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:

• Live video classes + regular one-to-one tutorials with personal tutor

• Authentic academic video, audio and text-based tasks

• Engaging self-study and group work activities

• Regular conversation practice to develop your speaking ability

• 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:

• 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

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.