English language preparation courses
If you need additional support before you start the International Foundation Year or Pre-Masters Programme, you can take an English language preparation course which is taught in partnership with the University of Sheffield's English Language Teaching Centre. Our English language preparation courses are delivered either on campus or online depending on the intake date and the pathway programme you aim to study, and your English language level.
Improve your English language skills before your pathway programme
If you meet the academic entry requirements for your pathway programme but need help with your English language skills, you can first join our English language preparation programme. Our courses will help you to achieve the necessary English language level needed to start your pathway programme at the University of Sheffield International College. The course duration, teaching method and start date will depend on your English language level and when you aim to start your International Foundation Year or Pre-Masters Programme.
You can check if you meet the English language level already on our entry requirements page.
Our teaching methods
To meet the diverse needs of our students, we offer a range of English language courses with different course duration, start dates, and teaching methods. Our English language preparation programmes are available on campus as well as online for the selected intakes, ensuring flexibility and convenience for all learners.
On campus
By studying on campus, students can expect:
- Small group lessons in one of the largest University language centres in the UK
- Make friends and get to know Sheffield
- Join the social activities and sports programme
- Use both printed books and online materials
- One-to-one meeting every week with your tutor
- Support from the English Language Teaching Centre staff and International College team.
Online
By studying online, students can expect:
- Small group online lessons
- Make friends online before you come to Sheffield
- Develop your communication skills before you arrive
- Use of e-books and online materials
- One-to-one meeting every week with your tutor
- Support from the English Language Teaching Centre staff and International College team.
Key facts
| Intake | Course length | Leading to... |
| March | 2 terms | September IFY September PMP |
| June | 1 term | September IFY September PMP |
| June | 2 terms | January IFY January PMP |
| September | 1 term | January IFY January PMP |
Age on entry: Students are normally at least 17 years old
Term dates: Check the term dates page
Fees: Check fees page
Entry requirements: Check entry requirements page
IFY: International Foundation Year
PMP: Pre-Masters Programme
| Intake | Course length | Leading to... |
| January | 7 weeks | March IFY March PMP |
| June | 10 weeks | September PMP |
| September | 10 weeks | January PMP |
Age on entry: Students are normally at least 19 years old
Term dates: Check the term dates page
Fees: Check fees page
Entry requirements: Check entry requirements page
IFY: International Foundation Year
PMP: Pre-Masters Programme
These lessons run from Monday to Wednesday focussing on all four skills. Grammar and language development are integrated in these lessons. You will have a coursebook for these lessons. You will prepare for lessons and have homework every week.
You will be in small tutor groups on Thursdays and Fridays. Tutors will give you feedback for writing and speaking and help you develop your independent learning skills. Tutors will also check in with you to see if you are doing well and on track.
The weekly speaking task is an individual or group presentation each week. Tutors will give you written feedback on the same day.
This class is online only for all students. Lessons will help you to plan and prepare for the exit assessment.
This lesson is online only for all students. The weekly lecture is on topics relating to life in the UK. It will be followed by a short discussion.
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 studied English language preparation course on campus
International Foundation Year Science and Engineering
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Born in China. Made in Sheffield.
I know the format for writing essay, including citation format. I also do presentations every week, which is a great way to practice speaking and the teachers have given me a lot of confidence. The teachers are very patient, and if there is anything we don't understand, they will guide us in every aspect. The teachers encourage us to express ourselves, and the teaching method of the course is also very interesting. This not only helped me gain an understanding of various aspects of my studies before starting the pathway course, laying a foundation for me to study more smoothly, but also helped me make good friends for mutual learning and progress ahead of time. Before coming to Sheffield, I made friends in my course, I think it's great because having friends to accompany me seems to give me more confidence.
Xuemei studied English language preparation course online
Pre-Masters Business, Social Sciences and Humanities
MA Digital Media and Society
How to apply
Ready to apply? Discover how to submit an application and learn more about fees, semester dates and entry requirements.
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.