Academic English Courses in England

Durham University Language Centre:
Durham University is a world-class university situated in New Elvet, Durham, North East England, 42 miles (68 Kilometers) south of Newcastle Upon Tyne. The Language Centre offers year long courses in English language proficiency for students hoping to progress to university courses: a lower level Preparatory English Course and a higher level Certificate in English and Academic Study. These courses equip international students for study in Durham and other UK Institutions, concentrating on improving not only academic English language skills but also wider study, research and academic culture skills.

This programme is focused on preparing students for academic study but also provides general English study and is therefore suitable for prospective undergraduate/postgraduate students and for non-native speakers living in the UK. The course runs all year round, but there are three points of entry and exit in the year: October - December, January - March and April - June. The course is divided into three terms. Each term is nine and a half weeks long and follows the academic terms of Durham University.

The course covers all aspects of English language development both in terms of the language needed for students to cope with academic study and life in the UK, the content and research methods required in preparation for academic study and other essential aspects of British life and culture both within and outside the institution. With its focus on research and study skills, it is an excellent preparatory course for those wishing to improve their academic English and refine their skills before they enter onto their further studies.

The course mainly provides language and literacy training to international students wishing to join academic programmes at universities in the UK, including Durham University, and therefore it is most applicable for any student whose goal is to study in the UK. However, as it is organized into different levels and accepts students with low English language competency, this course is also beneficial for those who simply want to improve their English language and literacy in general terms. For example, it can be useful for dependents who are accompanying students studying either on this programme or any other course within Durham University who wish to improve their English at a general level.

A typical student would include someone who is looking to join or has already been accepted on the following academic courses:

* undergraduate or Foundation courses: eg BS, BSc in Arts, Social Science, Science, Business, Law, Economics
* postgraduate courses: eg MA, Msc, PhD in Arts, Social Science, Science, Business, Law, Economics

Students who are specifically looking to join this programme to improve their academic English may already have conditional or unconditional offers for any of the courses above. However, this is not essential, they may be looking to apply to one of these courses in the near future. Students may progress directly to departments from this course without necessarily having to do a pre-sessional or foundation pre-sessional course if they achieve the grades they need.

Who is this course for?
* Students who are intending to study for a postgraduate degree at Durham University or other UK institution
* Students who have an offer letter that allows them to study at postgraduate level if they have taken an Academic English course or attended a summer Pre-sessional course
* Students who are intending to study for an undergraduate degree at Durham University or other UK institution
* Students who wish to go onto foundation courses within this University or other UK institution
* Students who are living in the UK and wish to improve their general English language and literacy levels

Entry Level Breakdown:
The course is divided into three levels, Level 3 being the highest level and Level 1 the lowest. The levels roughly translate into three ability levels which we grade according to an IELTS score or equivalent.

Students are put into levels according to their overall English language ability and then have the possibility of progressing through the levels, one level per 1-2 terms depending on their ability, where they begin and their own competency.

MBA Pre-Sessional:
Open to students holding an appropriate conditional offer for the Durham University MBA programme. Students with unconditional offers also attend this programme.
Course Content

10/12 Week Pre-MBA Programme: Designed for those students who need to develop both their general academic English and academic Business English skills before they are able to enter the MBA programme. Students study academic and Business English over a period of 6/8 weeks and then join the 4 week Pre-MBA. Course components include:

* Developing Written Accuracy
* Writing Academic Essays and Assignments
* Giving Effective Presentations
* Grammar and Vocabulary Development
* Reading Skills and Strategies
* Lecture Listening Skills and Strategies

4-Week Pre-MBA Programme: Focuses exclusively on developing the academic language and literacy skills and knowledge required for the MBA programme. All language study is built around business tasks, topics and business texts. Course components include:

* Writing Business Case and other Reports
* Academic Business Vocabulary Development
* Language and Skills for MBA Seminars and Syndicate Groups
* Skills and Strategies for Effective Presentation
* Dissertation Writing and Research Skills
* Listening and Note-taking Skills