Business Language Unit

English Language Summer Pre-sessional Course 2003

Introduction
The English Language Centre/Business Language Unit offers every summer at the main university campus in central Newcastle its English Language Summer Pre-sessional Course. The course is designed specifically for international students who wish to study at Northumbria University, or at another British university.

The course
The Summer Pre-sessional Course consists of two teaching blocks, each lasting for seven weeks. Students may take one or both blocks, as shown below:

One block 19 May-4 July or 14 July-29 August
Two blocks 19 May-4 July and 14 July-29 August

Whether a student takes one or two blocks depends on the level of the student’s English at entry, and the level required by his or her academic department; on average, students progress by at least 0.5 on the IELTS scale per block.

Students are placed in classes which match their ability, from intermediate to advanced level; there is a syllabus and set of materials especially designed for the needs of students at each language level.

Students are taught skills such as listening to a lecture and taking notes, writing an essay, giving a presentation and speaking in seminars, and reading academic texts; there are also general language sessions, and classes which help students improve their general study and social skills.

There are exams at the end of each teaching block, and these exams are recognised by all academic departments at the University.

Teaching is for 28 hours per week, and there is also a weekly tutorial slot which enables student progress to be monitored and allows each student the opportunity for individual tuition with their personal tutor.

Groups of between 6 and 15 students are taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers in morning and afternoon sessions.

The course is not suitable for students who are below intermediate level (i.e. below IELTS 4.5).

Social and cultural activity programme
One of the most attractive features of the English Language Summer Pre-sessional Course is the combination of language studies with a social and cultural activity programme.

Activities are arranged each week to cater for all tastes, and include full-day excursions to interesting towns and cities (e.g. Edinburgh and York). Evening activities include trips to places of interest in Newcastle and sports events.

Accommodation
Information about accommodation will be sent after registration.

Course Fee
The fee covers all tuition, core social programme, teaching materials, certificate, excursions and £100 non-returnable deposit. It does not cover insurance, individual copies of the coursebook and additional optional off-site activities.

7 week course £1500
14 week course £3000

Insurance: The University will not be held responsible in any way for any accident, loss or damage to students or their property during their stay. Personal insurance and medical cover is therefore strongly recommended.

Applying for a Course
To apply, complete the Summer Pre-sessional Course application form and send it with an international money order or cheque drawn in pounds sterling made payable to “University of Northumbria at Newcastle” to the address at the bottom of this page.
To transfer money to us by bank transfer you will need to tell your bank our bank’s address, sort code, account number, account name and the Summer Pre-sessional Course reference number. The details are:

If you arrange a bank transfer, please make sure you attach a copy to your application form.

When we have received your application form and your non-returnable deposit of £100.00 exclusive of bank charges, we will reserve a place for you. We must receive your application at least 4 weeks before your intended start date

Paying your fees
Full payment of all fees is required by the first day of the course by bank transfer* (see details above), cheque, cash, international money order or credit card.
*NB a bank transfer supplement of £10.00 must be added to cover any additional bank charges for each transaction.
Once the application and payment process is complete, there will be no refund for a withdrawal or non-attendance on the course.

For further information about the course please do not hesitate to contact us at the following address:

Audrey Inglis, Business Language Unit, Lipman Building,
Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, ENGLAND
Tel: +44 (0)191 227 4968 Fax: +44 (0)191 227 4439
E-mail: ml.blu@northumbria.ac.uk