELTS 3.0.
Q: How long does English Language Preparation last?
A: One term for students with IELTS 4.0+. Two terms for student with IELTS 3.0+.
Q: How is my English Language assessed for progression onto the Foundation Year?
A: 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).
Fees
Q: What are the International Foundation Year and English Language Preparation tuition fees?
A: Tuition fees are shown on the fees page. Tuition fees are likely to increase after January 2009 entry.
Q: What are the University degree fees?
A: For guidance, the fee for Undergraduate degree tuition in 2007/08 at Lancaster University ranged from £8,750 to £10,600. Fees for 2008/09 have yet to be set. See more information about Lancaster University fees.
Q: When are the Foundation Year tuition and accommodation fees payable?
A: Once you accept your offer of a place, we require a deposit of £500 together with £500 advance payment of fees (plus any insurance fees applicable) - this being the required Confirmation Payment. The remaining fees can either be paid in instalments, one month prior to the start of term, or in full in advance if preferred.
Q: How can fees be paid?
A: 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 note that a 2% surcharge will be added to payments made by credit card, and a £1 charge for payments by debit card.
Q: What bank account should fees be paid into?
A: 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
Other information on payment of fees can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
Q: Do I get a refund if I cancel my place?
A: 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.
Dates
Q: When can I start the foundation course?
A: You can start the International Foundation Year in either October or January.
Q: When can I start the English Language Preparation (ELP) course?
A: ELP courses start in July and October each year. See the key facts section for the English Language Preparation start dates applicable to each Foundation Year entry point.
Q: What are the Foundation Year term dates?
A: Academic Year 2007/08:
Autumn term - 01 October to 14 December 2007
Spring term - 07 January to 20 March 2008
Summer term 1 - 14 April to 20 June 2008
Summer term 2 - 23 June to 22 August 2008
Academic Year 2008/09:
Autumn term - 06 October to 19 December 2008
Spring term - 12 January to 27 March 2009
Summer term 1 - 14 April to 19 June 2009
Summer term 2 - 22 June to 21 August 2009
Q: What are the ELP term dates?
A: ELP term dates follow those of the Foundation Year (see above) EXCEPT for the courses starting in July:
Summer term 2 ELP dates 2008: 14 July to 26 September
Summer term 2 ELP dates 2009: 13 July to 25 September
Q: What date do I start my Lancaster University degree?
A: You will start your degree in the autumn following your foundation year start, i.e. if you enter the foundation year in either October 2008 or January 2009, you will start your degree in autumn 2009.
Applying
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: Although there is no official deadline for applications, please note that we expect places on the courses to fill up far in advance of the start dates and therefore recommend applicants submit their application as early as possible. However, subject to availability, we do continue to consider applications up until the start of the Foundation Year. See foundation year start dates.
Q: How do I apply for the Foundation Year and English Language Preparation course?
A: You need to apply directly to the International Study Centre. You do not apply through UCAS. You can apply in four different ways:
1. Contact our Student Enrolment Advisers using the online form to begin the application process. You will be required to submit copies of all relevant academic transcripts and certificates of English language qualifications later in the process.
2. Download the application form (, 260KB), print it out, complete it and fax it back to us along with the relevant documentation.
3. Request a prospectus in the post, complete the application form that is included and return it directly to the address printed on the bottom of the form.
4. Apply through your local educational representative.
Read about the steps in the application process.
Q: If my application is successful, when will I receive the documentation required for visa application?
A: Once we have received your £1000 confirmation payment (see the fees section above for details), we will send you a Certificate of Enrolment and Visa Support letter. You will need to submit these with your visa application.
Q: How long does it take to apply to the International Study Centre?
A: The ISC application process is much faster than applying 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.
Other
Q: Is there an insurance policy offered to international students?
A: 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. Read more about StudyCare.
Q: Do I need a visa to study at the ISC?
A: That depends on your nationality or country of residence. See our visa 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.
Q: Can I work while I am a student in the United Kingdom?
A: 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. It is a very serious offence if you work without permission. Further advice can be found on the Student Support Services pages.
Q: How can I arrange an airport pick-up and how much is it?
A: You can request airport pick-up during the application process. Airport pick-ups operate from Manchester International Airport and cost £75 one-way.
Q: What will happen when I arrive in the UK?
A: Specific pre-arrival information will be provided once we receive your flight details. This will tell you where you should go when you arrive on campus and give details of your induction programme at the International Study Centre. Download the Pre-arrival information (, 1MB) for new students.
Q: If my question is not answered on this site, what should I do?
A: Contact a Student Enrolment Adviser by phone on +44 1273 339333 or using the online form. They will be pleased to help you with any questions you have.