Pre-sessional - English Language and Study Skills Enhancement (ELSSE)

ELSSE is open to students who hold unconditional offers of study at the University of Essex. If English is not your first language and you are coming to study at a University for the first time, this enhancement module will help you settle quickly and confidently into academic life. The module runs for 5 weeks. During this time, you will be provided with guided practice and expert advice on:

• Writing extended academic assignments
• Giving full-length seminar presentations
• Taking notes at live lectures
• Taking notes from assigned reading
• Reading to write (incorporating information from sources into assignments)

If you wish to enhance core language skills you can extend your programme of study to 10, 15 or 20 weeks.

Assessment on the Pre-sessional Programmes

Assessment on the Pre-sessional programmes and on ELSSE is through continuous coursework. At the end of each five-week period you will receive a report, detailing the progress you have made and suggestions for further improvement.

If you hold a University offer, conditional on satisfactory completion of the Pre-sessional programme, a summary report and/or your test scores will be sent to your department. Sponsors are also issued with copies of this information.

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 24 January 2012