English language and English tests
- Overview
- Accepted qualifications
- Pre-sessional English courses
- Foundation English
- In-country English
- Tests in the UK
- Tests outside the UK
- Other English tests
- Tests online
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 Pre-sessional English courses are normally delivered on our City Centre Campus in Birmingham and in classrooms at venues overseas, but this year we have moved our presessional courses online. The 16, 10 and 6-week 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.
- 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. This year, we will be delivering pre-sessional courses online through multi-modal courses via Mircrosoft Teams and BCU Moodle, allowing flexibility to prospective BCU students. Live classes and tutorials take place 8:00-11:00 GMT/15:00-18:00 CST. 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 are eligible to study the University's pre-sessional courses. We have three courses to choose from:
| 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 |
What can you expect from the courses?
As well as the academic offer we also combine a social programme which takes place alongside class, providing tours of the local area and trips to places around the UK, such as Oxford and London. The Social Programme is led by students of Birmingham City University and provides an excellent opportunity for international students to make friends and enjoy life in the UK.
Due to the pre-sessional courses being delivered online, there is currently a 20% discount on all Pre-sessional English courses.
| 16 week course | Minimum entry IELTS 4.0 or equivalent | Classes: 25 hours per week | One-to-one tutorials every week |
£4,200* |
| 10 week course | Minimum entry IELTS 4.5 or equivalent | Classes: 20 hours per week | One-to-one tutorials every two weeks |
£2,600* |
| 6 week course | Minimum entry IELTS 5.0 or equivalent | Classes: 20 hours per week | One-to-one tutorials every two weeks |
£1,560* |
| 16 week | 10 week | 6 week | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Language Skills | X | ||
| Study Skills | X | ||
| Academic Writing & Reading | X | X | X |
| Academic Listening | X | X | X |
| Presentation Skills | X | X | X |
| Group Discussion | X | X | X |
| English Grammar and Pronunciation | X | ||
| Cost | £4,200* | £2,600* | £1,560* |
*Discounted pre-sessional course price
Important - your CAS for Pre-Sessional English
For our 10 and six week courses, we may be able to offer a Joint CAS for your pre-sessional and academic course combined. Following successful completion of your Pre-Sessional English course, you will be able to progress onto your academic course. If you are not given a Joint CAS you can extend your visa inside the UK, providing you meet the standard Home Office requirements for an extension. Our International Student Support team can fully support you with this process.
For more information please contact:
E: international.enquiries@bcu.ac.uk
T: +44 (0) 121 331 5389
| Course | Start date | Finish date |
|---|---|---|
| 10 week online summer programme | Monday 1 June 2020 | Friday 7 August 2020 |
| 10 week online summer programme | Monday 22 June 2020 | Friday 28 August 2020 |
| 6 week online summer programme | Monday 29 June 2020 | Friday 7 August 2020 |
| 6 week online summer programme | Monday 20 July 2020 | Friday 28 August 2020 |
| 16 week winter programme | Tuesday 1 September 2020 | Friday 18 December 2020 |
| 10 week winter programme | Monday 12 October 2020 | Friday 18 December 2020 |
| 6 week winter programme | Monday 9 November 2020 | Friday 18 December 2020 |
Fees
The fees for the 10 week pre-sessional English programme is £3,250 and for the six week programme it is £1,950.
Resits
If you have IELTS 4.0 or 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 (September and February starts).
Course: Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCEAP)
| You have IELTS | you need IELTS | Recommended course |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 6.0 | FCEAP Full year |
| 5.0 | 6.0 | FCEAP Second semester only |
| 5.0 | 6.5 | FCEAP Second semester only |
| 5.5 | 6.5 | FCEAP Second semester only |
* 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.