English for Academic Purposes: Pre-sessional English – Pre-Intermediate

Foundation Certificate

Overview

This course will help you improve your English language and academic skills and develop your knowledge of life at university in the UK. You will build on your existing knowledge of English and develop academic skills such as taking notes, contributing to seminars, making presentations, reading strategies, and writing essays and reports. You'll gain a head start by learning about the University before you start your main course and reach the required level of English to be successfully accepted to the University.

Why us?

• You will be taught in a small group by experienced tutors, with additional out-of-classroom activities during British Studies time
• You will have access to our modern facilities that include a language laboratory and a well-equipped centre for self-access language work
• You will meet other international students who will be studying at the University
• You will have a head start and know your way around the University before your main course begins

Course structure

This pre-sessional course uses a variety of teaching methods in order to develop your English skills and prepare you effectively for university study in the UK. You will participate in small group classes, larger group lectures, and small group or individual tutorials enabling you to practise your English with the help from both your teacher and your classmates. You will receive regular feedback on your work and be well supported to develop your English language to your best level. There is also a large bank of extracurricular material that you can use to help you during your independent study time which is available on our Virtual Learning Environment, CANVAS.

There will also be lots of opportunities for you to practise your speaking during the course, as well as group projects which you will take part in, and you will stay in regular contact with your teacher in tutorials and classes.

By the end of the course we expect you to have a level of English that is the University of Sunderland equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0. This is the English language requirement for most University of Sunderland courses.

Facilities

You will have full access to all on campus facilities including the library, computer suites and open access Language Centre.

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from those with an IELTS or equivalent score of 4.5 or above with no individual skill score (speaking, listening, reading and writing) lower than 4. If your level of English is higher than IELTS 4.5 you can study this course and achieve a score 1.5 bands higher than your entry score.

If your IELTS or equivalent score is higher or lower than 4.5, you can choose one of these alternative courses to improve your English language skills:

• IELTS 5.0: English for Academic Purposes: Pre-sessional English – Intermediate
• IELTS 5.5: English for Academic Purposes: Pre-sessional English – Upper-Intermediate

Fees and finance

The fee for this course is £3,100.

Related courses

• English for Academic Purposes: Pre-sessional English – Intermediate
• English for Academic Purposes: Pre-sessional English – Upper-Intermediate

English for Academic Purposes Pre-sessional Course B: A Detailed Breakdown

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Degree Overview:

This course serves as a stepping stone for non-native English speakers seeking improvement in their language proficiency and academic skills, preparing them for university studies in the UK. The program focuses on enhancing English skills alongside the development of academic practices like taking notes, participating in seminars, crafting presentations, and handling reading assignments. It also helps students with essential writing skills like essay and report composition. By completing the course, individuals can expect to achieve a level of English equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0, which is the standard requirement for admission to most programs offered by the University of Sunderland.

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Outline:

• The pre-sessional course employs diverse teaching methodologies, including small-group classes, comprehensive lectures, and personalized tutorials, to facilitate a holistic development of language abilities.
This approach allows for ample practice with peers and guidance from experienced tutors.
• Continuous feedback is provided to monitor student progress and support them in achieving their best potential.
• The course utilizes CANVAS, the university's virtual learning environment, which offers additional self-study materials and resources.
• Students actively engage in spoken English through group projects and regular communication with their instructors during tutorials and classes.
• The typical duration of the course is 15 weeks, with a total contact time of 315 hours.

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Assessment:

• The program utilizes various assessment methods to gauge student progress, including essays, presentations, active class participation, and exams.
• Continuous assessment is implemented throughout the course to provide regular feedback and guidance.
• The final assessment determines whether students have achieved the desired level of English proficiency (equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0) for successful integration into their chosen degree programs.

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Teaching:

• The course is conducted by a team of experienced instructors who are dedicated to fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.
• Teaching methodologies are designed to cater to individual needs and learning styles, ensuring every student receives personalized attention and guidance.
• Students benefit from the expertise and diverse perspectives of the faculty, who possess extensive experience in teaching English as a second language.

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Careers:

• The program equips graduates with the necessary English language and academic skills to excel in their chosen undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the University of Sunderland.
• Successful completion of the pre-sessional course opens doors to a wide range of academic opportunities and professional pathways, empowering graduates to pursue their desired career aspirations.

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Other:

• The course provides access to the well-equipped Language Centre, featuring a dedicated space for language learning and teaching, including a Sanako language laboratory for individual study, study areas for group work, and a wealth of resources such as textbooks, dictionaries, and DVDs.
• Students can also take advantage of the university's comprehensive library and computer suites.
• The program offers a welcoming environment for international students, fostering a sense of community and providing support during the transition to university life in the UK.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.