Year-Round Pre-sessional
... I found that I have made a great improvement in English especially writing academic essays and speaking, which gives me confidence to solve any problems. … (Read more)
This course runs from October to June and is for students with an English language level from IELTS 4.5 to 5.5 (or equivalent). It provides a step-by-step programme to gradually build up both your language and your academic study skills.
You should join at the stage that fits your starting level. The last five weeks of this course are the same as Pre-sessional Summer A. At the end of this, students then move on to take Summer B.
How long should I study for?
This depends on your starting level. For students aiming for the standard requirements of IELTS 6.5 and starting a degree programme in September we recommend:
|
IELTS (Academic) at entry |
TOEFL at entry | length | start date | end of term | fees | application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| overall 4.5, minimum 4.0 in Writing | 49, with 14 in writing | 40 weeks | 1 October 2012 |
(Reading Week: 3-11 Nov) |
£8,500 | 24 August 2012 |
| 4.5 in all skills | 59 with no skill less than 14 | 35 weeks | 12 November 2012 | 14 December (Vacation: 15 Dec-6 Jan) |
£7,600 | 5 October |
| overall 5.0, with 5.0 in Writing | 63, with 16 in Writing | 30 weeks | 7 January 2013 |
(Reading Week: 9-17 Feb) |
£6,743 | 30 November |
| 5.0 in all skills | 68 with no skill less than 16 | 25 weeks | 18 February 2013 |
22 March |
£5,780 | 4 January 2013 |
| overall 5.5, with 5.5 in Writing | 72 with 18 in Writing | 20 weeks | 2 April 2013 |
7 June |
£4,790 | 22 February |
| 5.5 in all skills (this is the same as Pre-sessional Summer A) |
76, with no skill less than 18 | 15 weeks | 7 May 2013 | 7 June (Vacation: 8-23 Jun) |
£3,570 | 8 March |
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Other tests: we also accept other internationally recognised English tests such as the Pearson Test of English (Academic test). .
- Different start dates or need a higher level? If your academic programme begins at a different time or you need to achieve a higher score, you should adjust the timing of your English course; please contact us for advice.
- If your scores are slightly below the recommended level: please send us any other previous test scores you have to help us make a decision
Content
15 hours per week academic skills with weekly one-to-one tutorials, and 3 hours per week of structured independent study.
The course aims to develop
- general & academic listening and reading skills
- seminar discussion and presentation skills on academic related topics
- your ability to write well-organised essays on a range of topics
- an appropriate academic style
- strategies for independent study
- academic vocabulary & grammar
At the end of this, students then move on to take Summer B.
Sample Timetable (actual topics and times may change)
Theme: Adapting to a New Culture
|
Monday | Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.30-11.00 | Reading: article extracts | Reading: information on web pages | Listening: mini-lecture | Writing: Timed Writing | |
| 11.30-1.00 | Intro. to Topic: reading sample articles | Listening: interview | Writing: summarising & note-taking | Speaking: discussion on effects of culture shock | Speaking:presentation practice |
| 2.00-3.30 | Writing: use of sources by summarising, paraphrasing & quoting | Tutorials | Tutorials |
Tutorials |
|
| 3.40-4.40 | Supported Independent Study | Supported Independent Study: Group Project session |
Supported Independent Study |