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UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE)

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs - Frequently asked questions about part-time English courses

UCL Centre for Languages & International Education

Choice of Courses

What types of Academic English courses do you run?

We offer Part-time Academic English courses for non-native speakers in 4 areas:

  • Academic Writing, Advanced Grammar, Thesis Writing
  • Academic Speaking and Pronunciation
  • Academic Reading, Academic Listening
  • In-sessional EAP
Are courses open to non-UCL participants?
  • All courses are open to both UCL and non-UCL applicants.
How can I choose the most suitable course?
  • Read the course information on the following pages.
  • Speak to one of our teaching staff during the enrolment period.
What level of English should I have?
  • Upper Intermediate to Advanced (the equivalent of IELTS 6 or above).
How much do the courses cost?
  • Course fees must be paid in advance during enrolment. It is not possible to ‘visit’ a class on which you have not been enrolled, or to join a class on a temporary or trial basis.
How long does each course last?
  • In Term 1 and Term 2, most one-term courses run for eight weeks, reduced to six weeks in Term 3.
  • The course in Pronunciation and Public speaking runs for 9 weeks in each of the three terms.
  • Our Term 1 courses in Academic Reading and Academic Listening run for 4 weeks each, or can be taken consecutively over 8 weeks. 
  • Our two-term In-sessional EAP course runs from October to March. It is not possible to enrol on this course for Term 1 or Term 2 only.
What is a term?

The UCL academic year has three terms:

  • Autumn (Term 1) from October - December
  • Spring (Term 2) from January - March
  • Summer (Term 3) from end of April - June

Teaching Methodology

How are the classes taught?
  • Classes are taught in a variety of interactive and communicative ways, often based around tasks.
  • You may be asked to work in pairs or small groups, although individual practice and whole-class interaction will also take place.
  • For further information about how classes are taught, please see details for individual courses, or ask one of our staff during enrolment.

Enrolment

When can I enrol?
  • · To enrol on a course you need to submit an online application form and then pay the course fees.

    · Payment can be made in person at the CLIE EAP Office or over the phone during the advertised enrolment dates and times

Can I enrol for more than one course?
  • Many students take more than one part-time course.
  • The content of courses is designed to be complementary, without directly overlapping
  • Our staff are happy to advise you during enrolment about how to consider your priorities and make appropriate selections and combinations of courses to your greatest benefit.
Can I enrol for the same course for more than one term?
  • This is not usually advisable as you would be likely to find yourself repeating materials and practising similar skills.
Will I need to take a test or have an interview?
  • No test is required to join most part-time courses. However, applicants for two courses - In-sessional EAP and Academic Speaking Skills - will need a short interview in the CLIE Reception area during the enrolment period.

End-of-Course Certificates

Can I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
  • Attendance certificates are available on request to participants who have attended at least 80% of their classes.
  • Please note that an attendance certificate does not represent a formal English language qualification and cannot be used as evidence of your English level.
  • Students who complete In-sessional EAP will receive a detailed course certificate with scores for assessments in all skills.

Rights and Responsibilities

Rights and Responsibilities

UCL Centre for Languages & International Education seeks to ensure that all students have a positive experience in respect of courses taken here, and fully adheres to the broader rights and responsibilities policies of UCL, available at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/guidelines

As part of our responsibility, we seek to ensure that courses follow a logical structure consistent with delivering the content and skills practice that we advertise, but with the freedom for teachers to respond (via needs analysis at the beginning of a course) to further, relevant areas of particular interest or shared concern to each student group.

If you have any questions during your course about the content or focus of your classes, please speak to your class tutor, or alternatively contact the Course Co-ordinator, Daphne Thomas, in Room 115, 26 Bedford Way. Email: daphne.thomas@ucl.ac.uk