8.01 UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION DIPLOMA (UNDERGRADUATE ACCESS)

Diploma

Programme Aim

The one year full-time MLS Undergraduate Access Diploma Programme is designed to meet the entry requirements of UK universities.

It aims to meet the needs of students whose present qualifications do not permit direct entry into the first year of a degree programme, and so is a “Foundation Year” programme for a First Degree e.g. BA (Hons) / BSc (Hons) normally in a business and management related subject.

MLS has provided Access courses since 1987. We co-operate with over thirty of the top British Universities and hundreds of our students have gained places successfully completing First Degree programmes.

Over recent years, students have been placed at some of the following universities and other higher education establishments:

Programme Outcomes

During the MLS Access programme, students are prepared for the British Council IELTS (the International English Language Testing System examination). This test is recognised by Higher Education Institutions in Britain as a measure of English language competence. English Language Teaching Staff at MLS are specialists in the preparation of this examination, which can be taken in Bournemouth every month. The fee for this examination is not included in the cost of the course. The Diploma programme comprises English language and IELTS practice, academic study, oral and written communication skills, in addition to computer training and general management subjects. By the end of the programme students will:

• Have undertaken internal assessment of up to 12 units of study that make up the programme

*relating to communication in the English language;

*relating to Information Technology;

*relating to the management functions of Marketing, Human Resource Management and Accounting & Financial Management;

*relating to the general business context (Social Studies & Business Law; Economics & Business Statistics; Management & International Trade; Management & Case Studies)

Entry Requirements

Minimum Age—18 years

Students must have a minimum Intermediate level of English on arrival and have completed high school education in their own country. Evidence of completion, in the form of a School Leaving Certificate, should be enclosed with the enrolment form.

Counselling Service

As part of the course all students will receive full University counselling. Our University Counsellors will guide students through the University application process and help to advise them on the right choice of University for their needs. We frequently welcome university staff to our College to meet our students and, in turn, MLS organises visits to various universities to assist students in their selection.

Indicative Content Topics

The University Access Diploma Programme comprises of 10 single units and 1 double unit of study, with credits awarded for successful completion of the MLS assessments.

The 36-week programme over three terms covers the following subjects:

General English

The two General English units focus on the development of the following language skills:

• Oral Communication, Role-Play and Discussion;

• Pronunciation, Stress and Intonation;

• Listening and Reading Comprehension;

• Written English for Various Purposes;

• Preparation for various external language examinations;

• Study Skills.

Information Technology

This double unit is delivered in three stages.

Stage 1 topics: Word Processing; PowerPoint Presentation; Spreadsheets using Excel; Software integration.

Stage 2 topics: Desktop publishing, using Publisher; Databases with Access.

Stage 3 topics: Computer Graphics and FrontPage website design.

Social Studies & Business Law

The main aim of this unit is to provide a preliminary understanding of the social environment, including the legal framework. The unit focuses on the transition of the individual from the education culture of the home country to that of higher education in the UK. Students will be expected to understand from where British Law originates and how this affects modern law today. Topics include: Basic English Law and Principles of Business Law.

Management & International Trade

This unit is in two stages. The first stage provides an introduction to management concepts and theories, and forms the foundation for all business subjects, through the topics of:

The start of the evolution of thinking about management; Introducing thinking about Operations Management and Strategic Management; the future of management. The second stage, International Trade, takes a management perspective of The Export Department and its activities; Export Administration; and Financial Considerations.

Economics & Business Statistics

The main aim of this unit is to provide a preliminary understanding of the business environment through the topic of Business Economics. It also seeks to provide an introduction to quantitative methods, which are likely to be used in a range of business studies subjects at university, through the topic of Business Statistics.

Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour

Topics include:

Human Resource Management: Introduction to the scope of Personnel/Human Resource Management; Human Resource Planning; Performance Standards, and Job Analysis; Recruitment & Selection; Training and Development; Job Evaluation & Appraisal; Industrial Relations.

Organisation Behaviour: Individuals, differences and motivation; the nature of groups and team development; leadership and delegation; Power and Conflict; Organisational Culture and Change.

Marketing & Public Relations

Topics include:-

• Marketing

• Definitions and aspects of marketing; The marketing mix; Consumer Buying Behaviour; and Decision Making

• Public Relations

• Defining Public Relations; The PR Department & Consultancy; Planning Models; and The News Media

Accounting & Financial Management

Topics include:

• Accounting: An introduction to accounting; Recording Income and Receipts; Preparing Ledger Balances and an initial Trial Balance; Preparing Financial Statements.

• Financial Management: Using Accounting Information; The Final Accounts; Management of Working Capital; Financial Ratios.

Management & Case Studies

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