English language and English tests
Pre-Sessional English Courses
Improve your speaking, listening, writing and reading before starting your degree course, while studying from the comfort of your home. Birmingham City University’s Online Pre-sessional English courses all feature:
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Live video classes + regular one-to-one tutorials with personal tutor
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Authentic academic video, audio and text-based tasks
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Engaging self-study and group work activities
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Regular conversation practice to develop your speaking ability
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24/7 access to course
Birmingham City University’s pre-sessional courses 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:
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Deliver successful academic presentations
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Write appropriately structured, coherent and concise essays
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Participate actively in academic contexts
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Take effective notes when reading and listening
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Avoid plagiarism while using suitable academic sources in your work
We deliver pre-sessional courses online through multi-modal courses via Microsoft Teams and BCU Moodle, allowing flexibility to prospective BCU students. Live classes and tutorials take place 8:00-11:00 GMT.
*Students will need access to a PC or laptop and a good quality internet connection.
If your Secure English Language Test (SELT) result is below the required standard, you may be are eligible to study the University's pre-sessional courses. 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.
In addition, we have a new two week pre-sessional course for students who have already met language entry requirements of their degree course.
| Course | you have IELTS | you need IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| 16 week | 4.0 (no band less than 4.0) | 5.5 (5.5) |
| 4.5 (no band less than 4.0) | 6.0 (5.5) | |
| 5.0 (no band less than 4.5) | 6.5 (6.0) | |
| 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) | 7.0 (6.5) | |
| 10 week | 4.5 (no band less than 4.5) | 5.5 (5.5) |
| 5.0 (no band less than 4.5) | 6 (5.5) | |
| 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) | 6.5 (6.0) | |
| 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) | 7.0 (6.5) | |
| 6 week | 5.0 (no band less than 5.0) | 5.5 (5.5) |
| 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) | 6 (5.5) | |
| 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) | 6.5 (6.0) | |
| 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) | 7.0 | |
| 2 week | New 2 week pre-sessional courses for students who have already met language entry requirements of their degree course. | |
| 16 week course | Minimum entry IELTS 4.0 or equivalent | Classes: 20 hours per week | One-to-one tutorials every week |
£6,000 |
| 10 week course | Minimum entry IELTS 4.5 or equivalent | Classes: 18 hours per week | One-to-one tutorials every two weeks |
£3,250 |
| 6 week course | Minimum entry IELTS 5.0 or equivalent | Classes: 18 hours per week | One-to-one tutorials every two weeks |
£1,950 |
| 2 week course | Students who have already met language entry requirements of degree course | Classes: 18 hours per week | One-to-one tutorials every week |
£750 |
| 16 week | 10 week | 6 week | 2 week | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Language Skills | X | |||
| Study Skills | X | |||
| Academic Writing & Reading | X | X | X | X |
| Academic Listening | X | X | X | X |
| Presentation Skills | X | X | X | X |
| Group Discussion | X | X | X | X |
| Research skills | X | |||
| Cost | £6,000 | £3,250 | £1,950 | £700 |
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Online pre-sessional courses for degree |
Start date |
End date |
|
16-week pre-sessional |
Monday 9 May |
Friday 26 August |
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10-week pre-sessional |
Monday 9 May |
Friday 15 July |
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Monday 20 June |
Friday 26 August |
|
|
6-week pre-sessional
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Monday 6 June |
Friday 15 July |
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Monday 18 July |
Friday 26 August |
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2-week pre-sessional |
Tuesday 30 August |
Friday 9 September |
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On-campus pre-sessional courses for degree |
Start date |
End date |
|
16-week pre-sessional |
Monday 16 May |
Friday 2 September |
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10-week pre-sessional |
Monday 27 June |
Friday 2 September |
|
6-week pre-sessional |
Monday 25 July |
Friday 2 September |