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English Language

English Language Requirements

For all Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree applicants whose first language is not English, you will need sit an approved test in English and achieve IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, TOEFL IBT 87, with no less than 22 in reading, 21 in listening, 23 in speaking and 21 in writing or equivalent. 

Applicants for all Foundation Degree Programmes whose first language is not English will need to sit an approved test in English and achieve IELTS 5.5 with no less than 4.0 in any band, TOEFL IBT 77 with listening 13, Reading 8, Speaking 19 and Writing 17 or equivalent.

Applicants who achieve an IELTS 5.5 with no individual element below 5.5, TOEFL IBT 77 with listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23 and Writing 21 or equivalent. and apply for a Postgraduate Programme will need to undertake the Graduate Diploma / Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism and have met the entry requirements for the programme prior to commencing a Masters Programme in the areas of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Applicants for the International Foundation Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism will need IELTS 5.0 with no less than 4.0 in any band, TOEFL IBT 65 with listening 13, Reading 8, Speaking 19 and Writing 17 or equivalent.

If you are going to sit for the TOEFL test, please note that the Designated Institution TOEFL Code for our College is 1748 , please request at the TOEFL Centre for a copy of your results to be sent to our Admissions Office .

Programmes Overview

University College Birmingham offers two different types of English Language courses for international students preparing to study here:

Our Pre-Sessional English Programmes run prior to courses starting in February and September.   For students starting in February a block of study is offered starting in January, for students starting in September our Summer English Programme offers two blocks of study starting in July and August. Students may take both or just the second block according to their existing level of ability.

We also run a one-semester Intensive English Programme for students who wish to improve their English Language skills before studying at UCB with courses usually beginning in late September/Early October or February. Students study grammar, academic listening and reading skills and academic writing. Students are also entered for the English Speaking Board examination to gain an additional qualification.

In addition, English classes and English language support are available throughout your time at University College Birmingham.

Pre-Sessional English Programme

The Pre-Sessional English Programme is suitable for students who want to improve their existing level of English to progress to study at University College Birmingham. Unless with prior agreement, it is NOT intended for those who only want to improve their general English skills and do NOT wish to progress to a mainstream study programme with us.

For February Starters:

Potential students who wish to start their course of study in February 2012 with IELTS 5.5, with no less than 4.0 in any band or equivalent need to take the January Pre-Sessional English Programme.

The dates of the January Pre-Sessional English Programme are 9th January - 10th February 2012

what will you study?

The Pre-Sessional English Programme is specific to future coursework in College, for example academic writing skills, reading skills, advanced grammar, listening, seminar participation and presentation skills.

Classes take place from 10am - 3pm Monday to Friday, then 3pm - 4pm is usually a guided study session. Wednesday is a study visit day and times for this may vary according to the visit destination. The study visits are an integral part of the programme and there is lecture input and a task set to prepare for each visit.

Students are divided into groups according to their existing level decided by previous qualifications in English and with a diagnostic test taken at the start of the block. Students are assessed throughout each block to assist in decisions made on whether the student meets the criteria for progression to their chosen mainstream study programme.

Please note : A high level of attendance is required.

For September Starters:

Potential students who wish to start their course of study in September 2012 with IELTS 5.0, with no less than 4.0 in any band, or equivalent will need to study BLOCK 1 and BLOCK 2 prior to the start of their course. Students with IELTS 5.5, with no less than 4.0 in any band, or equivalent need only study BLOCK 2.

Block Start Date
Block 1 2nd July 2012 to 3rd August 2012
Block 2 6th August 2012 to 7th September 2012

What will you study?

In Block 1 students follow a general English programme to build on existing skills with practice in grammar, writing, listening and speaking using materials appropriate to their identified level. Each week there is also a study visit linked to work covered in the classes. Previous destinations have included Warwick, Stratford upon Avon, Lichfield and Alton Towers Theme Park. This offers students the opportunity to see the local area, to use their language skills in a wider context and to experience the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry in the West Midlands.

The focus in Block 2 is more specific to future coursework in College and includes academic writing skills, reading skills, advanced grammar, listening and conversation. 

Classes take place from 10am - 3pm Monday to Friday, then 3pm - 4pm is usually a guided study session. Wednesday is a study visit day and times for this may vary according to the visit destination. The study visits are an integral part of the programme and there is lecture input and a task set to prepare for each visit.

Students are divided into groups according to their existing level decided by previous qualifications in English and with a diagnostic test taken at the start of the block. Students are assessed throughout each block to assist in decisions made on whether the student meets the criteria for progression to their chosen mainstream study programme.

Please note : A high level of attendance is required.

Tuition fees.

The Tuition fees for the Pre-Sessional English programme are:

Block Dates Cost (Non-EU) Cost (EU Student)
January 9th January 2012 to 10th February 2012 £800 £450
Block 1 2nd July 2012 to 3rd August 2012 £900 TBC
Block 2 6th August 2012 to 7th September 2012 £900 TBC

Please be aware there is a partial pre-payment of tuition fees policy which can be found in our Pre-Sessional Pre-payment documentation.

Accommodation for Pre-Sessional English Language Programme Students

Students are allocated a single room in our halls of residence while attending this programme. The cost of accommodation will be £500 per block session. View our Accommodation page for more detailed information.

How to Apply

For any queries and application forms, please contact International Admissions Office on:

Telephone Number
+44 121 243 0116
Fax Number
+44 121 604 1166
Email Address
international@ucb.ac.uk

Download an Application Form

Applications for the Summer English Programme cannot be accepted after the following dates:

  • January starters - Friday 9th December, 2012
  • Block 1 for September starters - Friday 22nd June, 2012
  • Block 2 - Friday 27th July, 2012

Intensive Programme

This programme is designed for students who have at least completed high school in their own country and now wish to enter Higher Education but need evidence of the necessary level of English to cope with their chosen course with us.

Please note, the programme is not intended for those who simply want to improve their English Language skills and do not wish to progress to another study programme at University College Birmingham.

Semester 1 runs from late September to January, Semester 2 runs from February to June.

What will you study?

The 14 week programme involves 13 weeks teaching plau revision and an end test in week 14, 19 contact hours per week with a tutorial and academic workshop.  There is a 1 hour pastoral tutorial per week with the Year Manager and a 2 hour academic workshop per week to monitor progress and to provide academic support. 

Homework is issued as appropriate and students are expected to use their free time to complete it. The Open Access Centre is available for students to use for additional independent study with self learning grammar and listening packages. There are also video and CD Rom materials and computer based programmes along with support from the multilingual technician on duty.

There will be a test on arrival to determine the appropriate level at which students should study and Progress Review Tests throughout the course. This is followed by a further test at the end of the course on the Integrated Skills book, academic reading, academic writing and listening to ascertain whether students have achieved the level necessary to progress to their chosen course.

Using the results from the programme and with a high level of attendance, progress is possible to mainstream classes at the start of either semester (late September or February).

Tuition Fees

Non- EU Students  february 2012 £2,200 for 14 weeks (excluding accommodation)
Non - EU Students September 2012 £2,500 for 14 weeks (excluding accommodation)
EU Students  2012 £700 for 14 weeks (excluding accommodation)

Students tuition fees must be paid one week prior to enrolment. For Non- EU Students the College's pre-payment policy applies.

How to Apply

For any queries and application forms, please contact the International Admissions Office by telephone on +44 121 243 0116 or by email.

English Language Support

When your chosen course begins, as an International Student you may find that you need support because English is not your first language or would like to match the experience you have to the needs of your course. University College Birmingham therefore offers Additional English Classes and also Language Support.

Additional English Classes

Students may enrol at the start of each semester for additional English classes of either one or two hours a week. These classes include skills and practice in grammar, academic and general listening, pronunciation and conversation and also interview techniques for students who may be undertaking a placement in industry.

Final year undergraduate students can attend the Dissertation Writing Class to help with the preparation of their research project.

Post graduate students have an Academic English class on their timetable that aims to match existing experience with the skills required to study at University College Birmingham.

Students on courses such as Catering, Hairdressing, Beauty can attend the Vocation English course to support preparation of course work and placement in industry.

There is also an opportunity for students to gain additional qualifications with the English Speaking Board and the EDI Written English for Tourism awards.

Workshops are also held throughout the week for individual support on academic work.

Language Support

Language Support is a free proof reading service offered to students who do not speak English as their first language and who are attending or have attended additional English classes. This ensures that students produce the professional standards of written English required by their courses. Additional support is also available on structuring written work, referencing, academic writing style, CV writing and job applications.

The Open Access Centre

The Open Access Centre is available for students to gain additional experience of English and the Hospitality and Tourism industries of the UK with the use of the Sanako language lab, digital materials and satellite television.