Types of English language courses
General English
General English classes aim to improve students’ all round ability in English and learn language skills for life in an English-speaking country. These classes are designed to provide a balance of practice in reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Lessons will also cover grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. A full-time course will usually require 15 to 25 hours lesson time per week.
Some schools run general English programmes which lead to an exam and recognised qualification which the student will sit at the end of their course or when the school deems he or she to be at the necessary language level. On these courses students learn exam techniques and tips for success and achieving high grades. For more information see recognised qualifications.
Business / Professional English
Learn English suitable for business or your chosen profession. Pick up language for meetings, presentations and other work-related environments. Specialise in courses for professionals, use authentic materials, and commit themselves to the standards expected by executives. Courses are usually intensive.
Classes concentrate on improving your English for use in the workplace. This course is ideal for people already working or those studying Business or planning to work in a job that will require a good command of English. You will work on developing specific knowledge of English for a variety of Business topics and situations.
In your Business English class, you will study:
- Vocabulary for key Business topics, for example, marketing, negotiating, presenting, advertising, finance
- Speaking & listening skills, for example, telephoning, meetings, interviews
- Reading & Writing skills, for example, emailing, reports, articles Specialist courses include: English for Medical Practice, English for Legal Practice and English for Marketing and Sales.
- Some schools run business English programmes which lead to an exam and recognised qualification which the student will sit at the end of their course or when the school deems he or she to be at the necessary language level. On these courses students learn exam techniques and tips for success and achieving high grades. For more information see Recognised qualifications.
English Tuition and Activity
English language tuition plus activity, e.g. sports or cultural activites.
Prefer to be practising your English rather than learning it in a classroom? English Plus is English language learning... plus another skill or hobby. Pick up the language while pursuing another academic or vocational subject or leisure interest like art & design, cooking, football or golf.
One-to-One
Private tuition; one teacher, one student.
One-to-One courses are ideal for people who want to achieve maximum progress in a short time, especially for complete beginners or professionals. Often these are tailored to the students' individual language and time requirements.
This allows for a truly personalised programme, for as many days or weeks as you choose. One-to-one teaching can be combined with other courses so you can achieve your language aims and benefit from being part of a group.
Courses for Teachers of English
English teacher preparation and refresher courses. For teachers, or those wishing to become a teacher, who want to develop their teaching methods and refresh their language skills.
Topics may include: the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, with expansion of grammar, lesson planning, classroom management, teaching pronunciation, error correction and teaching vocabulary.
Some schools run courses for Teachers of English which lead to an exam and recognised qualification which the student will sit at the end of their course or when the school deems he or she to be at the necessary language level. On these courses students learn exam techniques and tips for success and achieving high grades. For more information see Recognised qualifications.
Vacation Course
English tuition during vacation summer or easter period. These types of courses often combine English language tuition with sporting and / or cultural activities.
Usually split into:
- Adult Vacation courses: Learn a language while enjoying activities of your choice. For people aged 18+.
- Young Learner Vacation courses: A variety of summer courses for students aged 8 to 17. Practise your English and improve your communication skills in an English-speaking environment. Courses may include social, sports and cultural experiences. You can make friends with people from all over the world.
English Qualification Course
English course leading to accredited qualification. Courses with qualifications that are recognised worldwide. Learn exam techniques and tips for success and achieving high grades. For example, Cambridge exams, IELTS. For further information please see course qualifications.
University Preparation English
Specifically designed courses to prepare students to study at schools, colleges and universities in the UK. Prepare for success in further study (e.g. if you have applied to a university course).
Improve your English in an academic context and learn independent study skills like note-taking, discussion, academic reading and writing, and research techniques.
Helps students to acclimatise to life in Britain, studying in Britain and British culture, as well as to provide some supplementary English lessons covering general English.
These courses can combine English for academic purposes with study of your chosen academic or professional subject.
Passing a foundation course may be part of the requirement when applying for a university or college course. Some schools run University Preparation English programmes which lead to an exam and recognised qualification which the student will sit at the end of their course or when the school deems he or she to be at the necessary language level. On these courses students learn exam techniques and tips for success and achieving high grades. For more information see Recognised qualifications.