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University of Manchester

University Language Centre

Pre-sessional Academic English

The pre-sessional courses are available over a 20 (PS20), 10 (PS10) or 5 (PS5) week period. The courses are for students who are about to begin their academic study/research at The University of Manchester or another university in Britain. Visiting research students or academics may also find these courses suitable for their needs. A 3 week course (PS3) is also available for students with a high level of English holding unconditional offers.

Aims :

• to develop students’ confidence and competence in using English in an academic environment
• to encourage independent learning
• to help students to be confident users of English in the wider environment beyond the university.

Content (PS5/PS10/PS20) :

The Pre-sessional syllabus is mainly skills-based and covers :

• Academic Listening - understanding and taking notes during academic lectures
• Academic Speaking - preparing and delivering a formal oral presentation; discussion and seminar skills
• Academic Reading - understanding discipline specific material in addition to general academic texts
• Academic Writing - writing clear and accurate academic English and structuring texts coherently (including summary writing and a discipline-related project).

The courses also include :

• Language Development - focusing on grammar and English for social or general use
• English for Specific Purposes - focusing on the language of target discipline area
• Cultural Awareness - focusing on interaction with students/staff from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• IELTS Preparation - practising the skills and strategies needed for the four papers of the test.

Modes of delivery include :

• Lectures - given weekly by guest speakers from a range of academic disciplines so that students can familiarise themselves with a variety of accents and lecturing styles
• Seminars - organised so that students take an active role exchanging ideas in small groups and leading whole class discussions
• Tutorials - time-tabled weekly for individual feedback on assignments and progress
• WebCT - tutor-led and independent study sessions when students can access a wide range of on-line materials designed to consolidate the skills practised in class.

The courses include a programme of social events and trips at weekends. Accommodation is in university halls of residence. Students have access to all the university study, social and sports facilities. The University Language Centre is a regional testing centre for IELTS and a UCAS Centre.

English for General / Professional Purposes (Accredited by the British Council)

The University Language Centre operates all year round providing a range of English language courses for personal and professional development. ULC is a centre for the Cambridge (FCE, CAE, CPE) and Pitman ESOL examinations.
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