What can I expect?

Please note that due to the current worldwide public health emergency (COVID-19), there may be alterations to the course to ensure the safety of staff and students. All applicants will be informed of any significant changes to their course in good time. You can find the most up-to-date information here, or you are welcome to contact us directly.

    Before you begin your studies

     

    • You will normally take a placement test (on the 40, 30 and 20-week courses) to allow us to place you in the most appropriate class for your current level of English. On the 12/10-week course, there is no level test but you will take a diagnostic writing test.
    Your classes

    For both our blended learning and online programmes, you will receive:

    • A full-time, intensive course requiring approximately 35 hours per week, delivered fully online. This includes up to 18 hours of lessons and tutorials and approximately 20 hours per week of directed self-study after class and at weekends. If you choose to study one of our blended learning programmes, up to 15 hours of classes will be delivered on campus per week.
    • Lessons are usually held between 9.00 and 18.00 GMT, Monday to Friday, 
      and we do our best to run them at a convenient time for those studying online in a different time zone.
    • Regular homework and self-study tasks.
    • Small classes, usually of 8-14 students. There will be a maximum of 16 students in a class.
    • Regular individual tutorials.
    • Classes with students studying the same subject as you, or a subject from the same family of disciplines (summer courses).
    • Regular recorded lectures to help you improve your listening and note taking skills (summer courses).
    • Text books and materials necessary for your course are included in the course fee.
    • Highly experienced and motivated teachers- Meet the ELC team.
    • Access to University facilities (for example; libraries, University email account), where COVID-19 restrictions allow.
    • Access to self-study materials in the Language Lounge, where COVID-19 restrictions allow.
    • Visa support through the International Advice and Guidance team.

    If you are studying on-campus via blended learning, you will have access to:

    • A range of social activities and trips to introduce you to Liverpool and life in the UK and life in the UK, or where appropriate, an online equivalent.
    • University accommodation on the Liverpool campus with the option for you to keep the same room when you begin your academic course.

    All students will use MS Teams as the online study platform. We also use the University VLE CANVAS for assessment submissions and policy documents.

    Work is completed both online with the class and at home independently. Self-study can be done to a semi-flexible schedule depending on your time zone.

    To follow our online course you will need:

    • An audio and video enabled laptop or desktop computer with a headset and microphone.
    • A stable internet connection.
    • Access to the latest version of Microsoft Teams.

    Our current students have reported that it is not possible to follow the course on a mobile telephone or tablet computer. Therefore, you should ensure you have the necessary equipment and a strong internet connection to enable you to study effectively.

    After the course
    • You will receive a certificate of completion, provided you have met the attendance requirements.
    • Successful completion of the Pre-Sessional course at the required level will allow you to progress to your academic programme at the University of Liverpool.