Undergraduate Courses

Year Zero General OverviewRichard Barnard

During Year Zero students are equipped with the necessary skills and a solid foundation of knowledge for further study at undergraduate degree level. Students are introduced to the relevant key theories and practices of their subject disciplines and are encouraged to develop a critical approach to arguments, theories and methods.

In addition to subject specific instruction, students receive training in English Language and Academic Skills. The purpose of this training is to develop students’ ability to express themselves clearly and effectively in an academic context. Specific learning outcomes include improving language accuracy and fluency; recognising and using the appropriate lexical and discourse structures of their subject area; developing students’ basic research skills; encouraging a critical approach to source materials and incorporating source material effectively in written work; and training students in language awareness so that they become autonomous learners. Students will receive feedback with comments and suggestions which will enhance their intellectual development and encourage the expansion of cognitive skills.

Aims

  1. To provide students with a range of subject-specific skills and solid knowledge required to progress to the first year of a degree in the relevant department
  2. To acquire and develop the productive and receptive language and study skills needed for successful participation in a British university. These include both linguistic and communicative competence, oral skills, academic writing, reading efficiency and the ability to study and learn independently
  3. To develop students’ ability to construct coherent arguments and enhance reflexivity skills
  4. To enable students to think and analyse systematically and critically using a variety of source materials
  5. To help students acquire and practise strategies for effective reading and for academic vocabulary development

After successful completion of Year Zero, you will transfer to the relevant department to complete your degree.

Click here for Year Zero overview for Humanities and Comparative Studies Pathways

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Last modified on 01 October 2011