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International students

Teaching and Learning

As an International Foundation Year student, you'll learn from Queen Mary academics in a supportive environment designed to help you develop the skills needed for degree-level study.

Teaching and Learning
  1. Queen Mary University of London
  2. International students
  3. Pathway Programmes
  4. International Foundation Year
  5. Teaching and Learning (IFY)

How you'll learn

You'll receive approximately 15 to 28 hours of contact time each week through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and, for Science and Engineering students, laboratory classes.

Alongside your scheduled classes, you'll complete 20 to 25 hours of independent study per week.

Our teaching combines a range of learning activities, including:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars and tutorials
  • Group work and discussions
  • Presentations and case studies
  • Classroom activities
  • Laboratory work (Science and Engineering students)

You'll be encouraged to actively participate in classes and develop the skills needed for university study.

Class Sizes

Class sizes vary depending on the modules you study.

  • Seminars generally have a maximum of 25 students
  • Lectures have no fixed size limit

Class sizes vary depending on the module and learning activity.

  • Communication in Science and Technology classes have a maximum of 22 students
  • Tutorials generally have a maximum of 25 students
  • Workshops typically have 40 to 80 students
  • Lectures have no fixed size limit

Assessment

Assessment varies by module but typically includes a combination of coursework and live oral or written tasks including:

  • Essays and reports
  • Presentations and debates
  • Individual and group projects
  • Portfolios
  • Seminar participation and leadership
  • Tests

English Language and Study Skills

English Language and Study Skills form a core part of the International Foundation Year. Delivered by colleagues from Queen Mary’s School of the Arts, students learn how to write sophisticated academic texts and communicate professionally in oral settings. Renowned for excellence in teaching through multiple University awards, staff from the Department of International Education help students acquire the confidence and ability to succeed in their academic subject modules.

The learning part was one of the most, if not the most, fun parts. This, I think, goes back to the tutors and how attentive they were in delivering the material whilst making sure that everyone was on the right track.
— Andrea-Panny, Cyprus, , International Foundation Year, LLB Law, Queen Mary University of London
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