Course dates:
20 week course: 7 May – 20 September 2013
16 week course: 3 June – 20 September 2013
12 week course: 1 July – 20 September 2013
8 week course: 29 July – 20 September 2013
Students who have already met the direct English language entry requirements can follow our new
4-week preparatory course in academic skills.
Entry Requirements:
To join one of the programmes, you will need to have taken an internationally recognized English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL IBT or Pearson Academic. The English language entry requirements vary according to the length of programme.
Click here to find out which programme is right for your level of English language.
Fees:
Spring/Summer 2013
20 week course: £5,830
16 week course: £4,720
12 week course:£3,930
8 week course: £2,810
Application and contact:
To apply for a place on a Pre-sessional programme, email: pre-sessional@aston.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)121 204 3751
PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for applications is two weeks prior to the start date of any course.
Gain the relevant language and academic skills necessary for success on your future course
Develop your general English language competence and communication skills
Become more confident about studying in a linguistic and cultural environment different to your own
Develop your intercultural awareness and competence within culturally diverse contexts
Work with highly qualified teaching staff with broad teaching experience
Course Outline
Our four Pre-sessional programmes in English for Academic Purposes are intended for international students who plan to study at Aston University. Courses last twenty, sixteen, twelve or eight weeks and it is usual for your future undergraduate/post-graduate department to decide the length of the pre-sessional course that you require. This is specified in the offer letter.
These programmes aim to equip you with the language and academic skills necessary for success in your future chosen subject area. You will also develop your communication skills so that you feel more confident communicating in a cultural environment different to your own.
During your pre-sessional programme you will focus on:
- developing your academic writing skills
- practising effective reading strategies
- understanding academic lectures and taking notes
- expressing your ideas and opinions in seminar discussions
- developing your presentation skills
- improving your pronunciation of English
- developing your grammatical accuracy and range of structures
- extending your general, academic and subject-specific vocabulary
- developing your research skills
As a pre-sessional student studying at one of the UK’s leading universities, you will be entitled to use all of the facilities available on campus including the sports centre, the library, and the e-learning centre for languages. Because Aston University is very close to the city centre, it will be easy for you to go shopping, visit museums and art galleries, take a trip on the canals, and enjoy the international cuisine of Birmingham, Britain’s second city.
Programme Outline
LE2028 English Language Development (10 credits)
This module aims to develop both your linguistic knowledge and skills in order to raise your English language proficiency before starting an undergraduate or postgraduate programme of study at Aston University. Emphasis is given to building on spoken and written accuracy, fluency and overall communicative ability within the context of a British university setting. In addition, the module helps to develop your knowledge of UK academic conventions, as well as your intercultural awareness. The classes have an integrated skills approach, with practice in reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as some work on grammar and lexis.
Assessment: all to be completed at the end of a four week period
1-hour timed essay (30%)
15 minute group presentation (20%)
Coursework portfolio (50%)
LE2017 English Language Development (10 credits)
This module is designed to further extend your linguistic understanding and skills in English language in preparation for an undergraduate or postgraduate programme of study at Aston University. The classes have an integrated skills approach, with practice in reading, writing, speaking and listening, grammar and lexis. Students are required to complete practical tasks of an individual and group nature. As well as developing your knowledge of UK academic conventions, intercultural awareness and group working skills, a more intensive focus is put on applying the principles of independent learning, managing your own language learning more effectively and refining your basic research skills.
Assessment: all to be completed at the end of a four week period
1.5-hour class test of short answer questions (30%)
10 minute individual presentation (20%)
Individual reflective diary (50%)
LE2023 Using English in Academic and Professional Contexts (10 credits)
This module offers an intensive development of all English language skills for academic purposes before starting an undergraduate or postgraduate programme of study at Aston University. With practice in reading, writing, speaking and listening, grammar and lexis, classes are delivered with an integrated skills approach. An emphasis is given to developing your proficiency and knowledge of UK academic conventions for writing case study/laboratory/technical reports and using appropriate referencing systems effectively, as well as extending your understanding of the nature and features of short academic texts and lectures in English, including those related to your future academic discipline. In addition, this module helps you to develop your overall communicative ability and contribution to academic discussions, your group working skills and intercultural knowledge.
Assessment: all to be completed at the end of a four week period
2-hour timed case study/laboratory/technical report (30%)
15 minute paired speaking test (20%)
Essay of 1000 words (50%)
LE2046 Using English in Academic and Professional Contexts (20 credits)
This module aims to hone your linguistic competencies and skills in using English within an academic and professional context in order to meet the specific requirements of an undergraduate or postgraduate programme of study at Aston. Classes have an integrated skills approach, with practice in reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as work on grammar and lexis.
On completion of the module, you will have developed understanding in the nature and features of full-length academic written texts and lectures in English, including those related to your future academic discipline, and will be able to critically evaluate sources of information. You will have gained experience in producing cohesively and coherently written research proposals and research reports, and have built up your confidence in delivering effective individual presentations in English.
Assessment:
Individual research proposal of 600 words (week 3 of an 8 week period) (30%)
Individual research report of 2000 words (week 6 of an 8 week period) (50%)
10-minute individual research presentation (week 7 of an 8 week period) (20%)
To join one of the pre-sessional programmes, you will need to have taken an internationally recognized English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL IBT or Pearson Academic.
Please note - it is essential that you check the minimum English language entry requirements for the four pre-sessional programmes with your future school of study as their requirements may differ from the below.
The English language entry requirements are as follows:
Learning and Teaching Methods
Our Pre-sessional modules are delivered by a team of qualified, experienced and dedicated staff at Aston University's Centre for English Language and Communication (CELCA).
We use a variety of innovative and engaging teaching methods which include lectures, seminars, tutorials and interactive workshops as well as private and small-group work. There are also opportunities for individual project work, a chance to meet with students from a variety of nationalities and off-campus visits.
Click here for a list of useful online resources that can help to develop your English language skills.
Assessment and Feedback
These are intensive programmes which require commitment to studying and learning. The assessment of your performance on the courses will be based on attendance, punctuality, participation in class, team-working ability, written assignments, oral presentations, class
tests, examinations and an individual research project.
Your lecturers will provide you with support and guidance throughout your course and you will receive detailed feedback on your progress at regular intervals in tutorials.
Award
Students successfully completing our pre-sessional programmes will be awarded the Aston Certificate in English for Academic and Professional Purposes.
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