ETC International College

Welcoming international students since 1989

ETC International College

Welcoming international students since 1989

Pre-Sessional

Age 17+
About the course

Course Description

ETC Pre-Sessional English courses give international students the academic English and study skills needed to succeed on a degree programme at a UK or English-speaking university.

The course builds writing, speaking, reading and listening within an academic context, while introducing discipline-specific content and the practical research skills universities expect from day one.

Courses run from 6 to 24 weeks, with the length depending on your current English level.

What you'll develop:

  • Academic discourse, plus critical reading, writing, listening and speaking for a specific academic context
  • Strategies for the academic practices, values and conventions of UK higher education
  • Discipline-related skills, examining your own subject area and the global issues around it
  • Practical research skills, working both independently and collaboratively

Study on campus or online; we're here to help you succeed!

Pre-Sessional
Find your starting point

Course Intensities

Course Duration

Your course length is set by your current overall IELTS score, or an equivalent qualification.

4.5 IELTS (B1) - 24 weeks minimum
5.0 IELTS (B1) - 18 weeks
5.5 IELTS (B2) - 12 weeks
6.0 IELTS (B2) - 8 weeks

Please note, some lessons may be delivered online.

Entry Requirements

You will need a High School Diploma Year 12, RQF Level 3 or equivalent.

English Entry Qualification:
4.5 IELTS or equivalent.

Minimum age: 17+

Certificate

On successful completion you will receive an ETC Pre-Sessional Certificate, reflecting the nature and achievement of your course of study.

You will also receive an end of course report showing your estimated CEFR and IELTS level, based on your performance in projects and assignments.
Online or in-person

Study Options

On-Site

Study face-to-fact at ETC in Bournemouth, England. You'll receive lessons through lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials, with the full college experience: social activities, accommodation options and daily contact with students from around the world.

Online

Study from home with live online lectures, seminars and tutorials, supported by our Learning Management System. You'll have access to digital learning resources, an online library, discussion forums and e-portfolios, with regular one-to-one tutorials to keep your progress on track.

Support is available throughout your course, including online induction, technical help, academic counselling and welfare support.
What you'll study

Course Structure

Modules

Every Pre-Sessional course combines academic English with subject-relevant language and, where needed, exam preparation. All courses include:
English for Academic Purposes (EAP):
The study skills you'll use throughout your degree: note taking, referencing, process writing, working in teams, preparing seminars, preparing for lectures, research methodology, structuring assignments, and preparing and giving presentations.
English for Special Purposes (ESP):
Targeted instruction in the terminology, communication styles and real-world scenarios of your field. Choose from areas including Law, Military, Tourism, Business, Medicine, Management, Finance and Accounting, Information Technology, Human Resources Management, and Media and Communications.
Global English:
General language development across all four skills, keeping your everyday and academic English moving together.
IELTS Preparation (if required):
We help you reach the language level your course of study requires. Selected universities also accept our own language testing, meaning you don't always need an IELTS score for entry.

Included as standard

- Placement test
- Needs analysis
- Skills development
- Task-based activities
- Proficiency tests
- Tutorials
- Learner skills development
- Progress tests
- Homework
- Academic counselling
- Supportive error correction and constructive feedback

Included as standard

Alongside feedback from your teachers, you can track your own progress with our Learner Portfolio. Every student receives one on arrival, and uses it with their teacher to check progress and plot a course of study against the 'Can Do' descriptors from the CEFR. 

Internationally recognised bodies have acknowledged the benefits of our Learner Portfolio system.

Experienced Staff

Staff teaching EAP hold at least a Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, such as a DipTESOL or DELTA, or a relevant Master's degree.

Staff teaching English modules hold a CELTA or CertTESOL qualification.

Staff teaching 'English for' subjects hold a CELTA or CertTESOL qualification, plus qualifications or experience in the subject area they teach.
World-class education

University Progression

On completion of a Pre-Sessional English course you will need an overall IELTS score, or equivalent, of 6.5 (C1) with no component below 6.0 (B2) to progress to a postgraduate programme.

ETC International College has progression agreements with Bournemouth University and De Montfort University. On successful completion of selected ETC courses, students are guaranteed progression to complete their degree at Level 6, subject to meeting the required academic records.

We also have partnerships with universities across the UK, and our University Counsellor supports every student through their application, helping with:

- Finding the university of your choice
- Writing your personal statement
- Getting letters of recommendation
- Completing your university application
- Finding out about extra curricular activities
  • De Montfort University
    Bournemouth University
    Manchester Metropolitan University
    Solent University
    Middlesex University
  • inHispania
    Instituto Cervantes
    Ulster University
    University of Strathclyde
    University of South Wales
  • Cardiff Metropolitan University
    Bangor University
    University of Sunderland
    University of Portsmouth
    University of Lincoln
  • University of Derby
    University of Chester
    University of Staffordshire
How much does it cost?

Dates & Fees

Most courses are available throughout the year. You can find a full list of course dates and prices in our Dates & Fees, or use the ETC Course Calculator to get a quote.

Start from any Monday of your choice!

Enrol at ETC International College today
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22-24 West Hill Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5PG, United Kingdom.
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