English Language and Culture (International Summer School)

Entry requirements

You must be a current student at university level (Level 3 or equivalent) and aged 18 years old or over.

This course is practice-based (not credit-bearing), so no formal English language qualification is required; however all classes will be taught in English.

Upon successful completion of the programme you will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance.

Months of entry

July

Course content

Birmingham City University’s International Summer School offers you the perfect opportunity to spend three weeks sampling UK university life, as well as giving you the chance to enhance your academic skills and visit some of the UK’s historic towns and cities.

Students will be allocated to specifically tailored classes based on the results of the pre-programme level testing. During classes as well as the sports, cultural and social activities, students will be encouraged to always speak English, allowing them to develop their English language skills and confidence.

Small class sizes will allow everyone to speak and receive personalised feedback from their teachers.

English classes take an integrated skills approach: instead of being taught separately, the four macro skills – listening, reading, speaking and writing – are taught simultaneously in a way that better motivates students with a wider range of activities and better reflects authentic language use in the real world outside the classroom.

During the three-week programme, students will have integrated classes, as well as Project work sessions focused 21st century skills, such as Collaboration, Creativity and Critical Thinking.

Based around the cultural programme, students will participate in group projects that involve fact-finding and presentation giving. They will take trips to local attractions and to other cities in the UK. On these trips, they will be given targets for finding out information which involves using English they have learnt in class. After the trips, they’ll have time to work on their projects in groups and to prepare presentations for their classmates and teachers on what they have learnt and experienced.

Information for international students

Visas

Please check if you need to apply for a visa before you travel.

Visa and Non-visa nationals

• Visa nationals are required to apply for a visa before they travel irrespective of the length of visit. The standard visitor visa can be used for those coming to Birmingham City University to attend the International Summer School.
• Non-visa nationals are exempt from having to apply for a visa before travel to the UK (for visits up to 6 months) – they request permission at port of entry.
• You must have a passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole duration of your stay.
• If you are unsuccessful in obtaining a visa and can provide evidence of this, we will refund your payment minus an administrative charge of £50. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

https://www.bcu.ac.uk/international/summer-school/how-to-apply/visa

Fees and funding