Overview

This full-time programme is ideal if your academic qualifications meet the requirements for your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate course, but your English language level falls below the entry requirements of the academic course you wish to join.

Key facts

  • Develop your English language skills to meet university requirements
  • Improve your academic study skills, in addition to your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills
  • Introduce yourself to life in the UK and to British culture
  • Develop your understanding of university systems, services and facilities

What will I learn?

The programme teaches you the language and other academic skills necessary for you to gain the maximum benefit from your future academic course. You will develop these skills in a content-based approach to learning involving critical thinking, questioning, discussion, reflection and analysis. You will also develop the ideas and concepts necessary to participate in the global academic community.

By the end of the course you will feel confident to research your subject, deal with a range of academic texts, attend lectures, take part in seminars and tutorials, and produce extended written academic assignments.

How long will I need to study?

We offer two courses depending on your current language level and your proposed course of study (undergraduate or postgraduate). You will study for 6 weeks, 12 weeks or 22 weeks.

You can check important dates including teaching, assessment and public holidays on our dates and fees page.  Please note there will be no teaching on public holidays.

How will I study?

  • Teaching and learning take place in seminars, lectures, tutorials and workshops
  • In addition, you will engage in independent study involving directed and self-directed learning
  • You will study in groups averaging no more than 16 in number (maximum 18)
  • Each week classes focus on a topic of global importance and include a lecture and a seminar based on assigned readings as well as other skills classes in speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar based on the topic and the reading texts

How will I be taught and assessed?

  • A particular emphasis is placed on reading and writing academic English and you will be supported in producing an extended essay as part of your assessment. You will also work in teams to engage in research projects using a range of methodologies and present your findings both orally and in the form of a written research report.
  • Teaching on this programme is delivered through seminars, lectures, tutorials and workshops, totalling 16 hours plus an additional 2.5 hours for tutorials, per week.
  • Classes take place between 9.30am and 5.30pm during the week.
  • You will also be expected to engage in an independent study involving directed and self-directed learning for 20 hours per week. There is also 1 day a week scheduled for independent learning.

View a sample timetable here

  • Assessments take place through a mix of coursework and a final exam
  • Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is embedded throughout the course with tools such as the ‘Blackboard’ eLearning Portal and electronic reading lists that will guide your preparation for seminars and independent research
  • You will be assigned your own Guidance Tutor who will provide academic and pastoral support and be your first point of contact if you have questions or problems
  • You will be taught by qualified tutors who hold a minimum Level 7 qualification within the subject area of language tuition and who will guide you on how to develop your language and academic study skills that are required for success at a UK university

You can view more information about the mix of students who study at the Campus with our infographic here.

How will I progress?

Progression on to your chosen academic course depends on a mix of continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations (not IELTS).

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Academic requirements

  • Relevant progression degree admissions requirements

Age requirements

  • Applicants must be over 18 years old

English language requirements

  • 6 weeks:
    Your IELTS scores are no more than 0.5 below your academic programme’s English language entry requirements overall and/or in one or more skills: reading, writing, listening and/or speaking.
    E.g. if your progression course has an entry requirement of IELTS 6.5, you may study the 6-week programme if you currently hold IELTS 6.0.
  • 12 weeks:
    Your IELTS scores are no more than 1.0 below your academic programme’s English language entry requirements overall and/or in one or more skills: reading, writing, listening and/or speaking.
    E.g. if your progression course has an entry requirement of IELTS 6.5, you may study the 12-week programme if you currently hold IELTS 5.5.
  • 22 weeks:
    Your IELTS scores are no more than 2.0 below your academic programme’s English language entry requirements overall and/or in one or more skills: reading, writing, listening and/or speaking.
    E.g. if your progression course has an entry requirement of IELTS 6.5, you may study the 22-week programme if you currently hold IELTS 4.5.

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  • 6 and 12 week
  • 22 week

This module will help you develop your listening skills so that you can understand real-time interaction and complex spoken content in lectures and conversations.

You’ll learn to express yourself confidently in academic conversations, whether you are presenting ideas or participating in group discussions. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to engage in lectures and seminars, including discussions, debates, and presentations, preparing you for success in your academic journey at a UK university.

This module will help you to improve your English language and academic literacy skills. You’ll learn to identify main ideas and details in complex written texts, develop critical thinking, and write coherent essays using evidence-based arguments.

Through interactive activities, workshops, and discussions, you’ll improve your reading and writing skills, receiving personalized feedback and one-to-one tutoring to enhance your language proficiency.

This module helps you develop effective communication skills in intercultural contexts, essential for success at a UK university. You’ll apply skills learned in other modules, reflect on your progress, and work on a collaborative project to research and present findings.

Through continuous reflection, you’ll gain independence and prepare for learning in a diverse community. The module also introduces key concepts and vocabulary for project work at a UK university.

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The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

This module will prepare you for the next stage of your studies where you will develop your listening and speaking skills through conversations, lectures, and multimedia, giving you an introduction to university study.

You’ll learn to extract key information, express yourself clearly on familiar topics, and understand relationships between arguments and topics. Interactive exercises, real-life scenarios, and pronunciation refinement will enhance your communication skills, vocabulary, and confidence.

This module will develop your reading and writing skills so that your linguistic ability is at a high level to cope with the demands of your further studies. You’ll learn to analyze and understand various types of texts, and write in an organized manner.

You’ll also improve your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and ability to write effectively. Through a range of topics, you’ll develop your language accuracy and range, enabling you to communicate simply and clearly in writing.

This module introduces you to intercultural communication, helping you understand how culture affects effective communication. You’ll gain cultural insights, develop self-awareness of your own communication style, and learn to navigate group work.

By learning key vocabulary and concepts, you’ll become more aware of how culture impacts communication, preparing you for successful collaboration in diverse study settings.

This module will help you develop your listening skills so that you can understand real-time interaction and complex spoken content in lectures and conversations.

You’ll learn to express yourself confidently in academic conversations, whether you are presenting ideas or participating in group discussions. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to engage in lectures and seminars, including discussions, debates, and presentations, preparing you for success in your academic journey at a UK university.

This module will help you to improve your English language and academic literacy skills. You’ll learn to identify main ideas and details in complex written texts, develop critical thinking, and write coherent essays using evidence-based arguments.

Through interactive activities, workshops, and discussions, you’ll improve your reading and writing skills, receiving personalized feedback and one-to-one tutoring to enhance your language proficiency.

This module helps you develop effective communication skills in intercultural contexts, essential for success at a UK university. You’ll apply skills learned in other modules, reflect on your progress, and work on a collaborative project to research and present findings.

Through continuous reflection, you’ll gain independence and prepare for learning in a diverse community. The module also introduces key concepts and vocabulary for project work at a UK university.

Enquire now

The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

All modules on this course are core and 0 credits unless otherwise stated.

Tuition fees 2024/25 

  • 6 weeks: £1,950
  • 12 weeks: £3,900
  • 22 weeks: £7,800

Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

The learning materials will be supplied via loan; however, you are expected to buy a paper-based dictionary as you are allowed to use this during your exam.

Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.

  • Contact time in class – typically in lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • Access to facilities, including computers, on-campus Wi-Fi, printers, vending machines, quiet study spaces
  • The support of our Careers & Employment Service who help you to become more employable, secure placements and run workshops
  • Academic support – our ACE Team run multiple sessions on academic writing, presenting, exam techniques throughout the semester, as well as 1-2-1 appointments and drop-in sessions
  • Student support services such as our Ask4Help Service. Find out more about the services available to you on our Student Support page
  • Access to online resources, including 24/ 7 Library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

Living costs in London

In addition to your tuition fees, you will need to consider how you are going to meet your living costs whilst living in London. You will need to budget for things such as rent, food, travel, clothing and socialising. The UKVI recommend allowing a minimum of £1,334 to cover living costs in London.

To help you understand what kind of costs you can expect, below give you an approximate monthly cost, the actual cost depends on lifestyle and will vary for each individual.

  • Rent: £450 – £550
  • Food: £120
  • Social life: £140
  • Travel: £50
  • Phone: £50
  • Books and equipment: £25

For further information regarding living costs and living in London, we recommend visiting studylondon.ac.uk for further information.

You can also find out more information about accommodation here.

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How to find out more

Enquire now to find out more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.

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How to apply

Once you’re ready to apply, you should submit an enquiry and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your options and what you need to do.

Course Duration Autumn 2024
6 week Apply for October
12 week Apply for September
22 week Apply for September

 

We strongly recommend that you submit your enquiry as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your course. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa (if required) and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol onto your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.

Supporting documents

For us to assess your application in a timely manner, it is important that you provide us with the following documents:

  • Fully completed application form
  • Personal email address must be included on the application form
  • Transcripts and/or certificates (including a certified translation if not in English)
  • Passport – copy of personal details page
  • Proof of financial sponsorship if applicable
  • Reference
  • Confirmation of immigration history including copies of previous and current visas if applicable

You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.

Information For Disabled Applicants

At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.

 

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Course Information

Level of study:

Pre-Sessional

Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: N/A
International Fee: £1,950, £3,900 or £7,800 (24/25)

Entry requirements:

Relevant progression degree admissions requirements and you must be over 18 years old

English language requirements:

0.5 to 2.0 below your progression degree’s English language requirements overall, and/or in one or more bands.

Mode of study:

Full-time classroom

Duration:

6, 12 or 22 weeks

Assessment methods:

Coursework and exams

Scholarship or bursaries:

Not available

Student finance:

Not available

Payment plan:

Not available

Starts:

January, March, June, July, September, November

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