International students coming to the UK will encounter three different levels of study, all of which are available at Grantham College. The level at which you will be able to study depends on your level of English or your future plans.

 

Preparatory Courses

Students who need to improve their spoken or written English will be required to complete a Preparatory Course.These are available as one term, two term or full year options.

 

Further Education Courses

Students who are considered by the College to possess a sufficiently good level of spoken and written English (IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent) can enter directly onto any of the range of programmes detailed in the full College Prospectus. This can include A Level programmes, the Sport Academy or Development Centre or any of our vocational programmes. Options include:

  • Business Studies 
  • Care & Children's Care, Learning & Development
  • Computing 
  • Construction 
  • Engineering 
  • Equine/Horse Care
  • First Level Learning
  • Hair & Beauty 
  • Hospitality & Catering 
  • Public Services 
  • Science
  • Small Animal Care
  • Sports Studies 
  • Travel & Tourism 
  • Visual Performing Arts & Media.

Many students choose to continue their studies at Higher Education level. This can be done by progressing onto university or by joining any one of our Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes or Foundation Degrees (FD), which are offered in conjunction with University of Bedfordshire. For all Higher Education programmes you will need an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent, a Cambridge First Certificate Grade A or equivalent.

 

Preparatory Course - 1 Term Course
Course Content

This is either a 12 week EFL course aimed primarily at those students who already have a knowledge of English and wish to improve their language skills further, in order to begin a full-time course at the College in the following September. It is normally scheduled in the spring and summer terms (February to July). As part of this programme you cover not only English Skills and Information Technology, Mathematics and Business Studies, but there is also the opportunity to take part in taster classes in a variety of other subject areas (Accounting, Art & Design, Economics etc). These taster sessions allow you to ensure your choices for further studies are appropriate.

Method of Assessment
Assessment is through examinations in speaking, listening, reading and writing and/or an IELTS exam.

Entry Requirements
To join this course you will normally be expected to possess an IELTS score of 4.5 or equivalent or a Cambridge PET level (pass).


Preparatory Course - 1 year course
Course Content

This one year course is aimed at students with a reasonable level of English who require a full year‘s preparation before entering full-time study. In addition to the study of EFL, students also get the chance to take classes in Mathematics, Business and Information Technology. To help you choose your future study options taster classes are also available in most subject areas (Accounting, Art and Design, Economics etc).

Method of Assessment
Assessment is through examinations in speaking, listening, reading and writing and/or an IELTS exam.

Entry Requirements
The One Year Preparatory Course is not a beginners course and you should have a basic familiarity with English, with an IELTS score of 4.0 or a Cambridge KET level (pass).

 

 

Advanced Supplementary Level (AS Level) - One Year Course

The AS Level programme provides you with the opportunity to continue with a broad course of study whilst preparing you for Advanced Level (A2). Each subject is equivalent to half the Advanced Level and is a free standing qualification in its own right. Most subjects consist of three modules. You would normally choose four subjects from the following:

  • Accounting 
  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Business Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Film Studies
  • Fine Art
  • Further Maths
  • Geology
  • History
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Law
  • Maths
  • Media Studies
  • Photography
  • PE (Physical Education)
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology 

Method of Assessment
Assessment is through modular examinations and coursework where appropriate.

Entry Requirements
An IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent, a Cambridge First Certificate Grade C or above, or equivalent.

 

Advanced Level (A2) - One Year Course

On successful completion of AS Levels you can, with a further year of study, convert your existing qualifications to full A Levels. Most international students choose this route so that they can meet UK university entry requirements. Typically, a student who passes four AS Levels will be expected to complete three subjects at A2 Level. Universities would usually expect students to study at least three subjects at A2 Level. You normally choose three subjects from the following:

  • Accounting
  • Biology
  • Business Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Further Mathematics
  • History
  • Information Communication Technology
  • Law
  • Maths
  • Media Studies
  • Photography
  • PE (Physical Education)
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Method of Assessment
Assessment is through modular examinations and coursework where appropriate.

Entry Requirements
You should have successfully completed an AS Level programme in the relevant subjects.