The Advanced Diploma in English plus IELTS Preparation Intensive

• Is suitable for international and EU students who need to improve their overall level of general English and prepare for the IELTS exam as there are many test centers in Birmingham.

• Improves students’ levels of English substantially across all the language skills: academic writing, speaking in seminars and giving presentations, listening to lectures, and reading a wide range of academic texts.

• Makes students familiarised with the academic culture and conventions of the UK Higher Education system

• Offers flexibility in when and where you take the exam.

For those planning to go to a British university or hoping to gain professional qualifications to work as solicitors, doctors or nurses in the UK, this course will be beneficial.

It combines intensive language tuition with teaching in the subject area they would like to study at the College. It helps them find ways to manage the large amount of information, develop and improve academic writing and speaking skills.
• Reading skills for IELTS
• Writing skills for IELTS
• Speaking skills for IELTS
• Listening skills for IELTS
• Presentation & Communication Skills
• Academic reports preparation skills e.g. assignment, dissertation

This is a 36-week course divided in three phases. Its weekly timetable includes classes in academic writing, speaking in seminars and giving presentations, listening and note-taking, research skills and research practice. Optional course components include IELTS preparation classes, conversation classes as well as stimulating lectures on aspects of the English language, such as grammar and academic vocabulary are also included.

The first phase includes structured writing skills tasks throughout the term build students’ confidence in their study and research skills, and develop their independent learning strategies. Progress is closely monitored through homework tasks and in-class tests. Students benefit from a personal tutorial system which focuses on individual needs.

The second phase focuses on English for Academic Purposes, with an emphasis on independent research skills and the development of academic writing and presentation skills. Students undertake a research project linked to their academic field and then produce a 2,000-word essay and deliver an academic presentation towards the end of the term. Research work is closely guided and supported by the weekly individual tutorials.

The third phase provides students with a more advanced academic research skills module, providing a learning and study environment that fully prepares them for the challenge of their university degree programme. Students build on the English language and study skills developed in phase 1 and 2, especially in the areas of academic research, reading and writing, and compile a comprehensive ‘Academic Subject Portfolio’ as they progress through the term. This comprises a 2,500 to 3,000-word researched essay for undergraduate students and a 3,500 to 5,000-word essay for graduates; a Poster Presentation based on aspects of their research; and a Viva Voce oral assessment of their research. Regular seminars and individual tutorials support students with their research work, and help them to develop their confidence when discussing topics relating to their academic field.

There will be a diagnostic task before the course starts, ongoing assessment during the course including homework tasks and individual tutorials. Near the end of the course there will be a practice IELTS test and an end of course report.

Assessment is by coursework (40%): a 2,000-word researched essay and oral presentation; and by final examinations (60%): unseen essay examination, listening and note-taking examination (based on an academic lecture), and reading skills examination, all taking place in the final week of the term.

The course is for students of a good intermediate level or above. All applicants must have completed their high school education and the minimum age for entry onto the course is 17. Applicants must be able to study independently and have previous experience of academic writing.

Applicants who do not have an IELTS or TOEFL score can take the College’s English Language Test in order to meet the entry requirements of the course.

The attendance of the course is a compulsory requirement and is delivered 16 hours a week in the form of the workshops, seminars, visits and one to one tutorials.

There are four intakes during the academic year. Please contact the college for more details.

The course prepares you to achieve higher IELTS scores in the exam taken the centre approved by British Council in Birmingham and will get an IELTS Certificate if take exam offered. On successful completion of the course you will receive the prestigious the Advanced Diploma in General English from the College.