Preparatory Certificates
UPC Quick Links
Sample Tests
These sample tests give an approximate idea of the style and level of question you might be asked in your UPC entrance tests.
Click below to access online tests for UPCSE:
Click below to access online sample tests for UPCH:
Compulsory Modules
UPCH students will study two compulsory modules
1. Culture and Society (Cultural Theory and Research Methods)
This
compulsory module is an important part of the UPC course as it helps to prepare
students with the practical academic research skills required to study at
British universities and develop the critical thinking skills necessary when
considering content. The course will introduce students to a range of
foundational theories developed and studied in the literature, arts and
humanities fields from the postwar
period to ‘the contemporary.’ Students will use these theories as a tool to
explore fundamental questions about the cultural and political ideologies that
underpin our society and shape the way we perceive the world. Recurrent ideas
explored on the course challenge many of the basic ‘givens’ of our society such
as an individual’s ability to think autonomously. We will question to what
extent human nature is fixed, to what extent language limits and conditions
what we perceive, the influence of social and political forces on our actions,
and the provisional nature of truth.
Through practical
research methods classes, students
become familiar with academic practice and conventions. In addition, research
initiative is developed to help students become independent and confident about
presenting information in both oral and written form.
More information on Culture and Society
2. Academic English
The ability to communicate effectively in English is essential in
order to be successful both on the UPCH and your future degree course.
This unit is for students who use English as a second language.
Successful communication involves being able to write and understand
good academic English as well as speak fluently and listen and process
correctly the information conveyed in lectures, seminars and tutorials. A
fundamental aspect of the Academic English unit is the need for
students to develop their reading abilities and extend their existing
vocabulary strategies to cope with the amount of new information which
is given over the year.
More information on Academic English
Personal Tutorial
This is a one-to-one weekly meeting between yourself and one of the Academic English tutors on the course. It is an opportunity for you and your tutor to discuss the progress you are making, to concentrate on any language learning difficulties you may be facing, and to go through corrected homework tasks or through other work that you have completed as part of your self-study. This regular contact with your personal tutor means that they can build up a clear picture of your language learning and the progress you are making, and they can guide you much more closely in your studies.
Page last modified on 06 feb 13 12:24 by Martin L White
