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
Q: How long are University degrees in Wales?
A: Wales operates a 3 year undergraduate degree system as in England. 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. Students who study the International year one progress directly to the second year of a degree meaning that they will complete their study in 3 years. Most postgraduate courses are one year in length. Students who study the Pre-Masters will complete their postgraduate degree (including the Pre-Masters) in approximately 18 months.
Q: Am I guaranteed progression to a degree at University?
A: Yes, if you obtain the required grades at the end of your course, you are guaranteed a place at the University of Wales, Newport. Students studying the Foundation year also have the option to apply for undergraduate study at one of our many partner institutions throughout Wales. Students studying the International Year One or Pre-Masters will be able to progress to a selection of universities in England and Wales.
Q: How do I choose the degree that I want to study?
A: During the first term of the International Foundation Year you will be given advice about degree courses available in the universities and colleges around Wales, including those at your host university, Newport. You then choose three degree courses offered in Wales for which you would like to apply. You may be given conditional offers and will then need to choose a first (or firm) choice and a second (or insurance) choice. Your final exam and coursework grades will determine which of your two choices will be open to you. Students studying the International Year One or Pre-Masters can choose from degrees at a selection of universities in Wales.
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, International Year One or Pre-Masters course.
Q: What Universities can I go on to study at?
A: If you take your Foundation Year, International Year One and Pre-Masters at the Wales International Study Centre, you are expected to go on to study your degree at one of our partner institutions:
Progression from the International Year One and Pre-Masters, is only offered by a selection of the above partners. For details go to Progression from the International Year One and Progression from the Pre-Masters pages.
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The International Foundation Year
Q: Who is the course validated by?
A: The University of Wales.
Q: Who is the course designed for?
A: The International Foundation Year is for non-HEU (not from the UK or European Union) students who have completed High School with good grades, but whose academic qualifications do not yet meet University 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 Internationals Study Centre is a dynamic partnership between the University and Study Group.
Q: Where is the course taught?
A: The course is taught on Newport's Caerleon campus – you will study alongside British and other International students. The International Study Centre is based in the heart of the campus in the Kegie Building - a modern state-of-the-art facility.
Q: What subjects can I study?
A: You can choose from two 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 (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 10 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.
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The International Year One
Q: Who is the course validated by?
A: University of Wales
Q: Who is the course designed for?
A: The International Year One is for non-HEU (Not from the UK or European Union) students who have studied at a level above High School, have completed a foundation year or have part completed the first year of a university degree. It is an intensive programme which combines academic subjects, study skills and English language training.
Upon successful completion of the International Year One, students will be able to progress onto the second year of a number of Business, Management and Marketing undergraduate degrees at a selection of our Welsh University partners.
Q: Who is the course taught by?
A: The International Diploma 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 Internationals 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 on Newport's Caerleon campus – you will study alongside British and other International students. The International Study Centre is based in the heart of the campus in the Kegie Building - a modern state-of-the-art facility.
Q: What will I study on the International Year One?
A: The course is modular in structure. You will study four English language modules and eight academic modules related to Business, Management and Marketing. Find out more about the International Year One modules.
Q: What do I do after the International Year One?
A: On successful completion of the course you can progress on to the second year of your choice of degrees from a selection of universities in Wales.
The Pre-Masters
Q: Who is the course validated by?
A: University of Wales
Q: Who is the course designed for?
A: The Pre-Masters programme is designed for international students who need to improve their academic and English language level before studying a Masters degree.
After studying the Pre-Masters, students will be equipped with the skills and understanding to succeed a Masters degree in Wales.
Q: Who is the course taught by?
A: The Pre-Masters portion of the programme 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. After the Pre-Masters modules students will study either the MBA or the MSc Project Management taught by the School of Business, University of Wales, Newport.
Q: Where is the course taught?
A: The Pre-Masters is taught at the Wales International Study Centre on Newport's Caerleon campus – you will study alongside British and other International students. The International Study Centre is based in the heart of the campus in the Kegie Building - a modern state-of-the-art facility.
Q: How long is the course?
A: The Pre-Masters is a two terms programme.
Q: What will I study on the Pre-Masters?
A: The Pre-Masters course is modular in structure. Students will study eight modules relating to Business and Management to prepare them for masters. See all modules.
Location in the UK
Where in the UK will I be studying?
The International Study Centre is based on the campus of the University of Wales, Newport. Newport is a large city in the south of Wales, near the border with England. Wales is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom. See map of the location in the UK.
Why study in Wales?
Wales is a very affordable place to study: it has a low cost of living. Students in Wales enjoy a high quality of life, access to outstanding natural beauty and a unique cultural heritage. The country is especially suited to international students – Newport was recently voted top in Wales for International Student Satisfaction.
How far is the campus from the city centre?
The campus is 4 miles from Newport city centre, a 10-15 minute bus ride away from the central bus station. See campus map and location page for more information.
How far is the University from the nearest major city?
Cardiff, the capital city of Wales is less than 15 miles from the campus and only a 12 minute train journey from Newport station. Find out more on the BBC Cardiff city website.
What is the nearest city like?
Newport is a historic city, dating back to Roman times. Now it is a modern, forward-thinking city and caters for everything a student could wish for including shopping, entertainment, sporting facilities, cinemas, restaurants and a thriving music scene.
Newport is growing and has seen major investments in recent years. Find out more: Newport life on the BBC and Newport on Wikipedia.
What is there to do in Newport?
If you like sport there are plenty of opportunities to watch Rubgy - the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff is also home to regular football and other sporting highlights. Newport is home to hundreds of art, music, cinema and comdey events, they can all be found on the Newport Arts Forum website.
What is the area around Newport like?
The Newport campus is just outside the quiet riverside village of Caerleon. To the south of Newport is the Wetlands Reserve an important site for birds and wildlife. To the north are the Brecon Beacons a beautiful National Park.
The Visit South Wales website is a good place to find out more about local attractions: Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle are definitely worth exploring.
What is the cost of living?
The cost of living in Wales is very low – Bangor, for example, is the second cheapest place to study in the whole of the UK.
As a rough guide for international students, your basic living expenses are likely to be in the region of £3000 - £4000 per year (or £60-£75 a week). This includes £1500 for food, £400 for books, £600 for travel within the UK, and £1000 for entertainment.
The Wales International Consortium calculates an average annual student living cost (including accommodation) of only £6,500 in Wales, compared with about £12,000 a year in London.
How far is Newport from London?
The University is 140 miles from London. Newport has good transport connections to the English capital and a direct motorway link. It takes about 2 hours to travel to London by car, and only 1 hour and 40 minutes by train.
What is the nearest international airport?
Cardiff and Bristol have International airports and they are both less than an hour away. London Heathrow airport is two hours away by train, or there is a direct coach service.
Where is the nearest shop?
There are shops both on campus and very close to campus, which sell everything you’ll need to help you settle in.
What is the postal address of the International Study Centre?
Wales International Study Centre
Top floor, Kegie Building
University of Wales, Newport
Caerleon Campus
Lodge Road
Caerleon
NEWPORT
NP18 3QT
UK
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Accommodation
Is accommodation guaranteed while I study at the ISC?
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 for your first year.
Is accommodation guaranteed throughout the rest of my degree?
Only your first year of accommodation is guaranteed. However, subject to availability, rooms are available in the on-campus residences on a first come, first served basis for returning students.
What type of accommodation is available to me?
Rooms are offered to ISC students on a first come, first served basis. The University has 661 self-catered, single study bedrooms, with a choice of standard or en-suite facilities, on campus. See our Accommodation page for more information on the residences.
Where is the accommodation?
All accommodation is based at the Caerleon campus, a short walk from the university and the ISC building where you will be studying. See a map showing the location of the ISC and accommodation.
How much is the accommodation?
See accommodation prices for the weekly rent payable for University-managed accommodation.
What is included in the accommodation fees?
All accommodation is self-catering. Fees include utilities (e.g. gas and electricity).
Is there internet access in my room, and is it free?
Every bedroom is fitted with an internet connection. For a small annual charge you can receive high-speed internet access in your study bedroom.
Are there cooking facilities in the accommodation?
Each en-suite flat has a fully fitted kitchen equipped with cooker, fridge/ freezer, microwave oven, electric kettle and toaster. If you are in a standard room you will share a kitchen with about 15 other students. The kitchen is equipped with 2 cookers, 2 fridge/freezers, a microwave oven, a kettle and a toaster. Standard bedrooms also contain a mini-fridge.
What furniture and fittings will my bedroom have?
All bedrooms are centrally heated and fully furnished with a wardrobe, desk, chair, shelves, curtains and bed.
What other facilities do the residences have?
There is a communal television lounge in each standard hall. There are internal telephones in each flat/corridor and they accept incoming calls. Pay phones for outgoing calls are located throughout the campus. There are 2 laundry blocks on the campus. Both are fitted with coin operated washing machines and driers.
Where is the nearest shop to the accommodation?
There is a shop on campus that will cater to your day-to-day needs. Newport city centre has a wide range of shops and is only a 10 minute bus ride away.
Can I stay in my room over the vacations at no extra charge?
If your tenancy agreement includes the Christmas and Easter vacation periods then vacation supplements will not be applicable. If you would like to stay on Campus during the summer holiday, arrangements can be made with the Accommodation Office.
Can I opt to make my own accommodation arrangements?
For students who would like to find their own accommodation, for either long or short stay options, in and around Newport or Caerleon, please read our Private Accommodation Fact Sheet.
However, if you have not pre-booked accommodation in university residences, we are unable to confirm your place at the ISC until you provide contact details of where you intend to stay or details of the arrangements you are proposing to make. This must be completed pre-arrival. Students under 18 years of age are strongly encouraged to stay in University-managed accommodation.
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Entry requirements
Q: What are the academic entry requirements for the Foundation Year?
A: A minimum background of high school graduation with good grades, or equivalent academic study. Check the Entry requirements page for country-specific detail.
Q: What level of English language is required for the Foundation Year?
A: Please check the Entry requirements page for required English language levels.
Q: What are the academic entry requirements for the International Year One?
A: A high school graduation with good grades plus evidence of additional study. Check the Entry requirements page for country-specific detail.
Q: What level of English language is required for the International Year One?
A: Please check the Entry requirements page for required English language levels.
Q: What are the academic entry requirements for the Pre-Masters?
A: Recognised Higher/Advanced Diploma in related subject area (plus relevant work experience for the MBA), or Recognised Degree in related field, or Honours degree in any subject
Q: What level of English language is required for the Pre-Masters?
A: Please check the Entry requirements page for required English language levels.
English Language Preparation (ELP) and English for Pre-Masters (EPM) is offered to students who do not the right 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 will be able to make you an offer of a place on a course on the basis of this assessment but you will not be able to confirm your place without proof of a valid SELT.
A SELT, Secure English Language Test, is a test which is recognised by the UK Border Agency as proof of your English level when you apply for a student visa for the UK. For a full list of SELTs, see the pdf on the UKBA website.
Q: How old do I have to be to start at the International Study Centre?
A: Most students studying the International Foundation Year will be at least 17 years old at the start of the course. Students under the age of 17 who are well qualified for the course will be considered on a case by case basis. Students under the age of 17 who are starting a course in September will be expected to turn 17 during the first term of the course and students starting in January will be expected to turn 17 before the start of the course.
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 UK, EU or EEA students apply to the International Study Centre?
A: Unfortunately we are not able to accept applications from Home/EU 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.
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English Language Preparation
Q: How can I find out my English Language level?
A: We can assess your English level if you complete our English Test. You do not need an IELTS or TOEFL grade to apply for a course at the ISC but you will need to provide proof of your English language proficiency through a Secure English Language Test before we can confirm your place on a course. IELTS and TOEFL are just two examples of SELT.
A SELT, Secure English Language Test, is a test which is recognised by the UK Border Agency as proof of your English level when you apply for a student visa for the UK. For a full list of SELTs, see the pdf on the UKBA website.
Q: My English Language level does not meet the entry requirement for my course
A: Depending on your level of English, you can study one term of English Language Preparation before you start the International Foundation Year, International Diploma or one or two before the Pre-Masters.
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 4.0.
Q: How long does English Preparation last?
A: Normally one term for students with IELTS 4.0+.
Q: How is my English Language assessed for progression onto my course?
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.
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Fees
Q: What are the tuition fees for courses at the International Study Centre?
A: Tuition fees in pounds sterling (GBP) are shown on the fees page.
Q: What are the University degree fees?
A: The 'overseas' student fee for Undergraduate degrees in Wales range from £7,000 to £12,000. Visit the website of the University partner you are interested in studying with for more information. Please note the tuition fees for the Pre-Masters plus MBA and Pre-Masters plus MSc Project Management includes the university degree fees.
Q: When are the ISC tuition and accommodation fees payable?
A: Please see our Fees page.
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Dates
Q: When can I start a course at the International Study Centre?
A: Each programme has different entry points throughout the year, starting in September, January, April and June.
Q: When can I start the English Language Preparation (ELP) or the English for Pre-Masters (EPM) 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. EPM courses start in June, September and January.
Q: What are the term dates?
A:
| Term |
2011/12 academic year |
2012/13 academic year |
| Autumn |
19 September to 09 December 2011 |
17 September to 7 December 2012 |
| Spring |
09 January to 23 March 2012 |
7 January to 22 March 2013 |
| Summer 1 |
11 April to 15 June 2012 |
8 April to 14 June 2013 |
| Summer 2 (Foundation & Pre-Masters) |
18 June to 17 August 2012 |
17 June to 16 August 2013 |
| Summer 2 (ELP and EPM) |
18 June to 31 August 2012 |
17 June to 30 August 2013 |
Q: Can I go home during the holidays?
A: Students are advised to check with the Head of Centre before booking their travel back home at the end of each term. In particular it is advised that you check with the Head of Centre before booking travel home at the end of the course in case it is necessary to remain in order to receive results and be advised of the next steps in your study plan.
Q: What date do I start my University degree?
A: You will start your degree in the October following your foundation start i.e. if you enter the Foundation Year in January 2012, you will start your degree in autumn 2012. If you start your course in September 2012, you will start your degree in autumn 2013.
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Applying
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: Subject to availability, we continue to consider applications up until the start of the Foundation Year programme. See foundation course start dates. Note that the visa application process may cause delays to admission.
Q: How do I apply for the International Study Centre?
A: You need to apply directly to the International Study Centre. Do not apply through UCAS. You can apply in three ways:
- Use our online application form. Once you submit the completed form one of our student enrolment advisers will get in touch with you and ask you to submit copies of all relevant academic transcripts and certificates of English language qualifications later in the process.
- Download the application form, print it out, complete it and fax it back to us along with the relevant documentation.
- Complete the Find a Local Agent form to apply through an educational representative in your country.
Q: What happens after I submit my application?
Read about the next steps in the application process.
Q: Who will help me with my application?
One of our team of expert Student Enrolment Advisers, based in the UK, will support you with your application and with the visa process right up until you arrive at the University. Read more in the Contacting us FAQs.
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.
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Pre-arrival (insurance, visas, travel etc)
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 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. 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.
Q: How do I get to University of Wales, Newport?
Full details of how to travel to the University are on the Maps and Transport page.
Q: Can I arrange airport collection and how much is it?
A: You can request an airport pick-up during the application process. This means that a taxi will pick you up on arrival and take you to campus. Please see our Fees page for costs and airports.
Q: When should I arrive at the University?
You should aim to arrive at the University on the Saturday or Sunday before your course starts.
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. 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. Read general information for new students and download the latest pre-arrival information ( , 2.2MB).
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Contacting us
Q: How do I find out more about the courses, the ISC or the University?
If you have a question and cannot find the answer on this website, please contact us. We will be pleased to help you with any questions you have.
Q: How can I contact the ISC?
You can contact us using the online enquiry form, by telephone, by fax, by post, on Facebook or in person if we are visiting your country. Details are on the How to Contact us page.
Q: Who will answer my questions?
The ISC is run by Study Group, a world leader in education for international students, in partnership with the University of Wales.
Our team of expert Student Enrolment Advisers will assist you with any questions you have, and will help and support you through the application process, until you arrive at the University. Our advisers speak many languages between them: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Thai, Farsi, Polish, Russian and French.
Meet our Student Enrolment Advisers.
Q: What if my English isn't very good?
To make it as easy as possible for you, our Advisers speak a variety of languages (see list above), and understand several more. Do not worry if your English is not very good - we are experienced in communicating with non-native English speakers, and we will do our best to understand you.
Q: How can I get in contact with current students at Newport?
Wales International Study Centre is on Facebook. Join our Facebook community to connect with ISC students and staff, ask questions and leave messages.
Q: I am trying to use your enquiry form but it does not work.
Apologies! We try to avoid errors on our enquiry form but sometimes they can occur. You may wish to contact us by phone or fax instead:
Phone: +44 (0) 1273 339333 (omit the zero if you are calling from outside the UK. Normal international charges apply. Our working hours are 09:00 to 17:30 GMT).
Fax: +44 (0) 1273 339398
Q: I have received an email from you, but it does not answer my question.
The first email you receive from us in response to your online enquiry is an automated response. You will receive another email shortly, from a Student Enrolment Adviser, who will answer your question. You will then be able to correspond with your dedicated Adviser by email.
Q: How do I contact someone in my own country to help with my application?
If you think you will feel more comfortable talking to someone face-to-face in your own country, you can contact a Study Group educational agent. Find your Local Agent.
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