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English for Academic Purposes (EAP) with NCUK IFY: an Alternative to IELTS
Posted on 31 August 2025
Want to go abroad for your studies? You will need proof of your English Language Proficiency. You’re right. Most universities ask for IELTS or TOEFL scores. Not so confident?
Good news! We have something better for you. The NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) includes the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) module, which is valued and accepted by NCUK partner universities in the United Kingdom (UK) and worldwide. EAP is not a standalone course but is delivered only as part of the IFY programme. For students in Qatar, studying the IFY with EAP at University Foundation College provides a recognised alternative to IELTS.
Table of Contents
Benefits of EAP Over IELTS
- More Comprehensive Learning: 400 hours of teaching and learning
- Directly Academic: Prepares students for reading textbooks, writing essays, and attending lectures
- Guaranteed Acceptance: NCUK universities accept EAP without needing IELTS
- No Extra Cost or Stress: Students do not need to book and prepare separately for IELTS
- Fair Assessment: Performance judged over time through coursework and exams, not one day
What is the EAP Module?
The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) module is included within the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) and is not offered as a standalone course. Students must be enrolled in the IFY to take EAP. Unlike IELTS, which is a short test, EAP is a full academic programme designed to develop the English language and study skills needed for success at university.
The EAP programme will help you prepare and build confidence for your university studies by providing knowledge and transferable skills that you can apply to succeed in any pathway (Business, Engineering, Art & Design, Science/Medicine, or Humanities).
How much time does the module require from you? 400 hours
- Guided Learning Hours (In classroom): 180 hours
- Self-Directed Learning Hours (Independent Study): 220 hours
What does this mean? You will have more time to learn how to do research and study independently.
Skills Development in EAP
IFY EAP fosters the development of essential academic skills necessary to engage with sources at the undergraduate level:
- Analysing reading and listening materials
- Producing coherent academic essays and reports
- Giving engaging academic presentations
It also builds transferable skills such as independent learning, self-management, digital literacy and intercultural communication.
EAP Assessment Strategy
Unlike IELTS, which is judged on a single test day, EAP is assessed throughout the year which provides a fairer and more academic measure of ability. This approach ensures students are tested on the skills they will use at university.
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Assessment Items
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Timing
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Learning Outcomes
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|---|---|---|
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Summative Listening-into-Speaking - Coursework (25%)
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Semester 2
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10-minute Presentation
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Summative Reading-into-Writing - Coursework (25%)
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Semester 2
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1000 -1200 Word Essay
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Summative EAP - Exam (50%)
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End of Semester 2
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4 hours Written Exam
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Why Universities Accept EAP as a Replacement for IELTS
The UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC, previously UK NARIC) is the UK government’s official body for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, managed by Ecctis on behalf of the Department for Education.
Following its latest evaluation, Ecctis has confirmed that the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY), including the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) module delivered at UFC, is academically comparable to secondary education standards across five major international systems:
A Level standard (United Kingdom)
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) standard
Advanced Placement (AP) standard (United States)
Senior Secondary School Certificate of Education standard (Australia)
Alberta High School Diploma standard (Canada)
University Progression
Successful completion of the IFY with a pass in EAP provides:
- Guaranteed entry (when requirements are met) to 60+ NCUK partner universities, including top-ranked institutions in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA.
- Recognition beyond NCUK partners, where universities accept IFY EAP results as proof of English instead of IELTS.
Leading NCUK partner universities that recognise the EAP programme qualification:
You can view the full list of NCUK university partners here:
Conclusion
The NCUK EAP module is much more than an English test. With 400 hours of academic English and skills development, it gives students a strong foundation for their degree. It is widely accepted as a replacement for IELTS because it proves students can perform in real academic settings, not just in an exam hall.
For more information about how UFC can support your educational journey, contact us today!
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