Why Learn English in England?
In today’s competitive world, students need skills that will equip them for a changing work environment. Technical and communication skills are highly desired by companies yet proficiency in English is essential for many posts.
With 80 per cent of international business communications written in English and most of the world’s trade and financial business transacted in the language, companies worldwide acknowledge the necessity of having an English speaking workforce.
Aspiring professionals, too, recognise that English can open the door to numerous opportunities. An effective option for those wishing to perfect their language skills is to take an English language course. Britain is an obvious provider and has a lot more to offer than well known poets and authors. This land of many contrasts – contemporary and traditional – is one of the most dynamic and upbeat places to study and boasts a great range of attractions that are hard to beat.
Where else can you find a culture and way of life that is so unique, a fascinating history of tradition and pageantry, the greatest range of theatre productions and other forms of entertainment, excellent shopping facilities, and great design and architecture?.
Despite the strong pound, Britain still offers good value for money. Many galleries and museums – including the British Museum, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery – offer free admission. Students can also get good food from as little as £5 from pubs which are a great place to meet people.
Studying in the UK may be important to you, but don’t forget that no matter how well you know your subject area, you will find that, without the right level of proficiency in English, you will struggle to pass your course!
Popular Places to Study in England
- London
- Brighton
- Bournemouth
- Cambridge
- Oxford
- Manchester
- Canterbury
- Exeter
- Birmingham
- Liverpool
- York
English Courses in England
Which English course is best for you?
Some of the Courses you can Study in the UK:
- A full-time English Language course (including a Summer School)
- A one year International Education Foundation Course for entry to university
- A choice of subjects at A Level to Study Abroad
- Vocational study in subjects such as computing, engineering and catering
- The new two year Foundation Degrees, in subjects such as Business and Hospitality Management, in partnership with the University of Plymouth
English Levels
For all students there is a pre-course test and assessment. Every student is tested before starting their course to make sure they are placed in the right class and will learn English at the right level.
Summer School language programme for four weeks:
Requirements: The School is open to anyone to anyone over the age of 18.
Assessment: Students will be working towards the appropriate Cambridge Certificate and / or Pitman examination.
Duration: Courses start in September each year, but students may join at various times during the year.
English as a Foreign Language
Specifically designed for international students, this is a one-year programme which prepares you for transfer directly to appropriate undergraduate degree programmes at either the University of Plymouth, Luton University, or the University of Exeter
Requirements:
- 18 years old when the course starts
- have performed well in your school leaving examinations
- have a recognised level of English as a Foreign Language equivalent to IELTS 5.0.
Alternatively, if you are a mature student over the age of 22 without formal qualifications, but with significant work experience, your application will be considered.
Assessment: Students’ overall grades are determined by a combination of coursework and examinations. Students will also be prepared for and take IELTS examinations in May each year. To proceed to the university of your choice you will need to achieve an appropriate grade, plus the required IELTS level.
Duration: One year: the full-time course starts in September each year, finishing in June the following year.
‘A’ Level Programme
Our ‘A’ Level programme still provides the gold standard for university entrance and career progression. The first year of the ‘A’ Level, the AS Level, is now a stand-alone qualification contributing to the final offering of points for university entrance. The second year, the A2 Level, completes the traditional ‘A’ Level.
Study of ‘A’ Levels is supported by a personal tutorial system and administered by office and support staff dedicated to the ‘A’ Level programme.
Requirements:
- 16 years old when the course starts
- have the equivalent of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including mathematics
- have a recognised level of English as a foreign language equivalent to IELTS 6.0.
Assessment: A combination of coursework and examinations.
Duration: Two years: the courses start in September each year.
Vocational Qualifications
Vocational Qualifications teachs you the things you need to know to pursue the career you want to follow.
Plymouth offer some of the world’s most widely recognised career-based qualifications in core subjects such as business studies, computing, engineering and art and design. Not forgetting other options such as hotel and catering, tourism, performing arts, leisure and recreation, journalism, photography, media and advertising. The College’s two-year, full time qualifications include Advanced VCEs, which as a full award (double), is the equivalent of two vocational ‘A’ Levels
Requirements:
- 17 years old when the course starts
- have the equivalent of four GCSEs at grade C or above
- have a recognised level of English as a foreign language equivalent to IELTS 5.5
Assessment: A combination of coursework and examinations.
Duration: Two years: the courses start in September each year.
Foundation Degrees
Our Foundation Degree courses are offered in partnership with the University of Plymouth. At the end of two years, students who successfully complete the course will receive a Foundation Degree from the University of Plymouth.
- Accounting and Finance
- Brewing and Licensed Trade
- Business
- Business and Information Technology
- Complimentary Health Studies*
- Culinary Arts
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- European Hospitality Management
- Hospitality Management
- Marine Engineering
- Mechanical Design and Manufacture
- Performing Arts*
- Public Services
- Retail Management
- Ship Technology and Naval Architecture
- Sports Therapy
- Telecommunications
- Tourism
Requirements:
- 18 years old when the course starts
- have performed well in your school leaving examinations
- have a recognised level of English as a Foreign Language equivalent to IELTS 5.5.
Alternatively, if you are a mature student over the age of 22 without formal qualifications, but with significant work experience, your application will be considered.
Assessment: A combination of coursework and examinations.
Duration: Two years: the courses start in September each year.
Accommodation in England
Where will you stay?
EU or EEA citizens
The European Economic Area (EEA) contains the EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom) and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. For these member states you do not require a Visa.
Non EU or EEA citizens
The British Department of Foreign Affairs have a list of countries whose nationals DO NOT require a visa to enter England.
If you do not require a Visa
We will provide you with a Letter of Invitation that you are enrolled in the Plymouth School and an Invoice after you have paid your fees.
If a Visa is required
When you apply to us to do a course, we will issue you with a Letter of Invitation, and an Invoice. You will need to pay your fees to us in order for us to state on the Letter of Invitation and on the Invoice that you have fully paid.
Accomodation
Local families are visited and selected carefully by school staff to ensure a friendly welcome.
Private Hall of residence near to the College, which offers self-catering accommodation for small groups of students in three and four bed-roomed flats.
Shared flats and houses available to rent from independent landlords.