English language preparation courses

Take an English language preparation course if you need additional support before you start the International Foundation Year or Pre-Masters. These courses are taught in partnership with the University of Sheffield's English Language Teaching Centre.

Student writing on whiteboard

Improve your English language skills before your course

Our English language courses will help you achieve the necessary English language level needed to start any of our programmes. The length of your course and start date will depend on your English language ability and when you hope to start your International Foundation Year or Pre-Masters. 

You can check if you meet the English language level already on our entry requirements page.

Online English for Pre-Masters in June 2024

If you meet the academic entry requirements for the September Pre-Masters Programme but need help with your English language, you can first join our English Language Preparation programme delivered fully online. Taught by the English Language Teaching Centre staff, the programme is designed to develop your English language skills and introduce you to essential academic and study skills before travelling to the International College to begin your pathway programme in September 2024. It will help you to:

  • save money by studying online from home
  • benefit from a programme delivered by the same academic staff who teach the on-campus English language programme
  • feel more confident in your English language level before moving to the UK in September 2024.

Our on-campus English for Pre-Masters is available in June 2024 as shown below. This online course is an additional option for students who are unable to take their English language test or receive their visa in time to begin their studies on campus in June 2024. 

On-campus English language courses

Taught on-campus by the English Language Teaching Centre staff, the English language preparation programmes are designed to help you improve your English while getting accustomed to life in Sheffield in preparation for your pathway programme. 

Benefits of English language preparation

No matter which of our English language preparation courses you choose, it will help you to:

  • Get the most out of both your International College programme and University degree.
  • Help you to feel more confident whilst living and learning in the UK.
  • Study an English course designed specifically to help you with academic study.
  • Develop the skills to join us at the International College.

Key facts

Course length: 10 weeks

Entry point: June 2024

Entry requirements

Before the International Foundation Year

English Language Preparation 

If you need additional language training before you start your International Foundation Year, you can join our English Language Preparation programme, which is:

  • designed to improve your English language skills to the level required for entry to the International Foundation Year
  • taught in partnership with the University’s English Language Teaching Centre.

English Language Preparation students do not need to take an additional IELTS test at the end of their course to progress on to their International Foundation Year. They will be assessed on their English Language Preparation course grades at the English Language Teaching Centre.

Key facts

Course length: One or two terms

Entry points: 
Two terms – March, June
One term – June, September

Entry requirements

Before the Pre-Masters programme

English for Pre-Masters

If you need additional language training before you start your Pre-Masters, you can join our intensive English for Pre-Masters programme, which is:

  • taught in partnership with the University’s English Language Teaching Centre
  • designed to improve your English language skills needed to start the Pre-Masters. 

English for Pre-Masters students do not need to take an additional IELTS test at the end of their course to progress on to their Pre-Masters programme. They will be assessed on their Academic English Skills (AES) grade at the English Language Teaching Centre (they will be required to achieve a minimum of 40% in all areas).

Key facts

Course length: One or two terms

Entry points: 
Two terms – March or June
One term – June or September

Entry requirements
Dzikry from Malaysia

Born in Malaysia. Made in Sheffield.

My English has got a lot better. I did consider myself a pretty proficient English speaker before this, but moving here and having to communicate only in English really helped me.

Dzikry
International Foundation Year Science and Engineering
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Chukwuemeka from Nigeria

How to apply

Ready to apply? Discover how to submit an application and learn more about fees, semester dates and entry requirements.

Students outside campus

University of Sheffield International College

The University of Sheffield International College helps you improve your English, develop your academic skills, and grow the confidence needed to succeed in a degree at the University.

Ready to join us?

Our student enrolment advisors are here to help with your application and answer any questions you have about studying with us.