Science & Environment

From analysing microscopic DNA samples to designing and building process plants, machines or enormous structures, a career as a scientist or an engineer can be as exciting as it is varied.

The International Foundation Year at Teesside University can help you build on your science and maths background, opening the door to a science or engineering degree which in turn can lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

As an international student you learn English, maths, appropriate sciences (physics, chemistry and biology), laboratory and experimental skills, plus all-important technical English knowledge.

How you learn

Learning and teaching are delivered by a range of methods including:

• taught sessions (these include lectures and tutorials, the typical length of a session is two hours)
• practical exercises including laboratory and other relevant practical work
• collaborative systems including e-learning@tees, wikis, discussion groups
• interactive and immersive sessions focusing on the use of information systems such as Library resources
• use of science and mathematics workshops.

Lectures convey substantial elements of the subject content, provide core themes and explanations of concepts, and set the scene for students' independent learning.

Through lectures, you are encouraged to develop skills in listening and selective note taking, and to appreciate how information is structured and presented.

The traditional format is enhanced using computer-based and other audio-visual aids, and supported by interactive VLE-based provision of lecture notes and discussion groups focused on major topics.

Tutorials, workshops and seminars provide a context for interactive learning and allow you to explore aspects of the subject in depth.

How you are assessed

You experience a broad and balanced range of assessment methods and you are provided with an assessment brief for each task, which includes information on the specific assessment task, how it is marked, what feedback is provided, and how the assessment integrates into the wider goals of the programme.

Professional accreditation

Upon successful completion of the International Foundation Year (Science & Engineering) you have the opportunity to select from a range of professionally accredited/recognised degree courses in Science and Engineering.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities depend on the degree course that you proceed to. For further details please refer to the description of the relevant degree course.

Entry requirements

Academic criteria
At least a High School Leaving Certificate or Diploma gained after at least twelve years of education with good overall achievement and particularly good performance in mathematics and the relevant science(s). For further information please refer to our international pages, or contact our admissions office.

Language criteria
There are two entry points for the IFY (Science & Engineering) depending on your level of English upon entry:

• English language level: IELTS between 4.5 and 5.5 in all bands (or equivalent)
  - Your course starts in September and lasts until May/June. You will study the full 120 credits of the International Foundation Year (Science & Engineering) including all the language modules.
  
  
• English language level: IELTS at least 5.5 in all bands (or equivalent)
  - Your course starts in February and lasts until May/June. You will study 60 credits of the International Foundation Year (Science & Engineering).
  

For additional information please see the entry requirements in our admissions section

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

More information

• Science & Environment
  More information and courses in Science & Environment