All courses and lectures are conducted in English, and fluency in written and spoken English is vital. You must satisfy the university or college of your competence in English before being accepted onto a course.
Examples of tests acceptable as a minimum requirement for entry to higher education:
- Scottish Qualification Authority Standard Grade English (3 or above)
- IELTS - a score between 5.5 and 7.5 is usually acceptable
- Cambridge Proficiency in English pass
- NEAB University Entrance Test in English pass
SELTIC (Scottish English Language Teaching In Consortium) is a group of schools and colleges that are accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English as a foreign language. SELTIC members offer a wide range of courses including some that are acceptable for entry to higher education. Some are private language schools and others are departments in universities or colleges of further education. Visit their website at: http://www.seltic.org for more information.
Visit the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website at: http://www.ucas.com/students/nonukstudents/englangprof for information on English language requirements and acceptable qualifications.
The International Foundation Programme Scotland (IFPS)
IFPS is for international students who have completed secondary school, achieved good results in their national school-leaving examinations and want to get into undergraduate study in the UK.
IFP Scotland is designed to bring students’ qualifications up to Scottish university entrance requirements. It includes intensive English tuition, aimed at raising students' ability in English to a level where they can understand degree course texts, take part in discussion groups, follow and make notes of lectures and produce reports and essays.
The course and the Foundation English examination are widely recognised for entry to university degree courses. The fees for the University Foundation Programme leading up to university entry the following year (2010) are £9150. The fees for the Fast Track Programme allowing you to start university the same year (2009) are £6750.
For more detailed information visit their website at: http://www.ifps.ac/