Pre-sessional English courses

Pre-Sessional English Courses

Birmingham City University’s Pre-sessional English and Academic Skills courses will help you prepare for your chosen future degree course. In 2022, our pre-sessional courses will be delivered on-campus and online.

Pre-sessional courses will help you to meet the minimum language entry requirements of your chosen degree course while improving your speaking, listening, reading and writing ability. You should choose a pre-sessional course according to your current English language level, using the table below:

 Apply for a pre-sessional course:

If using a PDF application form, apply for the pre-sessional course you need when applying for your main degree programme. If applying online, please mention this in your personal statement. We have three courses that are designed to help you improve your English level to the necessary standard. 

Course dates

Course details

Both on-campus and online versions of the course are designed to equip you with the English proficiency and academic skills necessary to succeed during your main programme. Among the skills you will study on the pre-sessional courses, you will learn how to:

•        Deliver successful academic presentations
•        Write appropriately structured, coherent and concise essays
•        Participate actively in academic contexts
•        Take effective notes when reading and listening
•        Avoid plagiarism while using suitable academic sources in your work

Online Pre-sessional

Birmingham City University’s Online Pre-sessional English courses all feature:

•        Live video classes + regular one-to-one tutorials with personal tutor
•        Authentic academic video, audio and text-based tasks
•        Regular conversation practice to develop your speaking ability
•        24/7 access to self-study and group work activities

Online class take place Monday-Friday through Microsoft Teams, 8:00-12:00 UK time.

Students will need access to a PC or laptop and a good quality internet connection.

On-campus Pre-sessional

Birmingham City University’s On-campus Pre-sessional English courses take place on our City Centre Campus. You will have small group classes and one-to-one tutorials with your teacher between 8:00 and 15:30, Monday-Friday.

When studying on our 10 and 6-week On-campus Pre-sessional English courses you will be able to stay in University Locks accommodation next to the campus.

University Locks

University Locks is ideal if you want to live close to campus as well as the city-living feeling. Security is important and in addition to 24-hour CCTV, security officers are on duty out of office hours and there is a secure door entry system.  There are dedicated social and study spaces, as well as outdoor balconies in each of these locations. A convenience store is also located on site. 

Feel at home in your en-suite room, which has a private shower room with sink and toilet. Each room has a three-quarter bed with mattress and cover and a Wi-Fi connected study area with a desk, chair and a notice board. As well as a full-length mirror, waste paper bin and wardrobe, drawers, shelves and you'll find storage space under your bed for your belongings. Your shared fitted kitchen which includes a cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, iron, ironing board, vacuum cleaner, kettle and toaster also has a living area with a TV, which is an ideal space to relax with your flatmates. As a Pre-Sessional Student for £160 per week, you will also be provided with bedding and towels for use during your stay.

Contact

For more information about Birmingham City University’s Pre-sessional courses, please contact: presessional@bcu.ac.uk