Program Overview

---

Certificate in International Foundation Studies (CIFS)

Overview

This International Foundation Programme is tailored to specific subject discipline areas and combines academic study, intensive English language preparation, study skills and cultural orientation.

Course Details

Core Modules (Mandatory)

• English Language (50 FET credits, Semesters 1 and 2)
• Learning, Study and Communication Skills (10 FET credits, Semester 1)
• Information Technology (10 FET credits, Semesters 1 and 2)
• Mathematics (20 FET credits, Semesters 1 and 2)

Elective Modules (Learners select three)

• Business (10 FET credits, Semester 1)
• Physics (10 FET credits, Semester 1)
• Accounting (10 FET credits, Semester 2)
• Chemistry (10 FET credits, Semester 2)
• Economics (10 FET credits, Semester 2)
• Biology (10 FET credits, Semester 2)

Course Modules

English Language

The main aims of the English language module are twofold: one, to develop learners’ English language level from B1+ to B2+ CEFRL, while equipping them with the relevant academic English knowledge, and two, provide learners with the skills needed to deal with the academic practices that learners may be unfamiliar with e.g. academic writing, critical thinking, etc.

Learning, Study and Communication Skills (LSC)

The objective of this module is to assist international learners in the transition to higher education through the medium of English.

Information Technology

The aim of this is to provide learners with the necessary foundations in knowledge, understanding and skills to effectively use computer applications in higher education.

Mathematics

The objective of this module is to give learners a solid foundation in mathematics, both procedural and applied.

Business

The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the key concepts of business management and to prepare them for future study of business modules at third level.

Physics

The aim of this module is to give learners an introduction to the basic principles of physics, gaining an appreciation for the importance of physics as a scientific discipline and how it describes the physical world in which they live.

Accounting

This module provides learners with an introduction to the theoretical and practical base of financial accounting.

Chemistry

The aim of this module is to give learners a strong foundation in the basic principles of chemistry in order to prepare them to undertake the study of chemistry at a higher level as part of an undergraduate degree programme.

Economics

The objective of this module is to enable learners to grasp the fundamentals of economic theory, understanding how the decisions of individuals, firms and governments interact.

Biology

The aim of this module is to give learners an introduction to the basic principles of biology in order to prepare them to undertake the study of biology at a more advanced level as part of an undergraduate degree programme.

Timetables

This programme runs over five days, Monday – Friday. On average the programme involves 22.25 hours per week of direct contact time, with 10 hours allocated to English language and the remainder allocated to lectures, laboratories and tutorials in the other modules.

Entry Requirements

Learners must hold a certificate of secondary education at GCSE level of equivalent to include a minimum pass grade in maths and a minimum pass grade four other subjects. Learners must have an English level of CEFRL B1+ / IELTS 5.0 / IGCSE C or equivalent.

Tuition Fees

€12,000

Progression

Learners who successfully complete the Certificate in International Foundation Studies can apply to a number of Higher Education Institutes for progression to undergraduate programmes.