Foundation Year

Credits: 10 ECTS

This module introduces international Foundation Year students to the core academic skills required for successful study in higher education. The module supports students in understanding UK academic expectations, developing independent learning strategies, and building the confidence needed for progression to undergraduate study. The development of academic skills will be facilitated in the module through a reflection on the differences and similarities between disciplines, but also cultures and how, together, we can address changing global challenges.

Learning outcomes

Academic reading, research and digital literacy

1. Identify and select appropriate academic and digital sources using library databases and online research tools.
2. Explain key ideas, arguments, and evidence from academic texts.
3. Apply digital tools, including AI-supported research tools, to support information gathering.
4. Evaluate the credibility, relevance, and limitations of academic, digital, and AI-generated sources.

Academic writing and the responsible use of AI

1. Produce structured academic writing using appropriate academic conventions.
2. Develop clear arguments supported by relevant evidence.
3. Apply AI tools responsibly to support planning, drafting, and editing of academic work.
4. Demonstrate correct referencing practices and acknowledge AI use in line with academic integrity requirements.

Communication, presentation and digital tools

1. Communicate academic ideas clearly in discussions and seminars.
2. Deliver structured oral and digital presentations using appropriate academic language.
3. Use digital presentation and collaboration tools effectively.
4. Respond constructively to feedback from peers, tutors, and digital platforms.

Critical thinking, evaluation and AI awareness 

1. Analyse academic arguments, sources, and AI-generated content.
2. Differentiate between reliable and unreliable information.
3. Compare multiple perspectives to support reasoned conclusions.
4. Evaluate the appropriateness of AI-generated outputs using independent academic judgement.

Study skills, academic practice and ethical digital engagement

1. Apply effective study strategies, including time management and independent learning.
2. Use digital learning environments and productivity tools to support academic study.
3. Demonstrate understanding of academic integrity, data privacy, and ethical AI use.
4. Reflect on personal learning practices to support ongoing academic development.

Credits: 10 ECTS

The course History of Kazakhstan introduces you to the major historical processes that have shaped the territory and people of present-day Kazakhstan from ancient to the contemporary period. The module is recognised as a core element of the general education curriculum under the State Compulsory Standard of Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and complements foundational skills in Language, Science and Maths with a broader liberal arts focus.

You will explore the key stages in Kazakhstan’s historical trajectory, including the development of nomadic cultures, the emergence and evolution of Kazakh statehood, and the socio-political legacies of colonialism, Soviet governance, and post-independence nation-building. Emphasis is placed on examining how civic identity, cultural continuity, and historical memory have been shaped over time and in relation to broader regional and global dynamics.

Through engagement with primary sources (in translation) and secondary scholarship, you will develop historical and comparative skills, as well as teamwork and presentation experience. The module fosters independent thinking and scholarly inquiry, providing a foundation for interdisciplinary application and informed global citizenship. It is particularly well-suited for both domestic and international students seeking to contextualise Kazakhstan within wider historical frameworks.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify and describe the principal stages and key developments in the history of Kazakhstan, from antiquity to the modern era.
2. Recognise major historical events, processes, and transformations in Kazakhstan’s past, situating them within broader regional and global historical frameworks.
3. Apply historical frameworks to interpret case studies from Kazakhstan’s past, considering implications for political, social, economic and cultural themes in contemporary Kazakhstan.
4. Demonstrate awareness of competing perspectives in historical sources.
5. Present information clearly and accurately, responding appropriately to questions and feedback.

Credits: 10 ECTS

The course Introduction to Philosophy will provide you with an accessible and engaging basis from which to explore the fundamentals of Philosophy, with a view to the application of key concepts and arguments to contemporary Kazakh and global society. The aim is to foster a basic understanding of the scope and methods of Philosophy and enable you to make use of your knowledge to inform your study in other subjects as well as your engagement with everyday life – in particular ethical, political and societal matters. As such, the module is a core element of the subject degree programmes and complements foundational skills in Language, Science and Maths with a broader liberal arts focus.

You will initially explore key questions around what constitutes Philosophy as a subject, discussing its basic aims and developing a knowledge of its various branches, including epistemology (theory of knowledge), philosophy of science, ethics and comparative philosophy. With this framework in hand, you will then be encouraged to critically analyse and evaluate ethical issues within moral and political philosophy, and to apply philosophical thinking to civic society. In this context, themes that may be explored include ideas of the good life, the idea of toleration, the foundations of the state, freedom and equality and the intersection between philosophy and history, and how it can inform our understanding of contemporary Kazakh and global society – in particular in relation to questions of imperialism, language, and national identity.

Through engagement with primary philosophical texts (including some from the most notable thinkers in the canon) and consideration of philosophical themes and issues within contemporary, popular sources, you will develop philosophical and analytical skills, as well as teamwork and presentation experience. The module fosters independent thinking and scholarly inquiry, providing a foundation for interdisciplinary application and informed global citizenship. It is particularly well-suited for both domestic and international students seeking to contextualise Kazakhstan within wider ethical, political and social frameworks.

Learning outcomes

1. Recognise the broad aims and methods of Philosophy as a subject and identify and describe the major branches of Philosophy.
2. Understand and critically evaluate some key questions in epistemology, metaphysics, ethics and political philosophy, through careful study of specific academic debates and texts.
3. Apply analytical and argumentative skills by isolating key arguments in philosophical writings and other texts, constructing careful critiques of those arguments.
4. Deploy the intellectual skills of reading, analysing, critiquing, discussing, and writing at an appropriate academic/professional level.
5. Apply the knowledge and skills developed on the module to contemporary issues in Kazakh and Global society.
6. Present information clearly and accurately, responding appropriately to questions and feedback.

An English for Academic Purposes module will be required for students with an IELTS score below 6.5 overall (or equivalent).

Credits: 10 ECTS

This module develops the academic English and study skills required for a successful transition from the foundation year into undergraduate study at a UK university. Designed for international students studying in a transnational education context who need to develop their English proficiency across the four main language areas to develop their communicative competence, it focuses on building confidence in academic communication, developing learner autonomy, and understanding UK academic conventions.

Learning outcomes

Reading

1. Identify main ideas, supporting details, and organisational patterns in academic texts.
2. Apply reading strategies (skimming, scanning, predicting, annotating) to extract information efficiently.
3. Evaluate the credibility and relevance of academic sources.

Writing

1. Produce short academic texts (paragraphs and basic essays) with clear organisation and coherence.
2. Demonstrate ability to paraphrase, summarise, and incorporate sources using appropriate citation conventions.
3. Demonstrate control of grammar, punctuation, and academic vocabulary suitable for Foundation Year writing.

Listening

1. Develop structured notes from short academic lectures and discussions.
2. Identify key ideas, examples, and signposting language in spoken academic input.
3. Demonstrate comprehension of gist and key details in academic audio materials.

Speaking

1. Contribute to small‑group academic discussions using appropriate register and turn‑taking strategies.
2. Deliver a short academic presentation with clear structure and visual support.
3. Ask and respond to questions in a seminar‑style context.

Language systems

1. Use a developing range of academic vocabulary and subject‑neutral terminology.
2. Apply common academic grammar structures with increasing accuracy.
3. Demonstrate understanding of academic integrity, referencing, and plagiarism.

Credits: 10 ECTS

This module explores the key ideas and debates in social science that help us understand how people, organisations, and societies work — and why that matters for business.

In this module, you will learn to build strong, evidence-based arguments, form informed opinions, and critically evaluate key debates. You’ll examine how culture, identity, and power shape human behaviour, decisions, and relationships. We’ll look at how social structures — such as education, government, and the economy — influence business environments, customer behaviour, and workforce dynamics.

You’ll also explore major social issues like globalisation, climate change, and inequality, and consider how they impact businesses and the wider economy. The module introduces key disciplines such as sociology, politics, and economics, all through a lens that links social science to the world of work, enterprise, and management.

It also teaches you to spot biases and limitations in research, sharpening your ability to think critically about the world around you. By the end of the module, you’ll have developed critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of how social factors influence business success — preparing you for further study in business, management, or related subjects.

Learning outcomes

1. Define and explain core social science concepts.
2. Discuss key topics within the field of Social Science.
3. Construct well-supported arguments based on evidence and theoretical frameworks.
4. Evaluate different perspectives on social issues and form informed opinions.
5. Identify biases and limitations in social research.

Credits: 10 ECTS

In this module, you will learn about different ways of conducting research projects in Business Management. The module starts by exploring how to ask a good research question, moving on to the difference between qualitative and quantitative approaches. You will also gain experience in designing simple data collection instruments.

Learning outcomes

1. Specify a research question that relates to a Business Management context.
2. Describe the key differences between quantitative and qualitative approaches.
3. Apply an appropriate research strategy to a research question.
4. Collaborate with peers to present an appropriate research proposal.
5. Reflect on ethical issues relating to Business Management.

Credits: 10 ECTS

This module will equip you with the skills to analyse the external environment in which businesses operate. You will explore how these factors influence business strategies and decision-making, with a focus on real-world applications. Key topics include government policies, economic indicators, societal trends, technological advancements, legal compliance, and sustainability challenges.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the role of political systems, government policies, and legal frameworks in shaping the opportunities and challenges faced by businesses.
2. Explain how economic factors such as inflation, GDP, unemployment, interest rates, and globalisation impact business performance, trade, and strategic decision-making.
3. Identify and evaluate how social and cultural factors, including demographics, lifestyle changes, and consumer behaviour, impact business activity.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of how technological developments influence innovation, business efficiency, and competitive advantage.
5. Explain the role of environmental factors, such as sustainability and climate change, in influencing business practices and long-term planning.

Credits: 10 ECTS

In this module, you will learn how organisations function and the activities of people within them. It covers key business areas—marketing, strategy, operations, finance, accounting, and HR—while exploring individual and group behaviour, managerial control, and the changing nature of work. Through this, you will gain a foundation in business disciplines and insight into how different theoretical perspectives shape management practices.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify the roles of key business areas (marketing, strategy, operations, finance, accounting, and HR) within organisations.
2. Explain the importance of strategy and decision-making in achieving organisational goals.
3. Apply basic marketing principles to demonstrate how organisations create value for customers.
4. Discuss how human resource management practices impact organisational performance.
5. Interpret basic financial and accounting information to understand organisational decision-making.
6. Analyse the challenges organisations face in managing operations, including efficiency and sustainability.

Credits: 10 ECTS

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles and techniques of data analysis, providing a foundation in data collection, cleaning, and manipulation, alongside essential descriptive statistics and data visualisation methods.

You will learn how to summarise and interpret data effectively, identify patterns and trends, and gain a basic understanding of inferential statistics, including hypothesis testing and confidence intervals. The module emphasises practical application, enabling students to analyse real-world data sets and draw meaningful conclusions.

Learning outcomes

1. Collect and organise data from various sources, and prepare it for analysis using appropriate techniques.
2. Calculate and interpret descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation.
3. Visualise data effectively using a range of graphical methods, such as histograms, scatter plots, and box plots.
4. Perform basic inferential statistical tests and interpret the results.
5. Communicate findings from data analyses clearly and concisely, using appropriate statistical terminology and visualisations.

Credits: 10 ECTS

This module helps you build strong skills in key areas of mathematics such as algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. You will learn how to solve problems, think logically, and understand important mathematical ideas. These skills are essential to studying a degree in Physical Sciences and Engineering.

You will explore how to work with different kinds of equations, graphs, and shapes. You will also begin learning basic calculus, including how to find slopes and areas using simple rules.

Learning outcomes

1. Accurately simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions and functions, including polynomials, rational expressions, and exponents, to solve problems.
2. Solve and interpret linear, quadratic, simultaneous, and trigonometric equations and inequalities using appropriate algebraic and graphical methods.
3. Use coordinate geometry and vector operations to solve geometric problems involving lines, circles, and basic conic sections in two dimensions.
4. Apply trigonometric rules, graphs, identities, and inverse functions to solve problems involving angles, triangles, and periodic patterns in radians and degrees.

Credits: 10 ECTS

This module introduces you to how science works and how scientists investigate the world. You will become more comfortable asking questions and learn to design simple experiments and carefully analyse results. You will also learn to think critically, work independently, and study effectively in a UK university setting.

You will practise how to read scientific information, spot mistakes or weak arguments, and share your ideas clearly through posters, videos, and presentations.

Learning outcomes

1. Apply the scientific method to create testable hypotheses and design simple experiments based on observation and logical reasoning.
2. Identify strengths and weaknesses in scientific information by evaluating evidence and recognising bias or limitations in research claims.
3. Analyse and interpret data using appropriate methods to find patterns and draw logical and valid conclusions.
4. Communicate scientific ideas clearly through a short video presentation and visual tools, using correct scientific terms and presentation techniques.

This module introduces you to the powerful combination of mathematics and computation for understanding and simulating real-world phenomena. You will learn the basic rules of calculus and core programming principles to turn mathematical ideas into working computer programmes.

Learning outcomes

1. Write simple algorithms using variables and conditional statements to model mathematical problems.
2. Differentiate standard mathematical functions from first principles and apply rules such as the product, quotient, and chain rules to solve practical problems.
3. Translate mathematical problems into clear computational algorithms and accurately implement them in code.
4. Analyse simple mathematical models that use calculus and simulation of differential equations by applying numerical methods and visualisation techniques.
5. Apply computational thinking and programming skills to investigate and solve problems in scientific and mathematical contexts by integrating advanced modelling, simulation, and visualisation methods.

This module introduces the whole Earth system, linking key processes within the solid Earth, the atmosphere and the oceans and their role in the evolution of the habitable planet that we live on today. You will explore the Solid Earth cycle and will be given an introduction to rock types (igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary) and their context via the concept of the Rock Cycle.

You will investigate the atmosphere-ocean system, looking at global processes occurring at the surface of the Earth. Phenomena such as temperature gradients, winds and currents will be introduced, and past extreme climates will be discussed in the form of icehouse and greenhouse conditions, snowball Earth and glacial-interglacial cycles. By investigating rising atmospheric and ocean temperatures and how future climate is modelled, you will learn about the hazards and risks faced by society.

Finally, you will explore the mineral, energy, and water resources that are produced by the Earth system.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe Earth’s internal and external structure using evidence from a range of geological sources.
2. Explain fundamental geological processes and their role in shaping Earth’s surface, including the formation of mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
3. Describe the basic scientific principles behind the interactions and exchanges between the different parts of the Earth system
4. Discuss different past climate states and phenomena in the context of time and recognise climate and geological hazards related to the atmosphere-ocean/solid Earth system
5. Recognise the occurrence and distribution of mineral, energy, and water resources in the Earth system
6. Demonstrate basic techniques relevant to Earth sciences, including data analysis and interpretation, and report findings effectively.