Frequently Asked Questions
 
Should you require more information contact Administrator
 

 


How is the distance learning programme structured?

Each subject is delivered in 30 parts called modules with each module lasting one week and representing one week’s study load. Each registered student has his/her user-name and password that enables him/her to visit the college's distance learning website to download material and to take on-line tests.

Each week students on the distance learning programme can download the college’s study guidance notes for the corresponding module. These notes provide a description the syllabus with brief explanations and examples and make reference to a textbook for further detailed study on the material. The students have a week to study the module and take an on-line revision test which measures their competence in acquiring the knowledge envisaged in the module. On-line tests are usually multiple choice tests which test the material of the module. As soon as the student takes the test he/she receives his/her grade and the set of correct answers. In this manner students are to study the module and have the opportunity to check their level of knowledge. The weekly on-line tests do not count towards the final grade but serve as feedback mechanisms to let the student know how well he/she is progressing.

Subjects grades for each subject of the course are decided on the basis of student performance on the final examinations which are set in early June each. The difficulty of the final test is reflected in the periodic tests which are set throughout the year while there is also one mock written test set at the end of January in the year which gives students feedback in regards to their ability to express answers in an acceptable written style.

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Who should take this programme?

Students who have completed or are currently completing the final year(s) of their national school curriculum are expected to be able to complete this programme. Much of the material taught in the programme is likely to be duplicating high school material and the main novelty may well be the fact that it is delivered in English. The programme has been designed with this in mind and it is aiming to offer final high school students a parallel course to help them prepare and be ready to join British university courses as soon as they complete their national school.

Nonetheless as with all distance learning programmes success requires adequate self-motivation and discipline and therefore the programme is recommended to students who have strong commitment and a good level of competence. The level of prior knowledge that is assumed in each subject is described in the curriculum of the subject. Furthermore, the college is offering prospective students the opportunity to take the first two modules on each course free of charge so that they can assess their potential to succeed in the programme.

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What are the admission requirements?

The College sets no formal admission requirements on its distance learning programme. The programme is open to anyone who wishes to take it. It is strongly recommended, however, that students take the free trial modules and make a decision after they sit the corresponding on-line tests and receive their results.

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How can I enrol on the programme?

Anyone interested in enrolling on the programme must complete the registration page and either make payment by secure credit card connection or send their payment by direct bank credit (wire transfer). Students who have enrolled for the free trial modules and wish to extend their enrolment to full-student status may revisit the registration page, change their status to full-student and send their payment.

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Which subjects should I choose?

Students can choose to take any of the available subjects. A full course load consists of three academic subjects and the English language course. The English language course does not represent a self-standing linguistic qualification but teaches aspects of English and written English particularly in relation to academic work, writing essays, reviewing and composing academic texts.

The chosen academic subjects should match the entry requirements of your chosen degree programme. For example students aiming to study Engineering should take Mathematics, Physics and a third subject which could be any subject, though another science subject, such as Computer Science, would be preferred by admissions staff. Students aiming to study Business Studies or Economics should take Mathematics, Economics and any other subject as the third subject. Students aiming to study on a Law degree at university should take Law and any other two subjects. The portfolio of subjects that you choose must also include subjects that interest you where you are expected to succeed and get a good grade.

Sometimes students may wish to take just one or two subjects as they are using these to complement another qualification such as their high school. This is perfectly acceptable but the College cannot support this student through its placement service because it cannot guarantee that this student will be successful in securing an offer of a place at university. Universities are sometimes known to accept students with less than the full foundation course but this may be risky and the College would prefer to not be involved in this student’s application procedure. It will of course confirm the student’s final grades to any institution where the student has applied. .

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How can I use this programme to enter a British university?

Students taking the full course load are eligible for Foundation College’s application support service. This service consists of group meetings of students with the College’s counselors which are set to take place on specific dates and times at Foundation College?s premises in Athens. During these meetings students are guided through the various application stages and receive individual help in choosing universities and courses to suit their needs.
Foundation College informs candidates that its programme enjoys wide recognition from British Universities and candidates will be acceptable on most degree courses in the UK provided they meet the grade requirements of respective universities. To find the typical set of grades that makes a student acceptable on a degree programme check the respective university’s GCE A-level typical admission offer requirement from the university's web site. Note that there are courses where selection is very competitive and candidates may be required to offer additional qualifications.

In any case, students that are enrolled on Foundation College's distance learning course will receive advice and guidance on their applications. Upon enrolment students enter the degree course which they wish to attend upon completion of the distance learning foundation course. If the college considers that the student’s chosen degree programme may not admit the student on the basis of his/her performance on the distance learning programme it will advise the student accordingly.

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What happens if I fail the examinations ?

Students that take all the on-line tests for each subject have a clear understanding of the standard required to succeed and obtain a good grade in that subject. It is recommended that students take these tests on their own in order to assess their true level. However as there is no security with regard to who gives the answers, student performance in the on-line tests cannot be accepted as hard evidence of their knowledge. This task is entrusted to the final examination which is a written time-constrained examination that is conducted in a supervised environment. Students are expected to perform at a level that is reflected by their on-line tests so we do not expect surprises. However if a student has a poor result because of unfortunate circumstances, the College may allow them to re-sit the examination in late July / early August.

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How much does the Distance Learning programme cost?

The fees of the distance learning course are 1000 Euro per subject. Students taking four or more courses are entitled to the free counselling and application support that the college offers to its full-time students.

The examination fees are set at 150 GBP per subject with a maximum fee of 400 GBP for those taking three of more subjects. These are payable about two months before the examination.. Resit examination fees are a 150 GBP per subject with no ceiling – this means if you are re-siting 3 subjects you pay 450 GBP, if you are resiting 4 subjects you pay 600 GBP.

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