Program Overview

Introduction to the Summer English Course

The Summer English Course is designed for international university students seeking to improve their English language skills at a global top 10 university, while experiencing the social and cultural highlights of London. This three-week course is taught on UCL's central London campus by UCL teaching staff.

Course Objectives

The course aims to improve English language skills in the key areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, through task-based activities that emphasize improving communicative abilities. Students will also have the opportunity to see the social and cultural highlights of London.

Course Structure

Academic

• Classes are taught in small groups with an average of 14 students per class.
• Teaching takes place from Monday to Friday, with morning classes covering English language lessons, visit preparation, research project, presentation skills, and report writing.
• Students will have an average of 15 study hours per week.

Cultural Visits

• Guided visits to places of cultural importance around London will take place two or three afternoons a week.
• UCL Social Assistants will accompany students on all trips, providing explanations of the cultural significance, importance, and history of the places visited.
• The cost of these visits, guides, and the UCL students who accompany students are included within the course tuition fee.

Sample Timetable

The following is a sample of what the weekly timetable might look like: | Day | Morning | Afternoon | | --- | --- | --- | | Monday | English language skills class | Visit to Tate Britain Art Gallery | | Tuesday | Research project class | Academic lecture: English as a Global language | | Wednesday | English language skills class | Self-study / free time | | Thursday | Presentations | Visit to Museum of London | | Friday | Research project class | Visit to Kew Gardens |

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

To be eligible, students must:

• Be a university student (or about to start university)
• Be aged 18 years or above
• Not speak English as their first language
• Be eager to develop their English language skills

English Language Requirements

Students normally have levels of English in the ranges shown below:

• IELTS: 5.0 to 7.0
• TOEFL iBT (tests taken from 21 January 2026): 4.0 to 4.5
• TOEFL iBT (tests taken before 21 January 2026): 45 to 109
• TOEIC: 600 to 850
• Cambridge: PET to CAE
• The College English Test (CET): CET4: 425 to 670, CET6: 400 to 650
• Eiken: Grade 2 or above

Course Dates

The course dates for Summer 2026 are Monday, 3 August Friday, 21 August 2026.

Fee and Expenses

The course fee is Ł1,950, which includes the costs of all course tuition, including course materials and entry fees for trips. Students are responsible for their travel costs for the visits.

Additional Costs

In addition to the tuition fee, students will need to consider living costs, such as accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses associated with their studies.

Accommodation

Limited single rooms are available in Schafer House at Ł1,200 for the duration of the course. Rooms are arranged in flats of up to 5 bedrooms, sharing a kitchen/dining room and a shower room with toilet.

Certificate of Completion

Students will receive a Summer English Course for International University Students Certificate, provided they have a minimum attendance of 80% on the course. A short report on their progress will also be provided.

How to Apply

Applications are made directly to the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education. The application form requires details about the student's study of English and current university course, as well as a short writing exercise to assess their level of English.