Access to British University Programme

This course is specifically designed for Japanese students who want to study in an English speaking country for an extended period. The required English Language level is Eiken 2, so the students are not necessarily fluent, but are of a level that will enable them to handle the course and to make progress relatively quickly, enabling them to enter a British university and obtain a British University degree. The course focuses particularly on the needs of Japanese students and weaknesses common to them.

In order to conform to the UKBA regulations, Chaucer College has applied for educational oversight. We have received confirmation that the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education has scheduled us for a Review for Educational Oversight in March 2012. Recruitment to the Foundation & Certificate Programme is currently suspended pending the outcome of the QAA Review.

Producing an International Individual

Four and a half years of studying in English enables students to acquire not only a high level of English language skills but also a broader outlook on the world. This course enables students to communicate, to make judgments and argue from a global perspective.

Studying at a British University

British University courses usually have a combination of lectures and seminars; the latter have approximately 10 students in a class. Students are expected to take part in discussions and debates and have to attend fewer formal classes than in Japan. However, they spend more time on reading and doing individual research. Generally, students are expected to submit regular assignments. In total, the time spent studying per week is longer than in a Japanese university.

Gaining a British University Degree

In the first year the students come to England in April. It is possible to obtain a British degree, from the University of Kent, for example, in four and a half years. For the first two and a half years students are registered with Shumei University in Japan, but study at Chaucer College. Chaucer College is located on the campus of the University of Kent. The final year of this course is validated by the University of Kent and is equivalent to Stage One of a degree. The preceding Foundation Course is recognized by the university as the access route to the certificate programme. The entire programme is subject to review and is expected to be wholly validated by the University of Kent.

After successful completion of the Certificate Programme students can go to the university of their choice but usually go to the University of Kent, where they can begin the second year of a degree course at Stage Two level. In these final two years, students are fully integrated and registered with the University of Kent. The shortest time to obtain a British University degree via this route is four and a half years.

Moving on to a postgraduate degree course

After graduating at a good standard, it is possible to move onto a post graduate degree course. Some of our graduates do take this route in England.

The Four and a Half year Course Curriculum

Social Science subjects, particularly International Relations, Politics and Sociology are the main academic subjects of the course. In addition, students increase their language skills by following a course entitled “English for University Studies” and preparation for the I.E.L.T.S . examination. In the second year, on the Chaucer College Certificate programme, students follow academic subjects at both Chaucer College and the University of Kent, continuing with language support. After that, they join a British university and study the subject of their major if they obtain the required 6.5 in I.E.L.T.S.

Year 1 - Foundation Course Curriculum

First year students enter Shumei University and then come to Chaucer College in April and join the Intensive English stage of the Foundation Course. After three months the main Foundation Course starts and runs until June of the following year.

The Foundation Course consists of English for University Studies, I.E.L.T.S., academic subjects as well as Computer Studies and Current Issues. All the classes are taught in English and there is individual tutorial support from both English and Japanese staff .

  • English for University Studies: Students study English for Academic Purposes and this prepares them for the academic courses they follow. It includes reading skills, learning how to write academic essays and the skills for presentations and debate.
  • IELTS preparation focuses on the skills needed to pass the IELTS examination at the required level.
  • Regional Studies: This course focuses on the Cold War and the processes of European integration. Through this, students gain knowledge of International Relations and Politics in Europe.
  • Global Cooperation: Through studying international trade and economic relations, students gain an awareness of the changing international scene and issues facing the world.
  • Sociology analyses a range of social issues from many different perspectives and aims to develop a critical awareness in students.
  • Support: When students study in a foreign language they may lack confidence. A Japanese member of staff supports them by revising and discussing with them what they have learnt in their other classes.
    Components:
  • Current Issues introduces and explains to students recent events and keeps them up to date with the news.
  • Computer Studies teaches students the essential skills to support their academic studies.
  • In the evenings students have conversation classes in English with University of Kent students resident at Chaucer College and can join University of Kent societies.

Year 2 - University of Kent Certificate Programme Curriculum

Stage One

Students study Social Sciences, particularly Politics and International Relations and Sociology at both Chaucer College and the University of Kent. The programme starts in the September following the end of the Foundation Course and finishes in June the following year.

Subject List 2010

    Autumn Modules
  • PO 315 Introduction to Government
  • PO 305 International History and International Relations
  • SO 336 Sociology of Everyday Life
  • CH 101 Contemporary East Asia
    Spring Modules
  • PO 311 Politics and Popular Culture in Modern Japan
  • PO 310 Introduction to International Politics
  • PO 319 The Media and Politics of Contemporary Japan
  • SO 337 Fundamentals of Sociology

Each module consists of lectures and seminars and students attend these with University of Kent students. Most take place on the University of Kent campus.

    English Language Studies:

  • Students continue to attend English Language classes with a special focus on academic writing and attend classes which prepare them for the IELTS examination. They also have individual tutorials with English teaching staff for I hour a week, which give support for their language. Japanese staff are always available to give more support and advice where needed.

Year 3 -

Stage Two

On successful completion of Stage One of the programme, students join a British university in September. It is possible for students to join the University of Kent in Sociology or International Relations and Politics courses as second year entrants.

English university degree courses last three years so students at Kent can gain a degree in only two years from the start of Part 2.

For other universities and other University of Kent departments , students need to fulfill the requirements of that particular university or department. It is likely that students will be asked to begin in the first year of their new course.

Conditions of entry for British Universities

In order to join a degree course at the University of Kent, students must pass their subject courses on the Certificate programme and must also obtain an appropriate IELTS score. The Certificate programme includes special IELTS preparation classes at Chaucer College. The IELTS requirement differs between universities and between subjects. In the case of second year entry for Sociology and International Relations and Politics, a score of 6.5 is required.

After joining a British University

From the time students come to this country up until the end of Stage One, over two years later, they live at Chaucer College. Once they have finished Stage One and have joined a British university, they become students at their respective universities and therefore live and study at those universities, away from Chaucer College.