Frequently Asked Questions
You may find the answer to a specific question you have about the International Study Centre on this page:
Frequently Asked Questions
You may find the answer to a specific question you have about the International Study Centre on this page:
Your University degree
The foundation course
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: Liverpoool John Moores University degrees 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: Links to information about LJMU degrees can be found on LJMU's Undergraduate Courses page. This information is for 2008 entry.
Q: How long are University 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.
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 LJMU degree.
Q: When do I have to choose the degree I want to study?
A: You apply to take 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 International Foundation Year.
Q: Can I go on to study at a different university?
A: If you take your Foundation Year at Liverpoool John Moores University International Study Centre, you are expected to go on to study your degree at Liverpoool John Moores University. In effect, you are enrolling for four years of study on the University campus.
The Foundation Year
Q: Who is the course validated by?
A: Liverpoool John Moores University
Q: Who is the course designed for?
A: The International Foundation Year is for non-UK students (both 'overseas' and EU) 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.
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 at the International Study Centre in the heart of Liverpoool John Moores University – right in the centre of Liverpool. You will study alongside British and other International students.
Q: Which subjects can I study?
A: You can choose between two Foundation Year subject routes:
Q: What will I study on the International Foundation Year?
A: The course is modular. You will study ten modules in total: five core subjects (e.g. English skills, study skills 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 12 weeks.
Q: How long do I study each module?
A: Each module lasts one term and is studied for five hours per week.
Entry requirements
Q: What are the academic entry requirements for the International Foundation Year?
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 4.5 or TOEFL 450 (133 computer based test). Pre-course English Language Preparation (ELP) is offered to students who do not have this level of English. See ELP FAQs for more information.
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 to arrange 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 usually 17 years old on commencement of the International FoundationYear.
Q: Can 'overseas' students apply to the International Study Centre?
A: Yes, the International foundation Year is designed 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 (EC).
Q: Can EU/EEA students apply to the International Study Centre?
A: Yes, we also accept Foundation Year applications from students from the European Union and European Economic Area.
Q: Can UK students apply to the International Study Centre?
A: Unfortunately we are not able to accept applications from UK students. Progression for UK 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.
English Language Preparation
Q: What options are available if my English Language level does not meet the Foundation Year entry requirement of IELTS 4.5?
A: Depending on your level of English, you can study one or two terms of English Language Preparation before you start the Foundation Year. This will improve your language skills to the required level. Read more about the English Language Preparation course.
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 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 4.5 (or the equivalent).
Fees
Q: What are the International Foundation Year and English Language Preparation fees?
A: Tuition fees are shown on the fees page. Tuition fees may increase from March 2009.
Q: What are the University degree fees?
A: The international student fee for Undergraduate degree tuition in 2008/9 at Liverpoool John Moores University is: £ 8,950 for laboratory based courses £ 8,320 for class based courses. Read more about LJMU fees for international students.
Q: When are the ISC 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 be either be paid in instalments, 1 month prior to the start of term, or in full in advance in preferred.
Q: How can fees can 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 £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
More 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 September or January.
Q: When can I start the English Language Preparation (ELP) course?
A: ELP courses start in January, June and September each year. See the key facts section on the English Language Preparation page for start dates applicable to each Foundation Year entry point.
Q: What are the Foundation Year term dates?
A: September 2008 start:
Term 1 – 8 September to 5 December 2008, term 2 – 12 January to 27 March 2009, and term 3 – 14 April to 19 June 2009
January 2009 start:
Term 1 – 12 January to 27 March 2009, term 2 – 14 April to 19 June 2009, and term 3 – 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 June:
- Summer term 2 ELP dates: 22 June to 4 September 2009
Q: What date do I start my LJMU degree?
A: You will start your degree in the autumn following your foundation start i.e. if you enter the foundation year in either September 2008 or January 2009, you will start your degree in autumn 2009.
Applying
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: Subject to availability, we continue to consider applications right up until the start of the International Foundation Year programme. Please note that the visa application process may cause delays to admission.
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:
- 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.
- Download the application form (150kKB, pdf file), print it out, complete it and fax it to +44 1273 339398 along with the relevant documentation.
- 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.
- Apply through your an educational representative in your country using the Find a Local Agent form.
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 FAQ for details), we will send you a Certificate of Enrolment and Visa Support letter. You will need to submit this 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 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.
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. View more information about StudyCare insurance.
Q: Do I need a visa to study at the ISC?
A: 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.
Q: Can I work while studying 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 and you must check with the University's International Office that you are allowed to work. 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. For more information see the International Office pages.
Q: How can I arrange an airport pick-up and how much is it?
A: You can request an airport pick-up during the application process. A fee of £50 will be charged for a one-way transfer from Manchester International airport (MAN).
Q: What will happen when I arrive in the UK?
A: Specific pre-arrival information will be provided once we receive your flight details and due fees. You can also find useful information in the latest pre-arrival information pack (
, 8MB).
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.
Our team of expert Student Enrolment Advisers can help you with your application and will do their best to answer any questions you have. Contact an adviser