Studying in the UK may be important to you, but don't forget that no matter how well you know your subject area, you still find that, without the right level of proficiency in English, you will struggle to pass your course!
With this in mind many universities have devised a range of courses to help overseas students come to terms with the demands of studying for university graduate or post-graduate degrees. We know that a lack of linguistic ability not only means low academic performance, but can also lead to an unhappy overall experience for you, the student.
A one-year long English Language Foundation Course helps to equip students with the language needed to cope with most graduate and postgraduate courses within a university. It is usually aimed at students who satisfy the university's entrance requirements in their chosen area of study. Students who do not possess the right subject qualifications would then be expected to gain them after taking the course. The specific entrance requirements for Foundation Courses may vary between institutions so check their website for details.
For students of lower English language ability a Pre-Foundation English Course is the best option. Designed to bring language ability up from an elementary knowledge, this may be taken over a period of up to 2 years and gives those who start with limited English a chance to combine their studies with an extensive experience of English life and culture.
For students who have already gained both relevant qualifications and the right level of English, a Pre-Sessional Academic English Course is recommended. This sort of intensive 4-week course helps students come to terms with the academic culture of a UK university and brings them 'up to speed' in their new environment from day one.
Similarly an 'English Plus' summer school for adult students can provide an introduction to general conversational and written English. These are usually mixed with a friendly and stimulating diet of cultural activities and heritage visits.
Getting your English into shape for serious academic study will always be hard work - but it can also be fun. With the right course, skilled tutors, and a friendly environment you can combine a important part of your career plan with an experience you can always treasure. Perhaps the biggest advantage of a University English course is that you will already be in a large institution with lots of modern resources which are specifically aimed at young people like yourself. You can practise being an undergraduate while qualifying to become one.
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