Getting into University

Hello, I'm Rosie, the University Relations Manager. I'm here to help you get onto the best university or college course for you.
If you want to take a course in the UK after your course at the London School of English you need to let the Courses Manager know so we can arrange to meet. I can advise you on the options available and put you in touch with the universities that are most appropriate. When you have decided where you want to apply I will support you through the application process.
If you would like me to help you with university or college entrance it is essential that you come and see me regularly so we can ensure your application is done punctually and correctly. Most universities and colleges start in September/October although application deadlines vary.
Our university counselling and advice service is free for all students at the school. If you need more support writing your 'personal statement' or preparing for an interview I can help you to arrange some extra Individual Tuition.
I look forward to meeting you soon!
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 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.
Our contacts with universities
We have an excellent network of links with UK universities, colleges and business schools including King’s College, LSE, University of Westminster, University of London, Queen Mary University of London and the University of the Arts and can provide assistance with any applications you would like to make.
We have formal agreements and work in partnership with the following:
- SOAS, University of London
- London Metropolitan University
- Brunel University
- Middlesex University
- Roehampton University
- University of Reading
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
- London School of Business and Finance
- London School of Business and Management
We will:
- Provide pre-application counseling
- Help you complete the application forms
- Handle the application process on your behalf
- Liaise with your chosen institutions
- Provide help and guidance with interviews and any other procedures which you must follow.
All applications are subject to the usual entrance requirements.
English language tests for university entrance
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.
| Test | LSE preparation course? | Will you book this test for me? |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Yes, we have an IELTS preparation course | Yes |
| Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) | Yes, we have a CAE preparation course | Yes |
| Pearson Test of English Academic | You can prepare for PTE Academic on a 1-1 course or a Combination course | You need to book the test, but we can help you |
| TOEFL | You can prepare for TOEFL on a 1-1 course or a Combination course | You need to book the test, but we can help you |
| University's own test | You can prepare for a university's own test on a 1-1 course or a Combination course if we have sufficient details of how the test is designed | Where possible |
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