Pre-sessional course in Academic English Skills
Undergraduate
Throughout the academic year 2025/26
Overview
Our General English course is available all year round and is accredited by the British Council.
Learning English in Canterbury offers an opportunity for students to experience living in the UK, whilst developing the skills needed to communicate effectively in English in real-life situations and to gain an understanding what it's like to live in the UK.
It's in providing this experience, alongside the taught aspects, that our General English course excels.
Classes will be taught at our campus, located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, next to the historic centre of Canterbury. All students can attend university activities, join student societies and use the sports facilities and university gym. Canterbury and the surrounding area offer so much to explore, and London is less than an hour away, with mainland Europe close by.
You will be taught in groups of a maximum of 20 students. The classes mix communication skills with consolidation of your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
The General English course will teach you language skills, culture and will give you an opportunity to learn about yourself. This experience will change your future life.Maho
Entry requirements
This course is designed to help improve your English language skills, so we do require you to have a basic level of English before you start.
These are as follows:
Minimum English language level, or equivalent Council of European Framework (CEFR) Level A2, IELTS 3.5.
To join our General English course, you must be 18 years old or over.
How you’ll learn
On this course you have 21 hours a week of teaching, 15 hours a week taught in the morning and 6 hours a week taught in the afternoon.
The classes will develop both your accuracy and your fluency in using English. They focus on communicating effectively, developing your skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, while at the same time improving your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. The emphasis is on actively using English in a range of situations.
Canterbury Christ Church University has a range of accommodation for you while you study on our English language courses. Our accommodation is priced to suit a range of budgets according to its size, location and facilities. The price includes internet and all utility bills
What are your choices?
Homestay
Living with people in their own homes is very popular for international students who want to improve their English and learn about British life. It is ideal for students on short courses. Homestay houses are regularly visited by our Accommodation staff to ensure they meet our standards. Prices vary according to the meal plan you choose:
- Breakfast only
- Half-board (breakfast and dinner)
- Half-board with use of kitchen
- Half-board with weekend lunch.
University accommodation
During the academic year from September to July, you may be able to stay in our student accommodation. Again there are a number of price options to suit your budget. Unfortunately, during this period, University accommodation cannot be guaranteed but we will always do our best to help you. If you are joining us for a summer course, University Accommodation is usually available from the 2nd week of July to the 3rd week of September.
Our accommodation includes our state-of-the-art St Georges Centre, which has over 200 en-suite rooms, and is within short walking distance of the university campus and the city centre. Students who join a short course will be given details of all accommodation types and prices and can liaise direct with our Accommodation Office or the International Office for assistance with booking.
If you have any special needs, we have specially adapted accommodation with disabled facilities, subject to availability at the time of your course. We think you will agree that the prices and choices are so varied that there is the right accommodation for everyone!
Course duration: this varies. You can come for a short two-week summer course, or study up to 11 months as a short-term student.
Start dates: courses normally start on a Monday unless it is a public holiday. Although we have fixed enrolment dates, we consider everyone’s requirements and try to be as flexible as possible.
Please note you are required to apply for a course at least six weeks before you wish to enrol.
| GE Holiday |
Monday 14 April – Friday 25 April 2025 (2 weeks) |
| Spring |
Monday 28 April – Friday 13 June 2025 (7 weeks) |
| GE Holiday |
Monday 16 June – Friday 27 June 2025 (2 weeks) |
| Summer |
Monday 30 June – Friday 05 September 2025 (10 weeks) |
How you’ll be assessed
At the start of your course, your English language level will be confirmed through written and spoken activities.
At the end of your course, you'll receive a certificate confirming your level and a report providing details of your progress.
There will be no final exam. Informal and continuous assessment takes place within the classroom through teacher observations.
Class attendance is monitored and regular homework is set.
Your future career
Your improved English skills and experience will help enhance your future employment potential. Depending on the level of English you reach, this course might also provide an opportunity to move onto further study at CCCU. Some students progress to either the Summer Pre-Sessional Course in Academic English or the International Foundation Programme. Through these routes you can progress to either an undergraduate degree or, where appropriate, a postgraduate degree.
Related courses
Fees
The 2024/25 fees for this course are:
- full-time £395 per week
For more details, please contact the International Office: improve.your.english@canterbury.ac.uk
Programme fee
For applications received after 01 July 2024, a fee of £50 per student will be applied to all bookings. This is to cover costs associated with the social programme.
Terms and conditions
Please make yourself aware of the terms and conditions attached to the General English course.
General English course terms and conditions
Simplified version of the General English course terms and conditions
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