Birmingham College is accredited by the British Council for teaching English language courses in the UK.

• Birmingham College’s course organiser has 40 years’ experience of teaching English language, and has taught IELTS preparation programmes since 1990.

• The Assistant Director of Studies has experience of teaching on university pre- sessional programmes and has designed courses for the College.

• The current team has experience of teaching and living in Spain, Greece, Germany, The UAE, Columbia, Russia, Iraq and China.

• Our team understand that it can be difficult for students when they come to live and study in a new country. So the teachers and administrators will support you in and out of the classroom.

• Our teachers are familiar with IELTS and the Cambridge main suite examination requirements.

Levels:

• Elementary (A1)
• Pre-intermediate (B1)
• Intermediate (B1/B2)
• Upper-intermediate/Advanced (C1+)

In class, you will often work with a partner or small groups, but you also need to complete homework and do self-study outside class.

Sample Timetable (16 hours per week)

Fees

Classes :

Birmingham College does five hours of IELTS classes per week. of IELTS classes.

These classes focus on ways to study that will help you with the IELTS exam.

IELTS for Intermediate Level

In IELTS classes, if you are Intermediate or above, you will study on the IELTS preparation course.

IELTS for Pre-Intermediate Level

If you are pre-Intermediate when you start classes, you will have classes to introduce you to IELTS.

IELTS for Elementary Level

At Elementary level, you can have a 21-hour study programme, but you will work on academic topics and not IELTS.

You might need IELTS to show your English language level is high enough to get a place at a UK University.

Sample Timetable (21hours per week)

Fees

This is an intensive IELTS crash course that is run on request for groups.

Please contact hl@bcol.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

This course is suitable for students who have sat the IELTS exam a number of times and still haven’t reached their target score.

The 1-1 classes focus on ways to study for the IELTS exam, focusing on just your own individual needs. The English Language included in these classes is there to help increase your IELTS level.

• 1-1 classes

• £40 per hour Fee

• These classes are only open to those who are living in the UK already.

This type of programme is useful for international professionals who are working in UK companies, but need to prepare for an important presentation or conference.

The ELT team have experience of Business and Technical English (in the automobile, aerospace, steel, oil and IT industries) and have also taught and prepared short courses in Medical English, Legal English, Aviation English and the tourism industry.

• Our teachers can make individual courses for groups.

• Our teachers can also provide 1-1 classes if asked by individuals or companies.

• 1-1 classes are £40 each.

• These sessions can be made to suit yourschedule, but remember that visa restrictions do apply.

In order to be sure the course is helpful, the teachers would like to talk with you before you start classes at Birmingham College to learn about what you need so we can prepare the programme.

Please be aware that we cannot tell you prices until we know your needs.

Please contact hl@bcol.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

• This course is for students who have not received the IELTS bands they need for a degree or Masters course at a UK university.
• It is also suitable for groups who would like to develop their academic study skills before starting a higher education course that is taught in English.
• The course follows an academic programme which focuses on many skills and language areas.
• The teachers will also focus on developing your critical thinking skills and learner independence.
• The pre-sessional and academic skills classes last from 6 – 16 weeks depending on the students’ level of English.
• If the student has not reached IELTS 5.5 (B1), the 16-week programme is recommended

Fees

• This course option is only available for groups of 12 or more.
• This course teaches speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
• We can include IELTS preparation classes and seminar and presentation skills from Pre-Intermediate level.
• Students will give presentations, work on group projects and make posters.

Fees

For those of you who have sat the IELTS exam a number of times but still haven’t achieved the target score, we advise you book this option.

• The fee for the IELTS Mock Exam is £75.
• Mock tests take around 4 hours – including consultation.
• The mock will enable the teachers to asses your approximate level of IELTS. Please note that the tutor cannot give an exact IELTS band score but is able to highlight your strengths and weaknesses.
• The full IELTS Mock includes feedback from an experienced IELTS tutor.

Please contact hl@bcol.co.uk or telephone the college to discuss your requirements.

Everyone will take a Placement Test before starting classes so we can see your current level of English.

The CEFR levels range from:

• Elementary
• Pre-Intermediate
• Intermediate
• Upper-Intermediate
• Advanced

The test results will help tutors to make an individual timetable that suits your needs. The fee for placement test is £45.

• Mock tests take around 1.5 hours.
• The test will see if you are ready for the IELTS examination and tell you your level of English.

All students must take an Initial Assessment before starting classes.

This assessment will test:

• Grammar
• Writing
• Speaking/Listening

The test helps you and the teachers see your level, your strengths and weaknesses, and decide which class will be best for you.

At Birmingham College we like you to know:

• WHAT you are studying
• WHY you are studying it
• HOW you can study effectively.

This helps to establish your study plans. After completing the Initial Assessment Test, you can have feedback. Students benefit greatly from the feedback sessions as they are able to identify their strengths and weaknesses and areas for improvement. This helps you set targets.

• There are regular progress checks through homework and review tests.
• In class assessment includes weekly checks, individual and group presentations, discussion activities and project work.
• All these show your progress and identify any difficulties that you may have.
• You can also say how you feel about your progress when you have a tutorial or write your 'Learner Journal'.

Students who stay three months or longer can work towards a Birmingham College English Language Certificate or Diploma by keeping a portfolio of writing, presentations, projects and other work.

All students on full-time courses:

• Have an Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
• Keep a Learner Journal to mark their own progress.
• Can have a 1-1 tutorial every two weeks.

We understand that you cannot study well if you are worried about bank accounts and accommodation or you are feeling homesick. The administration staff are friendly and supportive and are always willing to help with registrations, applications and other personal paperwork queries.

Please note that the College does not provide accommodation for students, however we can advise and assist you with making appointments and communicating with agents and landlords.

After you complete your course, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance which will include:

• Your full name.
• Course title.
• Start and end date.
• CEFR level.
• Individual Certificate Number.