Humanities and Social Sciences International Foundation

Program Overview

It introduces British institutions and culture, provides a foundation in humanities and sociology, and develops academic English skills and critical thinking abilities. Upon successful completion, students are guaranteed direct entry into designated undergraduate programs at Newcastle University.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Objective:

• Introduce you to British institutions and culture.
• Provide an introduction to humanities and sociology.
• Prepare you for direct entry to the first year of your undergraduate degree in a range of subjects from law to media to politics to combined honours.
It introduces you to the British educational system, culture, and crucial academic skills necessary for success in your undergraduate studies. You will gain a strong foundation in humanities and sociological concepts, exploring areas such as literature, politics, geography, and law. The program structure focuses on developing your academic English skills alongside relevant subject knowledge. You will learn about British institutions and culture, acquire research and critical thinking skills, and become proficient in essay writing, presentations, and other academic communication methods.

Outline

Content:

This program covers a broad range of topics within humanities and social sciences, including:

• British institutions and culture
• Introduction to the study of humanities and social sciences
• Introduction to sociology
• English for academic purposes
• Study skills and project

Structure:

The program typically follows a three-term format, though a four-term program with additional English language support is also available.

Core Modules (80 credits):

• Introduction to British Institutions and Cultures (10 credits): This module delves into British institutions and culture, examining aspects such as literature, government, legal systems, geography, and business.
• Study Skills and Project (30 credits): This module equips you with essential study skills for UK higher education, covering areas such as organization, library research, data analysis, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

Specialist Modules (40 credits):

• Introduction to the Study of Humanities and Social Sciences (20 credits): This module explores the nature of humanities and social science disciplines, examining research methods and key issues within these fields.
• Introduction to Sociology (20 credits): This module introduces sociological concepts, methodologies, and crucial issues within modern British society.

Assessment

Assessment methods within the program include:

• Formal examinations at the end of each semester
• Coursework, including:
• Written essays
• Reports
• Practical exercises
• Group and individual research projects
• Bibliographical searches
• Oral and video presentations
• Problem-solving tasks

Teaching

The program emphasizes interactive and engaging teaching methods:

• Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and active participation.
• Experienced and qualified tutors guide your learning and development.
• A variety of teaching methods are employed, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group work, and independent study.
• Access to excellent facilities supports your learning, including libraries, IT resources, and dedicated study spaces.

Careers

The program prepares you for a successful career in a wide range of fields within humanities and social sciences. Potential career paths include:

• Law
• Politics
• Sociology
• Media and communication
• Education
• Research
• Social work
• Public policy
• International relations
• Journalism
• Publishing
Graduates from this program are highly sought-after by employers due to their strong academic foundation, research skills, critical thinking abilities, and excellent communication skills. Upon successful completion, you are guaranteed a place in one of their designated undergraduate programs in various subjects, including law, media, politics, history, and geography. Each progression option follows a specific pathway with specific requirements for English language proficiency and overall grades.