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CE LA P RN K K O K Lincoln’s S OC I Q LB N IST O Inn Fields V TREET H G TA S C D H S FOR IG H OX H H W E A A City Thameslink R R Y B G Tottenham I R N E O W A U Law Courts R G OB N Court Road N D E O D U C V N S R ET R A QU BE N E O TR D P M S S A CH A F L R S S Y O Covent W R O A C T D E C R L R Y R Garden A BlackfriaD rs E E R D E U W T B W S O E A FT L B A P S U Y H G Q S R YN U N Leicester B A R Square E SOAS Piccadilly D AN Circus TR Student RUSSELL SQUARE S W A T Central (ULU) CAMPUS E National R Library L River Thames Gallery O O Russell

T Charing Cross B H Square O R RN ID St James ’s M H Trafalgar G A E A Main Entrance U Squa re L G LL Squa re E H T S T MA S Brunei Gallery LL T A P R London Eye U T S A S V E G I L S L O T W O S E C Q R U FDPS A S Senate House R T E R E North Block A preparatory year for international students E T International Foundation Courses and Student PRE-MASTER’S Health Centre aiming for postgraduate degrees at SOAS English Language Studies (IFCELS) and other UK universities in: SOAS – University of London PROGRAMME Thornhaugh Street • Business and Finance London WC1H OXG • Law EMAIL [email protected] • Social Sciences www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/fdps • Humanities

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this brochure is accurate and up to date. However some changes, for example to programmes, modules, courses, facilities or fees, may become necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. In such circumstances SOAS will: (i) endeavour to keep any changes to a minimum; (ii) take all reasonable steps to minimise disruption to students; and (iii) keep students informed appropriately by email advising where to seek further information if required. If you require further information or confirmation of any matter, please contact IFCELS at [email protected] FDPS at a glance

A WELL-ESTABLISHED …..RECOGNISED BY PRE-MASTER’S HIGH-LEVEL UNIVERSITIES PROGRAMME…… ACROSS THE UK The FDPS programme has been Over the last 5 years students running since 1993 and has completing the programme fulfilled developed a reputation for offers from top UK universities*, high-quality, academic teaching including SOAS, UCL, LSE, Imperial, and learning. Since then, over 1500 QMUL, Warwick, Durham, Bristol of our graduates from all over the and Bath, and the majority were able world have gone on to degrees at to go on to postgraduate study at a British universities. college of the University of London. *The Guardian University Guide 2018

…..GUARANTEEING AN OFFER ….PROVIDING EXPERIENCE OF ……OFFERING A RANGE SOAS is a college of the University FOR SOAS PG PROGRAMMES SUPERVISED INDEPENDENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCE, of London and a world leading FDPS students are guaranteed RESEARCH HUMANITIES AND centre for the study of Asia, Africa an offer for most postgraduate Students complete an Independent BUSINESS-RELATED programmes at SOAS and a 10% and the Middle East. The library is Study Project (ISP) on a research SUBJECT AREAS discount on the tuition fees for a topic of their choice with one-to-one Students can choose from the UK’s most important collection master’s programme. supervision from an academic expert modules covering 5 different of resources about these regions. and support from an individual tutor. See www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/ study areas: Development Studies, SOAS is a vibrant and friendly pgfoundation/progression for full International Business and Finance, multicultural community in the details of progression pathways International Relations, Media and heart of London with more than Communications, Comparative half its students coming from Studies in Cultures. outside the UK.

The IFCELS department at SOAS is one of …..PREPARING STUDENTS …..DELIVERED ON THE SOAS …..THROUGH AN APPROACH the UK’s leading centres for foundation FOR A WIDE RANGE CAMPUS IN CENTRAL LONDON WHICH INTEGRATES and pre-master’s study. It runs the ICC OF POSTGRADUATE ACADEMIC ENGLISH Foundation as well as the FDPS Pre- All FDPS teaching is delivered by master’s and language programmes PROGRAMMES SOAS staff on the college’s central DEVELOPMENT AND London campus on Russell Square, in focusing on academic English, study FDPS students progress to a range of ACADEMIC STUDY the heart of the University of London. skills and academic subjects. During postgraduate programmes, including As full members of the SOAS student The programme combines in- the summer (July to September) there Business and Management, Banking community, FDPS students have depth academic study with are courses in English language, pre- and Finance, Development Studies, access to all SOAS and University of subject-specific English language sessional English and academic subjects History of Art, History, Media Studies London facilities, including the world- support to maximise the students’ such as Business Studies, Media, and Journalism, Anthropology, Politics renowned SOAS and Senate House development. By the end of the Development Studies, International and International Relations, Public libraries, giving them a complete programme they are prepared both Relations, Literature and Art, all with Policy, Law, Translation Studies, university experience. academically and linguistically for supporting English language classes. Applied Linguistics and TESOL, demanding postgraduate study. Religious Studies and Area Studies. Approach to Study PROGRAMME AIMS STUDENT PROFILE • To prepare students for entry Our students come from many different backgrounds and have to postgraduate programmes different motivations for joining FDPS but typically they are: at British universities in the Students who have an undergraduate degree in one subject humanities, social sciences but wish to pursue a different postgraduate major and so need and business-related studies. to gain some knowledge of the new subject area as well as to • To broaden and deepen improve their English language, academic and study skills and The FDPS programme lasts one academic year students’ knowledge of develop independent research skills. (September to June) and aims to provide students with academic subjects related the academic, critical thinking, language, research and or to their intended study skills they will require to be successful on a postgraduate focus. Students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies or research in challenging postgraduate degree programme in the UK. the same subject area as their undergraduate degree or a related • To provide students with the The weekly teaching and learning cycle integrates academic field, but first need to improve their English language, academic linguistic and academic skills and English language study so students develop their academic and study skills and develop independent research skills. they will need for successful knowledge, study skills and English ability within each specific postgraduate study. or subject area.

• To enable students to enjoy Students who have not achieved a sufficient level of At the same time the research cycle combines a weekly research the full campus experience at performance for direct entry to postgraduate study in the UK, methods class with one-to-one academic supervision and a top UK university. and so want to add value to their undergraduate qualifications individual tutorials so students learn skills in class, practise them by developing their academic knowledge as well as improving in their independent research and receive appropriate academic their English language, academic and study skills and developing and language support. independent research skills. ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS or Intensive study of academic subjects to broaden and deepen Students who have completed a Diploma or Associate Degree knowledge of core concepts and theories. rather than a Bachelor’s but who have significant professional experience related to the area they wish to study at postgraduate CRITICAL THINKING AND RESEARCH SKILLS level and want to upgrade their academic knowledge and qualifications as well as to improve their English language, Practice and development of key independent study skills academic and study skills and develop independent research skills including analysing concepts, asses sing and interpreting evidence, examining connections between ideas, asking questions, forming opinions, developing arguments and drawing conclusions within academic subject areas.

LANGUAGE AND STUDY SKILLS General and academic English with a strong focus on essay writing, academic reading, seminar skills, lecture listening and note-taking. The English classes supporting the academic modules introduce students to subject-specific vocabulary, language and study skills.

Masayo Nakayama Min Jeong MA Linguistics – Birkbeck, University of London MSc International Management (Japan) – SOAS University of London When I started on FDPS I was quite confused by the difference between the academic approach expected in the UK and what The FDPS programme at SOAS gave me the perfect environment I was familiar with in my country. However, the support provided on to develop my academic English and study skills. I also really the programme enabled me to develop a wide range of study and benefitted from following two academic modules, which research skills, from participating in seminar discussions to collecting made me see how interconnected different subjects are, and and analysing data. My biggest achievement was improving how important it was to start my postgraduate studies with my critical reading and writing skills, which led to me obtaining a broad range of knowledge. Choosing FDPS was the best distinctions in my MA dissertation. Overall the FDPS Pre-master’s was decision I made, and helped me to achieve high marks on my excellent preparation for following an MA programme. Master’s programme. Programme Structure Approach to Study

The programme provides students Students are assessed throughout the year by PG Degree Focus Recommended FDPS Academic Modules (students choose two) with a broad range of in-depth means of termly assignments in each academic module, and coursework in Academic English. Development Studies • Development Studies knowledge to prepare them for The final examinations are held in June. For the • International Relations postgraduate study. In order to do Independent Study Project, students submit their • Comparative Studies in Cultures this, students follow university-style 8,000-word paper at the start of the third term in Politics/IR • International Relations late April or early May. academic modules with subject- • Development Studies • Media and Communications specific academic English support. Students have a total of 15-18 hours of academic and English language tuition each Social Anthropology • Comparative Studies in Cultures Each student studies four modules – Academic week and, as on a postgraduate degree • Development Studies English and a research project (Independent programme, they are expected to study at least • Media and Communications Study Project), which are compulsory, and two as many hours a week outside class, reviewing History of Art • Comparative Studies in Cultures academic modules, which are chosen from our and preparing for classes, writing module • Media and Communications list of options. The academic modules are taught assignments and carrying out independent • International Relations by subject specialists who deliver the lectures research and further reading. Teaching consists and lead the seminar discussions. All academic of lectures, small group seminar discussions and Media/Film Studies • Media and Communications modules are supported by English teachers, supporting English language classes. • Comparative Studies in Cultures who focus not only on developing students’ • International Business and Finance grammatical accuracy and fluency, but also Management/Finance • International Business and Finance increasing their subject-specific vocabulary and • Media and Communications improving their reading, lecture listening and • Development Studies note-taking skills.

Thanita Areepongsa Burcu Dabak MSc International Marketing – University of Bath PhD Film Studies – University of East Anglia (UEA)

On FDPS, there is a wide and varied range of As a prospective PhD student, I found the Independent academic modules that the students can choose Study Project particularly helpful as it was like a rehearsal to study. My arts-related bachelor degree alone for doing a thesis. It gave me experience of the process was not sufficient to fulfil the postgraduate of academic research, enabled me to develop an programme requirements for management, and understanding of different methodologies and gave me so I was able to choose subjects (Business Studies practice in thesis writing. The one-to-one academic and Development Studies) which helped me to supervision and English support helped me to strengthen gain a strong enough background knowledge to my independence as a researcher, and made me confident apply to high level universities. that I can deal successfully with the demands of PhD study. Programme Content

Optional Academic Modules – Compulsory Modules students choose two

ACADEMIC ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND FINANCE STUDIES IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS This module improves students’ use of This module explores key aspects of international This module introduces students to the theories academic English in preparation for successful or global business activity today. It balances underpinning the study of contemporary media This module provides an introductory framework postgraduate study. Attention is focused on theoretical approaches with the practical and human communication such as film, for explaining major historical events at the grammatical accuracy and fluency and on the application of techniques appropriate to the television, press media and global multimedia, international level. We address the dominant vocabulary and style required in an academic international business context through the study (e.g. internet). We investigate the social, cultural theoretical perspectives which have shaped our context for the clear communication of ideas and application of case studies and models. and political role that media play in the formation understanding of world politics. The module also and analysis in both writing and speaking. The syllabus is divided in two parts with the and development of modern society both locally offers a critical assessment of those perspectives In addition, the skills needed for listening to first half focusing on the core topics found in and globally. The module would be useful if you through an investigation of key international lectures, note-taking, essay writing and the most postgraduate business or management are interested in pursuing studies in media, the issues in the modern political world. It would reading of academic materials are developed. programmes. Emphasis is given to the way in creative industries, the visual arts and history. benefit students intending to undertake further which generic business concepts and functions This is NOT a module in practical media studies study in the fields of politics, history, economics INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECT (ISP) of management are interrelated both within (e.g. film-making). and development studies, among others. A very valuable and popular feature of the organisations and in the global business programme is the opportunity to carry out environment. The second half covers the basic Topics include: news reporting • the audience Topics include: the impact of European a research project on a topic chosen by the building blocks of financial management which • the media and society • film and TV genres expansion on non-Western states student and supervised by an academic expert are of primary concern to corporate managers • advertising and consumer culture • • decolonisation • international politics after in the field, drawn from SOAS or elsewhere, and all the considerations needed to make globalisation and the new media the Cold War • the growth of international and depending on the topic . The ISP is 8,000 words financial decisions both inside and outside non-governmental organisations • terrorism and COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN CULTURES long and is normally related to your proposed firms. You will acquire the tools needed apply a refugees • global justice and human rights standard yet flexible model for financial decision- field of postgraduate study. This module is an introduction to ways of making and problem-solving. thinking about culture, which means not just art The research project is supported in three ways: Topics include: international business and literature but a society’s daily life and way of looking at the world. In particular, we examine • Weekly research methods classes which train environment • cross-cultural management and criticise Western approaches to the study you in the techniques of research and the • marketing • human resource management of different cultures and cultural perspectives. presentation, both written and oral, of your • sources of finance • evaluation of financial The module covers themes and issues relevant own research. performance • capital structure • risk, return and cost of capital to students intending to pursue further study in • One- to- one academic tutorials with cultural studies, anthropology, the visual arts, your supervisor, who helps you plan your ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL sociology and philosophy. independent research and then monitors DEVELOPMENT STUDIES and guides you. Topics include: systems of knowledge • rationality This module introduces students to the key language and perception • modernity • the impact • Individual tutorials with an English teacher in concepts and theoretical models which try to of technology and globalisation on the concepts order to practise the language and style of explain differences in global development and the of culture and individual identity argument specific to your chosen topic. relationship between ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ societies. It takes an inter-disciplinary approach, Work on the ISP thus develops the range addressing aspects of development policy and of language, research skills and confidence practice from an economic, social and political necessary to succeed in postgraduate study perspective. The module provides you with the at a UK university. core analytical skills required for further study in the social sciences.

Topics include: measuring development • foreign aid • population • gender • the environment • colonialism • the role of the World Bank & IMF• NGOs Support Services Entrance Requirements and Application

Application for the FDPS Pre-master’s programme can be made through the School admissions system by following this link, which can also be found on Academic Advice Accommodation, Welfare Support and Visas the FDPS Pre-master’s webpages - www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/howtoapply As well as progressing directly to Accommodation is available in SOAS or other University of postgraduate study at SOAS, our London halls of residence, private student halls and hostels, The English language entry requirement students apply for a wide range flats or homestays. The School’s Student Advice and Wellbeing to join FDPS is 5.5 in each skill subscore of postgraduate programmes team can advise you and help with your accommodation needs. of the IELTS test. Other English tests such at universities all over the UK. Up to date details of types of accommodation including costs as Pearson PTE or TOEFL iBT are also The application procedure can be found on the accommodation page – www.soas.ac.uk/ accepted, and corresponding requirement for postgraduate degree and accommodation. If you are intending to apply for SOAS or other levels can be found on the FDPS Pre- research programmes at British University of London accommodation, you are advised to apply master’s webpages. We also normally universities is an individualised for FDPS as early as possible. This is because bookings for SOAS prefer applicants to start their pre-master’s process. Students usually apply and University of London halls open in March and you need to year with an undergraduate qualification in the period between January accept your FDPS offer before you can apply for accommodation. which is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s and May, although in many cases degree, but we are happy to consider later applications are possible You will have a Personal Tutor. He or she is one of your students with lower qualifications on a and/or advisable. IFCELS staff teachers or lecturers who takes a special interest in your case-by-case basis, particularly if they can provide you with guidance studies and is available to meet you to discuss any problems also have relevant work experience. throughout each stage of the or difficulties confidentially. application procedure. Students To ensure that the programme is suitable for are encouraged to take time and IFCELS staff work closely with the SOAS student support team. a student’s Master’s study plan, we may ask make full use of university websites FDPS students have full access to the services provided by the them to join us for an online consultation to inform themselves thoroughly student counsellors, learning advisers, Students’ Union and via platforms like Zoom, Skype, WeChat of the ever widening range of disability officers. or Google Meet, so that we can find out postgraduate study options. more about their educational and work The Student Advice and Wellbeing team also deals with experience, their study goals and their any issues concerning student visas, including giving general motivation for further study. advice to prospective students and assisting existing students with visa applications. More information about this can be found Please note that students who need a on the Immigration and Visa Advice webpage - www.soas.ac.uk/ Tier 4 Student Visa to study in the UK will studentadviceandwellbeing/students/immigration be required to submit a recognised and valid English language test certificate (such as IELTS, iBT TOEFL or PTE Academic) Wei Wei Chen in order to receive an unconditional offer MSc Development Studies – SOAS University of London and a CAS for a visa.

The FDPS helped open up a choice of Master’s that I For students who need to improve their wouldn’t have ordinarily been able to apply for. Not only English before starting FDPS, IFCELS also did the programme help improve my confidence and help provides a preparatory English Language and Academic Studies programme (ELAS) prepare me to study at the Master’s level, but also allowed starting in September and January – me to explore what Master’s I wanted to pursue afterwards. www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/elasl. I really enjoyed my time on the FDPS at SOAS. Students who have not reached the English language entry level for FDPS may also be required to take a 6 week intensive English course in the summer.

See www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels for the most up-to-date details of all our programmes.