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Degree preparation course for international students with direct entry to the third year of a Scottish undergraduate degree in Business

The International Diploma is a carefully designed programme for students who are over-qualified for the International Foundation Year. The course is focussed on business related study and combines academic modules, study skills and English language training.

On successful completion of the course students can progress directly on to the third year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Stirling.

Assessment

Students are assessed regularly throughout the year to ensure that their progress is on track to achieve the standard required for third year degree entry. Student developmemt is monitored through:

  • End of module/ term assessments: a combination of examinations, coursework, presentations and extended essays
  • Continuous coursework: mixture of lecture classes, small group seminar work and directed self study
  • A series of presentations and extended essays as part of the overall assessment

Flexible entry

Students can begin the International Diploma in either September or January for third year degree entry in the following September.

English language Preparation

Students who do not have the required English language grades for direct entry to the Diploma can first study one or two terms of English Language Preparation (ELP). ELP starts in June or September.

 

 

 

 

Entry requirements

  • English language:
    IELTS: 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in writing)
    TOEFL (internet-based test): Listening: 17, Reading: 18, Speaking: 20, Writing: 17
    Pearson Test of English 46-48 (across all skills). 
  • Academic:
    - Good High School graduation grades or equivalent, plus up to one year of further study, or
    - recognised foundation year programme or A level/ IB
    - You must have previously studied Maths or a numerate subject to study the International Diploma programme.
  • Country of residence/nationality: 'overseas' students only (HEU students are not accepted - see note below)
  • Age: Students must be a minimum of 17 years of age on entry to the ISC

See below for country specific entry requirements, if you country is not listed here please contact us.

Country Qualification*
Bangladesh Completion of 1st year of degree/diploma level studies at 60% or Grade B or above
China SH3/Senior High 3 with 80% or above in 4 or more subjects, plus year 1 studies in Junior College Diploma (60%/B)
Colombia Advanced level examinations and part study of Bachillerato Técnico, Técnico en, Tecnólogo Especializado en.
Ghana West African Higher School Certificate (Grades A-B) or Ghanian/Cambridge Overseas A Level (BBB) or Polytechnic Diploma
Hong Kong Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations (HKALE) (equivalent to AL's BBB) Or, successful completion of HKDSE with minimum grades of 334 in 3 relevant subjects
India 10+2 (80% or above) plus part study of College/Polytechnic Diplomas
Indonesia High School Certificate (SMA/SMU) plus evidence of further study (SKN/NVQ Level 3/Diploma D1-D4
Iran 4 years High School Diploma or Pre-University Certificate or Associate Degree or Kardani
Japan High School/Upper Secondary School leaving certificate plus evidence of some further study at Grade B/60%
Jordan High School Certificate (Tawjihi) plus evidence of further study (A Grades)
Kazakhstan Certificate of Secondary Education plus evidence of some further study.
Korea High School Diploma or Junior Vocational College Diploma
Macau Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate BBB, part study of a Diploma. Higher Diploma or Associate degree
Mexico Bachillerato 85% or 70% + 1 year HE (pass)
Nigeria National Diploma/Certificate
Pakistan Completion of 1st year of a degree/diploma level studies 70%
Qatar High School Certificate plus evidence of further study. Part study of Vocational Secondary Diploma
Russia Part study of Advance Diploma level studies / Diploma of completed specialised secondary education (Basic level)
Saudi Arabia Part study of diploma level studies - Diploma provided by Higher Institutes and Technical Colleges
South Africa National Senior Certificate - B's in five subjects, including relevant subjects
Taiwan SH3 plus evidence of further study
Thailand High School Certificate (MAW6) plus evidence of further study.
Turkey Devlet Lise Diplomasi (High School Completion)
UAE High School Certificate (MAW6) plus evidence of further study
Ukraine Diploma of Completed Specialised Secondary Education. Dyplom Molodshogo Spetsialista (Junior Specialist Diploma)
Vietnam Completed year 12 (75%) plus 1 year further study.

Degree progression

The table below shows the degree options available on completion of the International Diploma.

To progress to the third year* of one of these degrees, students must achieve the stated overall grade and English grade.

Subject area Degree options Academic grade for Year 3 entry Academic grade for Year 2 entry English grade
Accounting and Finance

Accounting (BA)**
Finance and Investment (BA)**

60% 40% 50%
Business and Marketing

Business Studies (BA Hons)
Marketing (BA Hons)
Business Studies & Marketing (BA Hons)

60% 40% 50%

** Degree is unique for international students and not offered to Home students

Course modules

The International Diploma programme has been specifically designed to prepare students for further study in a business-related degree. It consists of twelve modules, taken over three terms.

Core Academic English Skills (CAES 1, 2 & 3)

These modules seek to support and develop your ability to cope on the third year of an undergraduate programme. You will develop skills in writing, listening, reading and speaking as well as related skills such as working in a seminar group or lecture.

Introduction to Economics: This module will introduce you to perspectives and principles in Economics. You study issues within the broad divisions of the discipline; microeconomics and macroeconomics, and are introduced to Neoclassical, Keynesian and Monetarist perspectives.

Accounting 1: Accounting 1 will provide you with an introduction to the practical basis of this subject. The module is also designed to explore basic principles and understand underlying concepts.

Organisational Behaviour: You will be introduced to the key concepts relating to the way that organisations behave. This will include learning about issues relating to structure, culture, forms of leadership and other related subject areas.

Management: This module looks at the context in which business operates, external influences that impact on business decisions and how organisations deal with innovation. It also deals with levels of performance within business and how quality control procedures may be used to enhance this.

Learning Skills – Information Gathering: This module will introduce you to the main sources of Business and Management information and the principal research methods useful for identifying and gathering that information. You will develop critical approaches so that you engage effectively with the quality and content of Business and Management information together with strategies to effectively engage with the volumes of such material.

Learning Skills – Quantitative Methods: The module covers common quantitative techniques for managerial decisionmaking which are used in many business environments. The emphasis of the module is on practical application with extensive use of Excel and its associated functions.

Learning Skills - Qualitative Research and Communication: The module is divided into two sections. The first section will focus on using qualitative research methods. The second section will focus on developing skills of communication essential to business effectiveness.

Academic and Personal Development Planning: This module will help you to focus on your degree choice and career aims and will require you to build a portfolio to show your development over the length of your programme. As part of this module we will also help you ensure your IT and independent learning skills are welldeveloped. This will help you to succeed in your degree studies at the University of Stirling.

choose one from either:

Accounting 2: Accounting 2 builds on Accounting 1 by developing your ability to explore principles and concepts. It will provide you with an improved appreciation of financial information and its application, requiring a more advanced understanding of theoretical issues.

Or

Principles of Marketing: This module will introduce the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin the marketing process. It examines the role and practice of marketing within the changing business environment. It provides you with a concise and up-to-date overview of marketing, and gives you the knowledge and skills for further study in the field.

Apply now

We are accepting applications. If you are ready to apply use our online application form.

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Ask us a question

If you are not sure if you are eligible to apply or would like to ask us some questions before you apply, you can contact our Student Enrolment Advisers in the following ways:

Using the online enquiry form

Complete the simple online enquiry form and one of our advisers will get back to you by phone or email. Your enquiry will be assigned to a specialist in applications from your country. Our advisers speak a variety of languages and we will do our best to communicate with you in your own language.

Submit an enquiry

By phone

Call us on:

+44 1273 339333

Our working hours are 09:00-17:30 GMT.

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Diploma key facts
  • Minimum IELTS: 5.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in writing)  
  • Course length: 3 terms
  • Entry points: January or September
  • Term dates - September start:
    1 - 10 September to 7 December 2012
    2 - 14 January to 21 March 2013
    3 - 8 April to 14 June 2013
  • Term dates January start:
    1- 14 January 2013 - 21 March 2013
    2 - 8 April 2013 to 16 June 2013
    3 - 17 June 2013 to 23 August 2013
  • Tuition Fee: See Fees and Payment
English Language Preparation (ELP) key facts
  • Minimum IELTS: 4.5
  • Course length: 1 term
  • Entry points: September 2012
  • Term dates- June start:
    Please contact us for details
  • Term dates September start:
    - 10 September to 7 December 12
    - Academic programme starts January 13
  • Tuition fee -see Fees and Payment page
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University of Stirling, International Study Centre. Tel: +44 (0)1273 339333 Fax: +44 (0)1273 339398