International Year Abroad (IYA)

Course Outline

Our International Year Abroad programme offers an English language qualification for international students in their final or penultimate year of undergraduate study. On occasions, places may be available for newly qualified graduates. The aim of the programme is to improve levels of language skill and confidence to use English in academic settings. Most IYA students stay at Aston to follow post-graduate study at Aston Business School or elsewhere. Many students take up places in English-speaking universities around the world.

The IYA programme is devised to develop your abilities to deploy academic English in completing university level tasks across the range of language skills. In addition, IYA students have the opportunity to create a programme that reflects their own particular interests through elective modules that explore cultural aspects of life in the UK as well as developing vocational skills.  

You will study at one of the UK’s leading universities on our friendly, green campus situated in Birmingham city centre, Britain’s second city.

Programme Outline

Core modules totalling 70 credits across two terms:

• IELTS Preparation with Current Affairs

• Academic Skills

• Introduction to Life in Britain

• Introduction to Intercultural Communication 

Elective modules totalling 50 credits across one or two terms:

• British Society through Contemporary Literature

• British Society through Printed Media

• British Society through Film and TV

• Introduction to the Language of Business

• Introduction to the Language of Engineering

• Introduction to the Language of the Legal System

• Introduction to the Language of Tourism & Hospitality

• Introduction to the Language of Banking

• Introduction to the Language of Journalism

• Introduction to the Language of Linguistics

In addition, suitably qualified undergraduate students may follow elective mainstream modules in areas of politics, international relations, and linguistics as well a language from the University Wide Language Programme. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

International Year Abroad modules are delivered by a team of qualified, experienced and dedicated staff at Aston University’s Centre for English Language and Communication (CELCA). We use a variety of innovative and engaging teaching methods which include lectures, seminars, tutorials and interactive workshops as well as private and small-group work. The IYA Social Programme provides opportunities for students to meet informally, play games, make occasional visits and celebrate significant festivals.

Assessment

Modules are assessed in a variety of ways, which include coursework, assignments, formal oral and written examinations. Feedback is provided continuously throughout the programme and an IELTS exam can be taken at the end, the cost of which is included in the fee.

Awards

Students who have earned 120 credits in total from both core and elective modules will be awarded the Certificate in Higher Education which is a portable qualification recognised by universities across the UK. Undergraduates follow a short-term study abroad programme leading to a Certificate in Higher Education in Languages and Social Sciences; new graduates follow a Student Visitor Programme leading to Certificate in Higher Education in English Studies.

Successful completion of the programme does not guarantee automatic progression to a postgraduate programme at Aston University.