Pre-sessional and advanced  programmes in English language and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 2012

Introduction

The International Academy offers a range of programmes for students who wish to improve their English before starting a degree. Our aim is to provide core language improvement and preparation in the academic skills needed for successful study in the UK. All programmes and modules are full time. Our Pre-sessional programmes offer language proficiency pathways to University of Essex degrees without the need to re-take IELTS or TOEFL.

You will have full use of the University resources including library services, computing facilities, general campus amenities and accommodation.

Why attend a language preparation programme?

  • To enhance your English language proficiency
  • To enhance your use of English for academic purposes
  • To become familiar with the modes of teaching and learning at a UK university
  • To be introduced to your prospective University of Essex department
  • To be orientated to living and studying in Britain

The length of pre-sessional study required will depend on how close you are to achieving your minimum language requirement for your course.

Which Pre-sessional programme should you choose?

Students with conditional offers:

For those of you who have a conditional offer of study at the University of Essex, there are two different Pre-sessional pathway programmes available: classic and intensive.

  • The classic Pre-sessional pathway programme will prepare you for your academic studies with a distinctive focus on the language and study skills needed in an academic context, such as essay writing and project work. The programme runs for 15 and 10 weeks and provides language uplift of 1.0 and 0.5 IELTS band respectively.

  • The intensive Pre-sessional pathway programme will improve your core language skills by focusing on your grammar and vocabulary development, as well as developing your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The programme runs for 10 and 5 weeks and provides language uplift of 1.0 and 0.5 IELTS band respectively.

Students with unconditional offers:

For those of you who hold an unconditional offer of study at the University of Essex, there is the English Language and Study Skills Enhancement (ELSSE) module.

ELSSE will enhance your academic skills and will help you settle quickly and confidently into academic life.

IELTS/TOEFL comparison table

IELTS PB TOEFL iBT TOEFL IELTS Writing TOEFL TWE/Writing iBT Writing
4.5 480 54 4.5 2.5 17 - 18
5.0 500 61 5.0 3.0 19 - 20
5.5 520 68 5.5 3.5 21 - 23
6.0 540 76 6.0 4.0 24 - 25
6.5 570 88 6.5 4.5 26 - 27
7.5 600 100 7.5 5.0 28 - 30

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System.

It is the preferred language qualification for entry to UK universities. The test can be taken at Test Centres throughout the world. For more information, look on the official IELTS web site for candidates.

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language.

It is the preferred language qualification for entry to university in the United States. For more information, look on the official TOEFL web site.

Printable version

Here is a printable leaflet on the Pre-sessional programmes: IA Pre-sessional Programmes.

This is a pdf. Free Acrobat Reader software is needed to view PDF files. Access technology information and tools, and a free conversion tool for PDF documents, are also available on Adobe's website.

Accommodation

The University Accommodation Section offers single, self-contained study bedrooms. Details on how to book accommodation will be sent with your offer letter. 

 

Last modified on 09 March 2012