Pre-University Foundation Year

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Perhaps you want to attend a British university to study Business, but you don’t have the necessary level of English. If so, CIE can help.

We offer an intensive, year-round university preparation course for students aged 16 and above whose English is already at an Intermediate level (Common European Framework level B1). The Pre-University Foundation Year course consists of three major components.

• Academic English study: You will raise your English level to at least an Upper Intermediate level—Common European Framework level B2—taking part in 90 minutes of Academic English (EAP) lessons each day. These lessons are designed specifically for university-bound students and focus mostly on reading and writing, but also on speaking and listening. All four of these skills will be required when you enrol at a British university.
• IELTS Preparation: In order to complete the course successfully, you will achieve a score of at least 6.0 on the IELTS examination, which meets the English language requirements of all of our partner universities (and of most other universities in Britain). You will spend 90 minutes each day preparing specifically for this examination under the close guidance of trained and experienced teachers.
• Subject Area Study: In addition to improving your English language skills, you will familiarise yourself with the study skills, language, issues, and research related to your chosen area of study. Furthermore, you will complete a long-term project involving a written component. This project work will provide you with a unique and valuable experience as you move on from CIE to the university of your choice.

For further details about the Pre-University / Foundation Year course, please refer to our Pre–University leaflet.