Pre-Sessional English (International Students)

The Pre-Sessional English (International Students) program at Blackburn College is designed to prepare international students for successful university study in an English-speaking environment. This intensive language course aims to enhance students’ academic English skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, ensuring they are fully equipped to meet the linguistic demands of their future degree programmes. Throughout the course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as interactive lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials, all tailored to improve their comprehension of academic texts, develop critical thinking abilities, and build confidence in professional communication. The program also emphasizes cultural awareness and academic skills like note-taking, essay writing, and referencing, which are essential for success in higher education. Delivered by experienced language tutors, the course provides a supportive and motivating environment that encourages learner autonomy and personal development. Students will have the opportunity to practice English in real-world academic contexts, participate in collaborative projects, and receive personalized feedback to monitor their progress. By the end of the Pre-Sessional English program, students will have strengthened their language proficiency to meet the entry requirements of their chosen university courses, as well as gained valuable skills to thrive academically and socially in the UK. This program is ideal for international students aiming to transition smoothly into undergraduate or postgraduate studies, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel in their academic pursuits and effectively engage with the university community.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

During the course you will focus on developing the linguistic skills of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking needed in order to achieve a required band score in the IELTS test.

The topics studied on the course are chosen to reflect the subject areas which are most frequently encountered in IELTS exams. These include travel and transport, tourism, science and technology, health and medicine, the environment, crime and punishment, globalisation and other related issues.

In order to fully prepare you for higher education, essential study skills are taught and practised. These include summarising and paraphrasing information, avoiding plagiarism, time management, report writing and data interpretation. An element of the course concentrates on British culture and is designed to familiarise you with the realities of living in modern Britain.

There is an initial assessment to determine which class is most suitable for the student to ensure effective improvement and understanding of English. You classes will be taught by well qualified staff with DELTA or CELTA equivalent and graduate qualifications.

What will you study?

You will study:

• Listening understanding lectures listening to authentic live English
• Reading skimming and scanning a variety of long and short authentic texts (subject related texts where appropriate) and use of academic vocabulary
• Speaking group discussion, communicating effectively in lectures and tutorials and a focus on improving presentation skills
• Writing summarising, writing reports and essays, note taking in lectures
• Study Skills using a variety of resources to research, evaluate and produce academic work

Our Pre-sessional course consists of traditional classes with fully qualified tutors, blended learning opportunities, peer group projects and group and individual tutorials. These tutorials are conducted regularly and you will have the opportunity to discuss your progress with your Personal Tutor where you will generate targets to work on to further improve. You will also be able to discuss your progression route and get the advice and guidance needed to make the right choice!

Duration

All Pre-sessional courses are full time and students will be expected to study a minimum of 18 hours per week. You can access these courses at any point during the year (depending on your level of English). The course runs over 3 terms and the table below highlights when you will start in relation to current language level.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed formatively on a class by class basis. You will also undertake modular tests to assess your learning on each module. At the end of the Pre-sessional course we will assess your overall skills and progress using a variety of methods, and will prepare a report which you can use to take to your further study. We can also arrange an IELTS exam where requested.

Progression

If you choose to progress onto an undergraduate course at University Centre of Blackburn College, you will not be required to take an IELTS test at the end of the Pre-Sessional English course. However you will still be required to work hard, attend all your classes and complete your homework on time.

Entry requirements for the Pre-Sessional English (International Students) programme at Blackburn College typically include a demonstration of English language proficiency, such as an IELTS score or equivalent, with specific requirements varying depending on the student’s current level of English. Generally, applicants are expected to have achieved an IELTS overall band score of around 4.5 to 5.0, with no individual component score below 4.0, or an equivalent qualification in another recognized English language test. For students whose first language is English, or who have completed education in an English-speaking country, alternative evidence of language proficiency may be accepted, but formal verification of English skills is usually required to ensure that students can meet the demands of their subsequent degree programmes.

In addition to language proficiency, applicants must satisfy the standard academic entry criteria specified by Blackburn College for international students, which might include the completion of relevant secondary education or equivalent qualifications from their home country. Prospective students are often required to submit academic transcripts, certificates, and a completed application form along with proof of identity. The college may also request a personal statement or motivation letter explaining the applicant’s goals and reasons for choosing the programme.

The programme is designed to prepare students for university-level study by developing their academic English skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as academic skills such as note-taking, research, and presentation. Admission decisions are made based on a combination of language proficiency, academic background, and potential to benefit from the programme. It is also important for applicants to meet health and visa requirements as per the UK immigration policies, including providing sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses during their course of study.

Because Blackburn College aims to support a diverse international student body, the programme staff may offer additional support and guidance for students whose English language skills fall slightly below the minimum requirements, potentially including pre-arrival deliverables or incremental assessments. Overall, successful applicants will demonstrate their readiness to participate actively in the English language and academic skills modules, setting a solid foundation for their onward study at partner universities or college degree programmes.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Blackburn College.

Pre-Sessional English (International Students) at Blackburn College is designed to prepare prospective international students for academic success in their chosen undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs. The course aims to enhance students' language proficiency, academic skills, and cultural understanding to ensure they can effectively participate in university-level coursework. The programme offers comprehensive modules in English language development, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, along with academic skills such as research techniques, critical thinking, and academic writing. The course is tailored to meet the specific requirements of students intending to study at Blackburn College, which collaborates with various universities and colleges, ensuring that students are well-equipped to meet the demands of their future academic environments.

The programme typically runs for several weeks—often between 6 to 12 weeks—depending on the student’s initial English level and specific needs. Entry requirements usually include proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or equivalents, with different levels accepted depending on the course focus. The classes are delivered by experienced teachers who use innovative instructional methods to foster an engaging learning environment. Additionally, students benefit from cultural orientation sessions that help them adjust to life in the UK, understand local customs, and manage practical aspects such as housing and student services.

Blackburn College’s Pre-Sessional English programme emphasizes not only language accuracy but also the development of confidence in academic settings. Students engage in various activities, including group projects, presentations, and tutorials, to simulate real university experiences. Support services are available throughout the course, including academic advising, language support, and advising on visa requirements and student welfare. Successful completion of the course typically results in automatic progression to undergraduate or postgraduate programs at partner universities, provided students meet the required standards.

This programme is ideal for international students who need to strengthen their English language skills before beginning their university studies in the UK, and it plays a crucial role in helping students adapt to the academic expectations and cultural environment of higher education. The Blackburn College Pre-Sessional English (International Students) is an excellent foundation for academic achievement and cultural integration, ensuring students feel confident and prepared for their university journey.