International Foundation Programme

Program Overview

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International Foundation Programme

The Middlesex University Dubai International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a 120 credit programme which aims to provide students with the required skills for entry into one of our undergraduate programmes. In addition, it helps students to transition from high school to university by teaching the use of academic conventions, fostering a learner-centred environment and encouraging independent learning whereby students become actively involved in their own education. Students will also develop transferable skills in their chosen subject area along with communication and problem solving skills.

Programme Pathways

• Business
• Law and Politics
• Psychology
• Media and Film
• Art and Design
• Computer Science, Technology and Engineering

Programme Modules

Academic Skills and Writing (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to develop the extensive reading and advanced writing skills necessary for study at undergraduate level. Students will gain transferable academic and linguistic skills that will support them to successfully complete the other IFP modules. Through active learning strategies, students will reflect and engage with their own learning processes.

Critical Thinking and Independent Learning Skills - Compulsory

This module aims to develop fundamental independent learning, written and oral communication skills, critical thinking and analysis skills required to continue studying at degree level. Students will be introduced to higher level thinking skills through critical and lateral thinking exercises, along with time management and independent learning skills. Incorporating one to one Academic Advising and support, this module aims to build student confidence in readiness for undergraduate studies.

Foundation Mathematics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces fundamental mathematical and statistical topics and concepts that are required in a range of subjects studied at degree level. Students will begin to develop an appreciation of the importance of mathematics as an aid to understand and describe abstract ideas. The module covers introductory areas of mathematics including numbers, algebra, data collection and statistics in a structured and supportive environment. Software will be used to demonstrate and elucidate material to use in real world situations.

Foundations of Business (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to develop foundational understanding of the business disciplines. Students will be active in identifying and applying key theories, ideas and practical tools and skills. The module will allow students to gain introductory understanding of business in a range of contexts and develop an understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants. Students will also begin to develop aptitudes needed to work both independently and with their peers.

Introduction to Business (30 Credits) - Compulsory

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the notion of business and all its domains through literature. In particular, the module develops students ability to source, read, understand and utilise business knowledge effectively.

Foundations of Law (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module is designed to equip students, who wish to study law, with valuable skills that will allow them to transition smoothly into a law undergraduate programme. Those basic skills include critical reading, legal drafting, advocacy and legal research. All of these are significant for common law practitioners. Students will gain a basic understanding of common law principles, the legal profession, legal ethics, and advocacy.

World Literature for Social Sciences and the Law (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to prepare students embarking on studying the disciplines of Sociology (including Criminology), Politics and Law. It seeks to do this by encouraging active reading and writing habits in students, enhancing their knowledge of the world within which the disciplines are located, and seeking to enhance the skills with which to understand, decode and comment on it. The module is designed to expose students to a range of societal contexts that will be fundamental to the study of this cognate set of disciplines. At the end of the module students will be expected to have enhanced their skills and knowledge considerably and have gained the confidence to undertake engagement with more complex technical materials.

Foundations of Social Science (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to develop foundational understanding of social science disciplines. Students will be active in identifying and applying key theories, ideas and practical tools and skills. Students will also begin to develop aptitudes needed to work both independently and with their peers. The module will allow students to gain an introductory understanding of key disciplines of social science including psychology, politics, law, sociology, anthropology, and economics. Successful students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. They will apply knowledge and understanding of social scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures in a theoretical context and in a practical context.

Biological Bases of Behaviour (30 Credits) - Compulsory

In this module you will be introduced to the biological bases of behaviour, including the physiology of the nervous system, sensation & perception, motivation & emotion, ethnology and behavioural genetics. In each of these areas, you will be introduced to contemporary theory and research, and the fundamental skills to engage with, discuss, evaluate, and report on research. You will also be introduced to the basic skills for undertaking and communicating research.

Foundations of Arts and Creative Media (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to develop foundational understanding of the arts and creative media disciplines. Students will be active in identifying and applying key creative theories, ideas and practical tools and skills. Successful students will be able to demonstrate critical and contextual awareness of historical and contemporary arts and creative media theory and practice and core competencies in creative processes and techniques through practice. They will apply creative solutions to tasks and briefs using appropriate written, visual, and technical media. Finally students will develop an understanding of the dynamic and changing relationships between media forms, products, media industries and audiences.

Digital Production (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to investigate media production tools and technologies in order to develop production skills and competencies. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with different kinds of software and media forms to produce creative works. The technical learning will inform students’ creative production work whilst also providing students with the skills to develop an online platform to promote their work and developing profile.

Art and Design Creative Portfolio (30 credits) - Compulsory

The module gives you the opportunity to create your own individual art and design portfolio to showcase your originality and professionalism, and to be the final presentation of your extensive and varied creative work.

You will develop your portfolio to support and define a proposed area of further study and industry employment.

Foundations of Computing and Technology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to develop foundational understanding of computing and technology. Successful students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and the ability to apply, the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. They will also be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so. Students will be active in identifying and applying key principles, ideas and practical tools and skills.

Computing, Digital Technology and Engineering Theory and Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

The module provides an introduction to some of the fundamental concepts in computing, engineering and networks. Students will learn about the latest developments within computing, both software and hardware, and gain basic understanding of the characteristics and operational behaviour of computer systems and computer communications. The module will assist students in making their degree choice for future careers.

Programme Details

Intake

• January, April*, September

Duration

• This programme is taught over 1 year full-time.

Attendance

• This programme is offered full-time.

Fees (Total)

• AED 49,074

Fees Breakdown

• Year 1: AED 47,850

Entry Requirements

British GCSEs/IGCSEs/O Levels

• For candidates completing British GCSEs/IGCSEs/O Levels, completion of 5 relevant subjects with good grades (minimum CCCCC). GCSE: Grade C in Maths

West African/Nigerian Curriculum

• WAEC/WASSCE/SSSCE English – minimum grade “C6“

UAE National General Secondary School Certificate

• UAE National General Secondary School Certificate: minimum grade of 60% overall

American High School

• Successful completion of the high school diploma with overall grade “C” or overall 60% or equivalent

Pakistani Intermediate Level National Curriculum

• Pakistani Intermediate Level National Curriculum (Part 1 & 2): completion of FSC/HSC with minimum grade of 60% or equivalent

Iranian Secondary School

• Iranian Secondary School: completion of High School Diploma with minimum grade of 12 out of 20

Nigerian Senior School Leaving Certificate

• Minimum overall grade of “C6” in 5 academic subjects. Students are required to print out the official results from the NECO website at

National Curriculum of the countries of Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan

• National Curriculum of the countries of Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan: Candidates are admitted to the International Foundation Programme (IFP)**

International Baccalaureate

• Successful completion of an IB Certificate may be considered for entry to the International Foundation Programme.

English Language Requirements

• All programmes at Middlesex University Dubai are taught in English and applicants with previous education outside of English-speaking countries (such as the UK, the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand), must demonstrate English language proficiency as follows:
  • English Language Test|Entry Requirement
  • IELTS Academic| 5.5 (minimum 5.0 in each band)
  • TOEFL Internet-based| 65
  • Pearson PTE Academic| 45
  • Additionally, students with the following qualifications may be considered as having met the English language requirements:
  • English Language|Entry Requirement
  • GCSE/1GCSE/0-Level English (as a first or second language)| Grade C or Higher
  • International Baccalaureate Certificate| Minimum Grade 4 in English A1 (Standard or Higher Level) in IB Certificate
  • West African/Nigerian Curriculum WAEC/WASsCE/SSSCE| Minimum Grade of “C6”