Pre-sessional English Language

What you study

This programme consists of several phases. Phases 1 and 2 provide more general EAP (English for Academic Purposes) courses. This is especially important for students whose previous experience of English learning has focused on IELTS or general English only. However, you will receive classes in critical studies and cultural background.

In Phase 1 the critical studies course introduces you to the Renaissance. This provides a good preparation for the lectures in Postmodernity in Phases 3 and 4. Phase 2 introduces you to text analysis: in recent years we have focused on avant-garde British director Derek Jarman’s film Caravaggio, which is thematically related to the Renaissance but also deals with key concerns of postmodern thought.

In both Phases 1 and 2 the course involves some reading, writing, and discussion, but the main skills focus is on oral presentations. In the cultural background course, you will learn and write about theories of how world culture began and developed. Crucially, both courses encourage the development of your critical thinking.

In Phases 3 and 4 the language, skills and ideas introduced in Phases 1 and 2 are extended, while the focus is very much on teaching language through content. You will have a choice of lectures in either Contemporary Art History or Film Studies and a lecture series in ‘Postmodernities’ where you will be introduced to key postmodern thinkers and their ideas through a series of lectures presented by specialists in the field. These weekly lectures give you excellent practice in the academic language skills of listening to lectures and taking notes. To support the lectures, you will receive classes in writing and presentation skills, vocabulary and grammar development, and listening and speaking skills. The lectures also provide the academic theory on which you must base an extended essay.

Assessment

There is continuous assessment through regular assignments, especially listening exercises, presentations and essays. At the end of the programme, you receive a profile of your performance and progress, and recommendations for your future language development. There is an opportunity to take the IELTS exam.

Social programmes:  During your time in London, there will be opportunities to visit theatres and galleries. A party is organised at the end of the programme.

Application enquiries

EU students or call +44 (0)20 7919 7766. International (non-EU) students or call +44 (0)20 7919 7702.