Pre-Sessional English Programme

Course detail

Start Date

July

Duration

July 1 – August 30 2019 (9 weeks)

UCAS Code

n/a

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Course Overview

This programme is designed for undergraduate or postgraduate students who need to improve their English Language and Academic Skills prior to entering a degree at Abertay University (and so are currently holding a conditional offer).

Classes and assignments aim to accelerate your English language level, particularly in terms of English for Academic Purposes, as well as to develop your academic writing and research skills in a challenging yet supportive study environment.

Successful completion of the programme will enable you to enter your chosen degree, without the need to sit IELTS or other English language test.

Entrance Requirements

You should have a minimum of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent if you are planning to join any of Abertay’s undergraduate programmes.

If you are planning to study for a postgraduate degree you will need a minimum of IELTS 6.0 for most courses; however, for both the MSc in Counselling and the MSc in Mental Health you will need IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent).

Fees

The cost for the 9-week programme is £2200.00. This includes the cost of a social programme with visits to places of interest in Scotland. It does not include the cost of accommodation.

What Will the Course Involve?

This is a full-time, 9 week course with approximately 20 hours of class time each week. (Please note that the final week will be given over to assessments.)

Classes focus on developing the four skills:

Writing: Understanding and planning different assignments, using sources, avoiding plagiarism, and improving your accuracy.
Reading: Strategies to help you to read academic books, journal articles and online sources faster and more effectively.
Listening: Strategies for both formal settings such as lectures, and informal discussions and conversations.
Speaking: Giving presentations and taking part in seminars.

Additionally, we aim to develop your language skills so you can communicate with confidence in and out of class.

Classes are usually in the form of workshops, where you’ll be able to try out the language and ideas presented by your tutors; you’ll also be asked to give presentations, work with other students in groups to complete projects, and to work individually to reflect on your own progress. This will help you to develop the other skills required for successful study in the UK: critical thinking, independent learning and academic literacy.

You will also have individual tutorials each week, where you will have the chance to discuss your progress with your own tutor.

How Will the Course Benefit You?

The programme provides more than just a way of ensuring you have the appropriate level of English. Successful completion of the course means that you’ll be able to:

Engage successfully in your chosen degree programme
Produce a coherent and convincing argument, with accurate referencing and appropriate presentation, in both written and spoken form
Work in a group to complete a small-scale research project
Reflect on your own academic skills and use this reflection for self-improvement

as well as ...

Getting a feel for the educational culture of a Scottish University (which can be quite different from other countries’)
Meeting other international students
Getting to know Dundee – and Scotland! – so that you feel at home before you start your degree

How Will the Course be Assessed?

Assessment will cover all four skills described above. Although there will be exams in week 9, you will also be required to complete a portfolio of written work during the programme. Your spoken skills will also be assessed throughout the course.

Accommodation

Abertay University accommodation is in the heart of the city, a few minutes’ walk from the campus.

It can be booked for the duration of the course through the online store. For further information please see our accommodation section or contact the Student Enquiry Zone.