This course is for Non-Tier 4 Students Only

Please note that 'English Language Foundation’ course is offered under a new visa category introduced for students enrolling on English Language Courses only. The new visa category - called the Extended Student Visitor Visa (ESVV) - will be available from Monday, 10 January 2011. The ESVV will only be available to students who want to study an English language course for between six and eleven months. The visa will be valid for 11 months.

Further information about applying for an Extended Student Visitor visa can be found at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas

The Programme is for international and EU students whose first language is not English and need to improve or consolidate their English language communication skills and knowledge.

• It permits students to begin preparing systematically for the IELTS examination or entry on to higher education programmes offered by British universities.
• It encourages active participation in all aspects of the course by students working on projects, academic research tasks, speaking in seminars and giving presentations.
• It aims at familiarising students with the expectations and conventions of the academic culture of the UK higher education system.
• It exposes students to the situational English and cultural features they immediately need to live and make friends in the UK.
• It includes elements of ‘Learner Training’ so students will be able to study independently, understand their own strengths and weaknesses and progress with confidence onto an academic or vocational programme.
• It includes an Individual Learning Plan for every student to set targets and check progress regularly.
• It offers flexibility in when individuals take the IELTS examination. There are 3 IELTS test centres within easy reach of the Birmingham area. Please note that the fee (approximate £120) for the IELTS examination is not included in the course fees.

Key programme features

There is a General English component at the student’s level. This takes a topic approach so there is a balance between practice from a textbook and student-centred activities. There are regular progress checks through homework and review tests.

The timetable also has lessons organised in skill areas so attention is paid to speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. The balance of skills will change as students’ level and needs change.

The course promotes equal opportunities by including IELTS preparation classes and seminar and presentation skills from pre-intermediate level. We understand that different students have different IELTS band targets so it is wrong to make individuals wait until intermediate level before they can study IELTS and academic English.

The course offers structured writing and reading skills tasks which aim to build confidence in their study and research skills. There are regular opportunities for students to contribute to the course by giving presentations and writing for their classmates.

Learner Training is a feature of the course because it is important for students to be confident and independent when they follow their future courses. Students will keep a Learner Journal, have classroom discussions on study methods, keep a record of self-study and show the teachers they know phonetic symbols, can record new vocabulary and can identify grammar structures. The best way to learn a language is to talk about how to learn language!

There is weekly tutorial when each student can talk about their studies with a teacher.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be willing to study independently. In accordance with the UKBA requirements, international students must have evidence of being at intermediate level or above (for example IELTS band 5.0) When the student arrives at the college, there is a placement test to decide which class is best for each student and help set the student’s individual targets.

Minimum Age

The minimum age of admission is 18 years at the time of application. There are no exceptions.

Attendance, study hours & duration

The attendance of the course is a compulsory requirement for international students. The duration of the course is maximum 11 months full-time and delivery is a minimum of 16 hours a week in the form of classes, seminars, workshops, visits and one-to-one tutorials.

Sample timetable

Maximum class size

The maximum class size for full time ELT programme is 18.

Fees

The tuition fee for the full-year programme is £6,500. Please note that the fee (approximate £120) for the IELTS examination is not included in the course fees.

Award / qualification after completion

The course can prepare students to achieve the IELTS band score required to begin a UK university-level education (undergraduate and post-graduate UK university qualifications). Therefore each student has his or her own individual qualification target.

Students must take an IELTS exam at the end of the course in order to be eligible for an admission at British Universities / Higher Education Institutes.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will also receive a Birmingham College Diploma in English Language & Academic Study Skills and attendance certificate.

Lecturers

All lecturers have a minimum of recognised TESOL certificate qualification. The programme director holds a specialist MA qualification, a diploma level TESOL qualification and has considerable IELTS expertise.

Resources

Birmingham College will provide all resources including course materials, presentations, CDs, DVDs, Audio & Video tapes, books, journals, and/or magazines that may be required to deliver the course.

Accommodation

The College does not offer accommodation, however upon request we can provide you with details of local estate agents, through who you can arrange your accommodation.

Contact

For more details see the course description below or contact the college on 0121 212 0888 or email to does@bcol.co.uk