By the time you read this you will probably already have decided that you want to take an English course in Britain. Perhaps you know you need to take an intensive course in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to prepare you for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or maybe you are looking for something a little different from a private language school. So what is it that makes studying English at a university different?
Well, for a start, you have access to a very wide range of facilities. A university campus is often like a small town with shops, banks, restaurants, travel agents and bookshops, not to mention sports facilities. Even more importantly, you can usually have some access to the university library and the computing facilities.
These learning resources are important, because you may find that university English courses expect you to do some independent study and research outside your classes. Your teachers will probably be used to teaching university level students and will introduce you to some of the study skills needed in British universities. Even if you don't want to go on to a degree course in Britain, you may pick up a few tips for your studies at home!
University English courses are usually very good for improving your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. You may have to read an article and then discuss it, or research a topic and give a presentation to the other students. You will probably find more emphasis on completing a task in English rather than grammar classes, so for the majority of courses you should probably be at least intermediate level to get the most benefit, although some universities do offer lower level courses.
It is likely that you won't only be taught English in a language class, but will have a chance to practise by listening to some of the academic staff talking about their special subjects so you can learn in English.
Best of all university English courses usually attract motivated and hard-working students who want to learn while they have fun. If you think this is you, then choose a university English course.
Author
Virginia Irwin
Queen Mary & Westfield College
