Getting into University

Students from many different countries come to us in order to improve their English for academic study in the UK.

By studying with us you will benefit from:

• Courses to help you prepare for university
• Our contacts with universities
• A choice of English language tests for university entrance
  
  

Our English for University course is an intensive course specially designed for motivated adults who need to improve their English language skills in preparation for university. The course focuses on

• academic writing and reading
• extended listening, active listening and note-taking
• participating in presentations and seminars
• study skills and project work

The course is fun and lively, but also demanding, as it prepares you for studying at university level.

A period on the English for University course is often combined with one or more of the following courses:

• Intensive General Course to improve your general English skills before starting the more focused English for University course.
• IELTS to prepare for the IELTS exam, which is needed for university entrance in the UK.
• Young Business English Course for more specific business language for postgraduate Business students.
• Young Lawyers' Course for more specific legal language for postgraduate Law students.

We can advise about an appropriate mix of courses.

Examples of typical routes to universities are below:

If you want to go to university as an undergraduate (your first degree) you will usually either have to take British school leaving exams (‘A’ Levels) or a Foundation Year course. ‘A’ levels are more difficult for an international student, and take longer, but they may be necessary if you want to go to a top class university. In addition, you will have to have a good level of English and to show this you will usually need to take an IELTS test, or an alternative, as described below.

If you want to go to university as a postgraduate (your second degree) you will need to have an appropriate academic background (for example a suitable first degree). For some courses (e.g. MBA) you will also need work experience. You will also have to have an appropriate IELTS score, or equivalent.

Universities and colleges often have English language departments. You may benefit from a special pre-sessional course at your university or college, typically for some weeks before their academic course begins, but for the main part of your English studies we can offer a more supportive environment. Most universities and colleges are large and may not offer our level of personal attention.

We work with a number of universities to help our students find the right course at the right university. In the past our students have gone on to study at many institutions in the UK including:

London Business School, University of London (Goldsmiths, Queen Mary, King's College, SOAS, UCL), University of the Arts London (Central St Martins School of Art and Design, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion, Wimbledon College of Art and Design), London Metropolitan University, Oxford Brookes University, Cranfield University, University of Hertfordshire, University of Reading and Cardiff University.

On every English for University course we take the group to a university where they go to a lecture and have a tour of the campus.  To read about a visit to Queen Mary's University visit our blog.

Most UK universities and colleges require students to take the IELTS exam to prove their level of English. Many universities also accept TOEFL, Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and the Pearson Test of English Academic. Some universities also offer their own English language tests.  We are happy to arrange for you to take these tests at the university if it is appropriate.