Improve your English

If you need to improve your English language to reach the required level for your programme at the International Study Centre, you can take one of our English Language Preparation programmes. Designed to prepare international students for different levels of study, these intensive programmes will give you the English language skills you need to succeed at university and beyond.

Online Pre-Sessional English

This course will help you raise your English language skills to the level you need to start your International Year One or Pre-Masters programme. It is delivered through Study Group’s Virtual Study Centre, students will have the opportunity to learn alongside other international students.

10 weeks

  • To progress to the International Year One in September 2020
  • You will need an Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 overall (minimum 5.0 in all subskills)
  • 25 June 2020 – 11 September 2020

20 weeks

  • To progress to the International Year One or Pre-Masters in January 2021
  • You will need an Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (minimum 4.5 in all subskills)
  • 9 July 2020 – 11 December 2020

English Language Preparation for International Foundation Year

This programme will prepare you to progress to your chosen International Foundation Year. You will need an Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (min 5.0 in writing and no other skills less than 4.0) or equivalent to start the International Foundation Year. If you have Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.0 overall (min 4.0 in all skills) or equivalent, you will need one term of English Language Preparation.

Course start date:

  • September, prior to starting your academic programme in January.

English Language Preparation for International Year One

This programme is for students who need to increase their English language level before starting the International Year One. You will need an Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 overall (min 5.5 in all skills) or equivalent to start the International Year One.

  • One term course: If you have Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (min 4.0 in all skills), you can join our one-term intensive English Language Preparation course in September before starting the International Year One in January.

English Language Preparation for Pre-Masters Programme

If you would like to study the Pre-Masters Programme, but do not yet have the required English level, this programme will help you get there. Our Pre-Masters Programme requires an Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (in all skills) or equivalent. If you have Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 overall (with no skills less than 4.5), or equivalent, you will need one term of English Language Preparation.

This course has two start dates:

  • September, prior to starting your academic programme in January
  • January, prior to starting your academic programme in April

English Language Preparation programme students do not need to take an additional IELTS test at the end of their course to progress on to their Pre-Masters Programme. You will be assessed on your Academic English Skills (AES) grade at the International Study Centre (you will be required to achieve a minimum of 40% in all areas).

Please note – Students taking an English Language Preparation for International Year One or English Language Preparation for Pre-Masters Programme will study on a B2 GSV visa as these courses are not included as part of the combined visa – this allows them to make the ICAS application in the UK for a combined visa for their pathway and degree study, as well as allowing them to remain in the UK before starting their pathway.