Foundation Certificate in Social Sciences

The Foundation Certificate in Social Sciences introduces students to a broad range of subjects including sociology, anthropology, the principles of economics and the international economy. The course is designed to enable students to reach a GCE ‘A’ level equivalent standard and contains two main elements:

Academic skills modules
The course will help you develop key academic skills including research, writing, presentation and analysis.

Subject modules
During the Foundation Certificate in Social Sciences you will cover core subjects of your chosen area of study, including an introduction to sociology and anthropology. Following this, you will progress to more specialised studies that focus on the topics and skills needed most in your chosen undergraduate degree course.

All modules are specifically designed to meet the needs of foundation social science international students. The Foundation Certificate in Social Sciences is taught specifically with your progression to the University of Glasgow in mind.

Integrated English preparation

English language tuition is also provided for those students who need extra help with developing their English.

You may need to improve your English language skills as well as your academic skills on your course. We can add an integrated English preparation to your offer automatically if your English language level does not meet the minimum requirements.

Find out more about our English language tuition.

A social sciences education: progression to the University of Glasgow

You will progress directly to year 2 of a degree course at the University of Glasgow when you successfully complete the Foundation Certificate in Social Sciences to the required level.

To see these degrees click on ‘degrees’ on the right of this page under Related Links.

Subject modules

Course outline (2 term*)
Two core academic skills modules:

  • Skills for Study 1 and 2

Two core English language modules:

  • Language for Study 2 and 3

Four core subject modules:

  • Introduction to Social Science
  • Introduction to Sociology and Anthropology
  • Principles of Economics
  • The International Economy

Two social sciences pathway modules:

  • The Individual, State and Society
  • Comparative Politics

* Three-term courses contain additional English language modules.

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Degrees
Student Story
Glasgow Student, Sakiko

"Before I came to the UK to study, I was still studying at high school. I wanted to study Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow because the economist Adam Smith graduated from there and GIC would be a great pathway to get into this university.

Before I came to the UK I was hoping to improve my English and especially how to write academically. I was a bit apprehensive about studying in this country because I thought the teaching style would be very different to what I am used to.

I studied the Foundation Certificate in Social Science. The teaching style is very different compared to how it is back home. In Japan we have to memorise the answers for exams but here we need to understand the concept of what we are studying and also write essays.

If I ever needed help my subject teachers were great and they were easily contactable if ever I had a problem. I also had a learning support tutor, who was very helpful and gave me the support when I needed it. What I enjoyed most about my course was that it was taught at the right speed and my tutors taught me until I totally understood. I picked up a lot of academic skills which I know I will need for when I go to university.

Outside of the classroom I joined the Japanese Martial Arts Society and the Scottish Dance society which helped me make more friends of different nationalities.

I think after studying at GIC I have changed as a person. I don’t need to feel worried anymore because if I am having any problems the tutor will help me all the time. Before I came here I was very shy and unorganised. But now I always make a plan before I do something and I always try everything!

My friends and family feel happy because I really enjoyed studying at GIC and they are very proud of me because I understand how to study in the UK and that’s thanks to GIC! They are very happy that I took the step to come here. I feel much more confident. The College has given me the opportunity so it was up to me to make the most of it. I absolutely feel ready to study my degree at university and GIC provided the steps to do so!"

Sakiko Niwa is from Japan and studied the Foundation Certificate in Social Sciences at Glasgow International college

Key Course Facts

Start date

Summer courses start from May – July 2012, depending on your English level and academic requirements.
Autumn courses start between September and November 2012

Course length

Courses start at 2 terms, and can go up to 4 terms depending on your academic and English needs.

Academic entry requirements

Entry to the Foundation Certificate requires you to have passed Grade 12 (or equivalent).

English language entry requirements

You will need to show proof of English language ability - usually an IELTS test (or equivalent Secure English Language Test - SELT). A higher IELTS score means your course will be shorter and you can progress to the University of Glasgow more quickly.

Pre-sessional English

UKBA regulations stipulate that all students must meet the minimum English requirements for postgraduate study in the UK. If you do not meet the requirements (overall or in a single discipline) we can tailor an intensive English preparation course to help you progress onto your graduate diploma course.

Foundation Certificate, summer start dates

Your current
English language level
Course Next start date Course length
IELTS 4.0 or equivalent* in all skills Foundation Certificate with Integrated English 15 May 2012 4 terms
IELTS 4.5 or equivalent* (no less than 4.0 in any skill) Foundation Certificate with Integrated English 27 Jun 2012 3.5 terms
IELTS 4.5 or equivalent* (no less than 4.0 in any skill) Foundation Certificate with Integrated English 15 May 2012 3 terms
IELTS 5.0 or equivalent* (no less than 4.0 in any skill) Foundation Certificate with Integrated English 27 Jun 2012 2.5 terms
 

Foundation Certificate, autumn start dates

Your current
English language level
Course Next start date Course length
IELTS 5.5 or equivalent* (no less than 4.5 in any skill) Foundation Certificate 11 Sep 2012 2 terms
IELTS 5.0 or equivalent* (no less than 4.0 in any skill) Foundation Certificate 11 Sep 2012 3 terms
 

We offer this course with Integrated English to students who have an IELTS level from 4.5 to 5.0. The course length and start dates vary from September – November 2012. We also offer Enhanced University Preparation for this course, where students with a high level of English will have an extended enrolment period. Contact us for specific details.

*All scores are IELTS but any equivalent secure English language test would be accepted.