Pre-sessional course in Academic English Skills

Whether you choose to study online or at our Canterbury Campus, both the 10-week and 6-week course aims to develop your academic grammar, speaking, listening, reading and writing skills for use in the university environment. So, for example you will develop your writing skills for writing academic essays, your skills for reading critically and researching in your subject area, and your speaking and listening skills for taking part effectively in lectures and seminars and for giving presentations.

The course assessment aims to mirror tasks related to university study again with the emphasis on building your confidence and equipping you for your future study, as well as assessing your English language level in each of the four skills by the end of the course.

Towards the end of your course you will submit a portfolio containing a record of your performance and achievement during the course in all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading & writing) within a range of academic contexts.

Academic contexts assessed are:

• Giving a presentation
• Taking part in a seminar
• Making effective notes in a lecture
• Writing an academic essay
• Reading academic texts efficiently and analytically, and making effective notes (this will include a timed reading test)
• Applying critical thinking skills.

Progress to your undergraduate or postgraduate course is dependent on you achieving the level required to meet the admission criteria for your chosen course.

Successful completion of the Pre-sessional course at the required level for your course will fulfil any language conditions of your Canterbury Christ Church University degree offer and you will not need to retake IELTS for entry onto your course.

If you study at our Canterbury Campus, you can choose to live in a university residence or in a local homestay.

Our accommodation is priced to suit a range of budgets according to its size, location and facilities. The price per week for all rooms includes internet and all utility bills.

What are your choices?

Homestay

Living with families in Homestay accommodation is very popular for International students, who would like to improve their English and learn more about British culture. Families are regularly visited by our Accommodation staff to ensure they meet the requirements set by the University and British Council regulations. Prices for Homestay accommodation vary according to the meal plan you select which can be:

• Breakfast only
• Half-board (breakfast and dinner)
• Half-board with use of kitchen
• Half-board with weekend lunch

Find out more about Homestay

University accommodation

Our accommodation portfolio includes our fantastic state-of-the-art St Georges Centre which boasts over 200 en-suite rooms and is a flagship venue for students, within easy walking distance of Augustine House, North Holmes Campus and the city centre with all its amenities. Students joining us for 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 for your accommodation, we do 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!

Find out more about University accommodation.

Studying the course on campus:

Most of your classes will take place in teaching rooms on the main university campus - in the mornings in seminar rooms and in the afternoon in ICT rooms. During independent study periods, for example Friday afternoons or after classes, you can use the open access ICT rooms on the main campus or the student centre and library. As a Pre-sessional student, you have full access to the university study and leisure facilities, such as the state-of-the-art gym and sports hall and the award-winning Student Centre and library, Augustine House with modern learning spaces, a new library and Wi-Fi throughout.

Studying the course online:

You will study 15 hours per week of live and interactive classes - two 90-minute sessions per day from Monday to Friday.