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International Study Centre

English language courses

Develop your language skills with English courses at the University of Sussex International Study Centre

What you’ll study

If you do not meet the English language requirements to study the International Foundation Year, International Year One, or Pre-Masters Programme, you can improve your level of English by studying an English language course at the International Study Centre.

Course facts

  • Course length:
    One or two semesters
  • Entry points:
    January, June or September
  • Fees:
    Find out more

Semester dates

  • June 2020
    Semester 1: 15 June 2020 - 4 September 2020
  • September 2020
    Semester 1: 21 September - 11 December 2020

English Language Preparation (ELP)

This one or two-semester course is designed for students who want to go on to study the International Foundation Year or the International Year One. Entry requirements are listed below:

If you want to study... And your IELTS is... You will need to study...
International Foundation Year Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.0 (with 4.0 in all skills)* 1 semester of ELP
International Foundation Year Academic IELTS for UKVI 3.5 (with 3.5 in all skills)* 2 semesters of ELP
International Year One Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0* 1 semester of ELP
International Year One  Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5* 2 semesters of ELP

English for Pre-Masters (EPM)

This one or two-semester course is designed for students who want to study the Pre-Masters Programme. Entry requirements are listed below:

If you want to study... And your IELTS is... You will need to study...
Pre-Masters Programme Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 (with 5.0 in all skills)* 1 semester of EPM
Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 (with 4.5 in all skills)* 2 semesters of EPM

English for Pre-Masters students do not need to take an additional IELTS test at the end of their course to progress on to their Pre-Masters Programme. They will be assessed on their Academic English Skills (AES) grade at the International Study Centre (they will be required to achieve a minimum of 40% in all areas).

Language Lift

This six-week course is designed for students who need to raise the level of their written English. Language Lift starts at the same time as your academic course, so you will study courses at the same time. Entry requirements are listed below:

International Foundation Year International Year One Pre-Masters**
Academic IELTS for UKVI score is 5.0 overall with 4.5 in writing* Academic IELTS for UKVI score is 5.5 overall with 5.0 in writing* Academic IELTS for UKVI score is 6.0 overall with 5.5 in writing*

* If you do not need a Tier 4 visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English.
** For students who want to study the one-semester Pre-Masters Programme. Language Lift is optional if you plan to join the two-semester Pre-Masters Programme.