Are you making plans to choose a tertiary or higher education institution? You may be wondering where to start and whom you can speak to
Youths like you, who have gone through the process of selecting a suitable tertiary institution, will tell you the experience can be both exciting and daunting. Some already have very clear ideas of their choices while some are still unsure or, perhaps, they may not meet the entry requirements. Thus, the foundation programme plays a crucial role in guiding you to achieve your dreams of being a graduate. Such programmes are more popular with students who want to study in international universities.
What are foundation programmes?
Broadly defined, foundation programmes are pathways to university-level education. They help students to prepare for admission to English-medium undergraduate studies. The foundation programme will equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge and aptitude required for undergraduate study with a structured and holistic learning experience.
One example of such programmes would be the University of London’s International Foundation Programme (UOL-IFP) offered by Singapore (Cambodia) International Academy (SCIA). SCIA has been appointed as the first and only Recognised Teaching Centre in Cambodia by the University of London. The IFP will be conducted at SCIA’s Foundation Studies Centre in Phnom Penh. The IFP qualification is widely accepted for undergraduate entry at leading universities such as SIM Global Education in Singapore, as well as leading UK institutions: University of London, LSE, Durham, King’s College London, Warwick and at prestigious universities in UK, Australia, Canada and the USA.
Below are some of the key benefits of foundation programmes:
- A sneak preview of tertiary education environment
Speak to any of your seniors, and most will agree that the transition from high school directly to tertiary study is challenging and different from what they have been used to, especially in the areas of independent study and reduced contact hours. Enrolling into foundation programmes helps you adjust adequately as the teaching and learning style will be modelled closely to that of tertiary education environment and the subjects are closely aligned to your choice of study.
- Academic rigour
In order to benefit and cope with the tertiary studying environment, you need to equip yourself with relevant skills. Therefore, the foundation programmes are carefully designed to help you develop the necessary skills such as independent study, research, academic writing, and time management which are highly required in higher education.
- An alternative route into your course
You may find that your intended field of study may be highly competitive and demanding, and you may not meet the course prerequisites. Foundation programmes and bridging courses enable you to gain the academic skills required to progress into university. It has been found that students who complete a foundation programme are generally at an advantage to enter tertiary study. In addition, they may gain credits for their selected course.
- English enrichment programmes taught by expert teachers
English is commonly used as a medium in tertiary studying environment, so if your English proficiency is limited, you may need the extra time and support in developing your written and verbal English communications. The additional English support provided will help you to be more confident in your presentation and more confident in public speaking. For example, at SCIA, not only do they offer the IFP, they also supplement with English enrichment programmes. You will be taught by experienced teachers in their English enrichment classes who understand the challenges of students whose first language is not English, so that they are able to cater more closely to your needs and challenges.
- Lower English entry
A common challenge that most international students face is they do not meet the entry requirement in the English proficiency for direct entry to universities. Foundation programme is a key solution in addressing that gap in providing you with the extra support to improve your grades.
- Assured progression
Some foundation programmes offer credits toward further progression of a specific course, resulting in savings in time and costs. However, this varies from institutions to institutions.
Come join the sharing session by Mr Anselm Chu, SCIA Managing Director and School Director and alumni of SIM-UOL Programme, to discover opportunities regarding higher education. Come learn about the International Foundation Programme offered at SCIA, level 4 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm on 6th of April. Click here register!
Contributed by: Ng Bee Sun, Principal, Foundation Studies Centre, Singapore (Cambodia) International Academy
International Foundation Programme Pre-Launch
Are you about to graduate from high school this year and you wonder what’s your next step? What majors to pursue in? Where to study?
If you are searching for a pre-university programme which prepares you for the rigours of higher education and the real world, University of London International Foundation Programme (UOL IFP) is the one for you.
Join us at the IFP Pre-Launch and discover for yourself why the IFP qualification is widely accepted by leading universities around the world.
Enjoy an afternoon of sharing by SCIA Leaders and Singapore Institute 0f Management (SIM)- UOL Alumnus.
Programme Details:
12:30 – 1:15pm Registration
1:30 – 5:00pm Career Choices & Career Guidance
1:30 – 1:45pm Mini-Lecture 1: Economics
1:45 – 2:30pm *IFP Information Sharing
Christina Choo, Senior Associate Director
2:30 – 2:50pm *Mini-Lecture 2: International Relations
Anselm Chu, Managing Director & School Director
Associate Lecturer (International Relations & Political Science), SIM-UOL (2013-2016)
2:50 – 3:10pm *Sharing by SIM-UOL Alumni
3:10 – 3:30pm Question & Answers
4:00 – 4:30pm Mini-Lecture 3: Statistics
Admission is free.
*Session in English with Khmer interpretation
(Programme is subject to change)
