Birmingham City University : English Language - Pre-sessional

Important Notice

In April 2011, the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) announced a number of adjustments to the Tier 4 points-based system, which included significant changes to the English language requirements for those wishing to obtain a visa to study in the UK.  As a result of these changes, students wishing to study pre-sessional courses will be required to take one of the Secure English Language Tests (SELT) provided by one of the UKBA’s approved English language test provider in order to meet the UKBA’s new English language requirements. View the full list of SELT.

Of the SELT listed, we would recommend that you consider taking one of the following due to their extensive availability worldwide:

IELTS – (International English Language Testing System)

PTE Academic – (Pearson Test of English Academic)

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

In order to meet the UKBA’s new visa requirements you will be required to have one of the above English language qualifications regardless of any other English language qualification you may already have. In light of the new UKBA regulations, it is very important that you also:

• Arrive and enrol with us on the first day of your pre-sessional course. For 10-week Pre-sessional the first day is Monday 2 July and for 6-week Pre-sessional the first day is Monday, 30 July;
• Have full attendance in order to successfully complete the programme which ends on Friday, 7th September and progress onto the main course of your study in September;
• Meet the necessary English Language requirements of your main course at the end of your Pre-sessional course. The UKBA requires that you will have reached B2 standard (equivalent to IELTS 5.5) in all four skills before you proceed to your main course.

If you fail to meet any of the above requirements you will be in breach of the UKBA conditions for your visa.

As a Higher Education Institution, Birmingham City University is proud to have Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) status under Tier 4 of the points-based system. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with this in preparation for your time within the UK.

General information

For the September 2012 intake, we run two presessional courses: 10 weeks and 6 weeks. They are intended to improve students' command of English and to prepare them for the course at Birmingham City University for which they have been made a provisional offer. Classes cover a mixture of General English and an introduction to Academic English, providing practice in writing, reading, grammar, listening and formal and informal speaking. Students will also complete a mini-project and have the chance to find out about British culture and society. Below is a summary of the entry requirements and costs.

Entry Requirements, Costs and Start Dates

The following table allows you to identify which English language programme is most suitable for you. Simply match your current IELTS score against the IELTS entry requirement. For simplicity we have only shown IELTS scores in the table. However we do accept students who have TOEFL and Pearsons and you can find the IELTS/TOEFL and IELTS/Pearsons equivalence table below. Other equivalent qualifications are also accepted.

September English pre-sessional courses

Course: 10 week Pre-Sessional English

Start date: 2 July 2012
Finish date: 7 September 2012

Cost: £2,000 (excluding accommodation)

Accommodation:  £970 – Please note that ONLY The Coppice will be available for pre-sessional

Course: 6 week Pre-Sessional English

Start date: 30 July 2012
Finish date: 7 September 2012

Cost: £1,200 (excluding accommodation)

Accommodation: £582 - Please note that ONLY The Coppice will be available for pre-sessional

If you have IELTS 4.5 or you feel that you would benefit from a longer English Language programme, we also offer the Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes.

Course: Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCEAP)

* Paying the main course deposit secures your place on the course and must be paid before arrival. Upon successful completion of the Pre-Sessional English course the deposit will be deducted from your main course tuition fee.

** Includes tuition, social programme and course materials but not accommodation 

TOEFL band scores

Pearsons band scores

Important IELTS implications of the UKBA Guidance

Students who attained an overall IELTS score of 5.0 and require 6.0 for their main course and have a minimum component score of 4.5 in any band, will be given an unconditional offer for the 10 weeks pre-sessional English course and a conditional offer for the main course. Students are expected to achieve the required score for their main course with no band less than 5.5 to progress.

Students who attained an overall IELTS score of 5.0 but have 2 or more components score of 4.0 will be offered the Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCEAP).

Students who attained an overall IELTS score of 5.5 and require 6.0 for their main course and have a minimum component score of 5.0 in any band will be given an unconditional offer for the 5 weeks pre-sessional English course and a conditional offer for the main course. Students are expected to achieve the required score for their main course with no band less than 5.5 to progress.

Students who attained an overall IELTS score of 5.5 but have 1 or more component score of 4.5 will be given an unconditional offer for the 10 weeks pre-sessional English course and a conditional offer for their main course. Students are expected to achieve the required score for their main course with no band less than 5.5 to progress.