South & City College - Birmingham
Course: General English with Academic Skills
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Course
DURATION
24 weeks
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
Key Summary
About: South & City College offers General English with Academic Skills for international students at intermediate to advanced levels (IELTS 4.5–7.5; CEFR B1–C1). It runs 21 hours per week with a minimum of 6 weeks (visa dependent). You’ll build academic English, study skills, exam technique, presentation and IT-based learning. Entry: over 18; arrival assessment; short-term Student Visa (up to 11 months).
Career Outcomes: On completion you'll access higher education and work opportunities. Possible careers include English language tutor, academic support officer, study skills adviser, customer service or administrative roles requiring strong English, and roles in international education or student services. Skills: academic communication, exam preparation, presentation, lecture note-taking and digital literacy.
Overview
South & City College is a member of both the British Council and English UK. This English course for international students is 21 hours per week, for students at intermediate, upper-intermediate or advanced level (IELTS 4.5 to 7.5 or CEFR B1, B2 and C1) who want to develop their English skills for progression to university or for better career opportunities.
Course description
This course will improve your English language skills and support your development of academic skills, preparing you for further study. It will help you to improve skills such as:
- Writing assignments
- Taking part in discussions
- Listening
- Note-taking in lectures
- Reading academic texts
- Exam techniques
- Greater accuracy of grammar
- IT-based learning
- Presentation skills
Term dates are available on our website. Timetables may be subject to minor changes. Our maximum class size is 20 students though the average class size is usually much smaller. Course length is dependent on your visa but we expect students to attend a minimum of 6 weeks.
Class times are Monday to Friday 09.15-12.15 and Monday & Tuesday 13.45-15.15.
Students have the option to take the Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET), Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) or the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). The exam fees are PET £103, FCE £100, CAE £144.
What areas will I study?
This course continues to develop your general speaking, listening, reading and writing skills to a higher level whilst preparing you for vocational/academic study or career progression.
We will provide you with:
- An initial assessment to identify your starting point
- An individual learning plan which will be personalised to your individual needs and future targets and focus on the main areas you need to improve
- Regular assessments, tutorials and reviews to track your progress
- Embassy student progress reports
- College Certificate following course completion and the option to take Cambridge qualifications
Cambridge English qualifications are optional and would involve an accreditation fee. Fees do not include accommodation.
What are the entry requirements?
You should be over 18 years of age. Although placement is normally based on IELTS scores, students will be given an assessment on arrival in the UK so that we can accurately record your starting point and map out your learning journey.
Visa requirements: short-term Student Visa (up to 11 months)
Where can I progress to next?
On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to access a number of opportunities in the UK and abroad including access to higher education and improved work opportunities.
