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

Classic Pre-sessional Pathway

Guide to classic Pre-sessional pathways for students with conditional offers

If you need to improve your English by one IELTS band or equivalent (overall and/or in writing), you should enrol on the 15-week programme. (You can also enrol on a 5-week pre-pathway module, extending your studies to 20 weeks if you wish.)

If you need to improve your English by half an IELTS band or equivalent (overall and/or in writing), you should enrol on the 10-week programme. (You can also enrol on the 15- or 20-week programme if you wish). 

Programme content

The 20- and 15-week classic modules will provide you with an introduction to English for Academic Purposes (EAP) which will include extended academic writing practice. In addition, it will provide core language and skills development, which includes grammar and vocabulary study, reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and pronunciation practice. These modules will prepare you for the second half of the programme, i.e. 10-week classic module.

The 10-week classic module will provide you with an opportunity to develop your academic English. This module will include EAP (reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in an academic context); project writing based on academic texts; and research and seminar skills.

Methods of Teaching and Learning

As well as developing your language skills, our aim is to help you understand and manage the way of teaching and learning at UK universities.  All higher education institutions in the UK place considerable emphasis on independent learning.  Our preparatory programmes therefore contain a careful balance of taught classes and guided self study. The maximum class size is 15 students. 

If you are entering a postgraduate level course of study in October, you will be placed in project groups which will give you a chance to work alongside students with similar academic interests.  For core language and English for Academic Purposes study you will attend classes suited to your language proficiency level.

You will also have weekly one-to-one tutorials to guide you through study skills and project assignments.  At later stages of the programme you will attend talks and lectures delivered by University of Essex academics and guest speakers.

By working with different groups for language and academic project work, you will have the chance to meet and make friends with a wide range of fellow international students.  Our programme includes regular field trips to places of interest such as Cambridge, Norwich and London.  The International Academy also has a Social Organiser who arranges optional social activities and weekend trips for all our students. 

IELTS/TOEFL comparison table

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.

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