Wales International Study Centre: access to world-class universities in Wales

Contact us for free advice

About the Foundation Year

English Language training to prepare for University in the UK 

English Language Preparation

This intensive course will improve your English language skills up to the required level of IELTS 4.5.

You must have an English language level equivalent to IELTS 4.5 to begin the International Foundation Year. If you require additional language training in order to reach this level, you can first join the English Language Preparation (ELP) course, delivered at the International Study Centre. You will need to take the ELP course for one or two terms, before the start of your academic studies on the Foundation Year.

If you have an English language level equivalent to IELTS 4.0 you need one term of English language training. If you are currently at IELTS 3.0 you need two terms of ELP.

ELP key facts


Course length: 1 or 2 terms, depending on English level
Tuition fee: See fees page
Entry points: June: 1-term ELP for Foundation start in September or
2-term ELP for Foundation start in January
September: 1-term ELP for Foundation start in January
January: 2-term ELP for Foundation start in September
ELP term dates: Spring term: 11 January - 26 March 2010
Summer term 1: 12 April - 18 June 2010
Summer term 2: 21 June - 3 September 2010
Autumn term: 20 September - 10 December 2010
Entry requirements: Minimum IELTS 3.0 (or equivalent). See Admissions section for details
Course structure: 25 hours per week tuition plus 10 hours per week of self-study
Assessment: Internal test based on the English-Speaking Union's nine-point scale
Progression: Once you have successfully completed the ELP course, you will progress onto the International Foundation Year
No IELTS grade?

If you don’t have a current IELTS grade, you may still apply to the ISC. Please contact us to find out about alternative assessment of your English Language level.

Maintained by Study Group working with WIC and University of Wales, Newport