At the ELTC we have been delivering university preparation courses since 2006. We also run the Cardiff Metropolitan University International Foundation Course as well as professional and vocational English language courses.
International Foundation Course
This course is intended to provide a vehicle for
international students who wish to improve their English language proficiency
and become familiar with the conventions of Higher Education in the UK.
Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded with 120
transferrable academic credits and will be assisted in applying for their
chosen progression courses either within Cardiff Metropolitan University or at
other UK universities. Students who have
completed this course have gone on to study on courses across the university.
The International Foundation Course comprises five modules:
Course Content:
English Language Proficiency
English for Academic Purposes
Professional Development
Critical Thinking
Context Analysis
The International Foundation Course is a full time course which is designed to improve your English and academic skills to a level which students are able to undertake study at a UK university.
Learning and Teaching:
The International Foundation Course uses a range of teaching environments to best fit your learning needs. Delivery includes classroom based sessions with whole class, group work, pair work and individual work. We also have weekly sessions in the well-equipped IT suites. As well as regular timetabled tutorials, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will support you throughout your course .
The International Foundation Course focuses on developing your language skills and covers the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in an academic context.
Your timetable will include English Language Proficiency lessons with course books and supplementary materials. One of these sessions will be held in the IT suite so that you can develop a portfolio of work. You will also have sessions in all the other modules of the International Foundation Course, as well as weekly individual or group tutorials.
Assessment:
Assessments will take place throughout the academic year, with the first submissions at the end of the first term. You will be given details of submission dates and assessment criteria in your module handbooks at the start of the course.
Assessments take the form of written submissions such as essays and reflections; portfolios; individual and group presentations; and posters. All written assessments are submitted electronically.
The assessments are designed to provide a range of opportunities to develop the skills you will need on your chosen progression courses.
Employability and Careers:
The aim of the International Foundation Course is to prepare you for your progression course. Previous students have progressed into all Schools at Cardiff Metropolitan – please see our testimonials page.
Entry requirements and how to apply:
Students must have an IELTS level of 4.5 or above or an equivalent grade. A minimum of IELTS 4.0 in each component or equivalent is required under UKVI regulations.
Dates: 16th September 2019 - 29th May 2020
Up to 21 contact hours per week starting at 9am each weekday.
Cost: £8,950.
This course is delivered on the Cyncoed campus.
Date: 13th January 2020 - 21st August 2020
Up to 21 contact hours per week starting at 9am each weekday.
Cost: £9,250.
This first two terms of the January course are delivered on the Cyncoed campus. The third term is delivered on Cyncoed or Llandaff and start times may vary.
Certification
Students who successfully complete the course will receive a level 3 foundation certificate and be awarded 120 transferrable academic credits from Cardiff Metropolitan University.
All course books and materials are provided, but we recommend that you buy an advanced learner dictionary to support your studies.
A full range of modern teaching and learning equipment is available on this course.
Students have full access to the library, internet and computer facilities.
Applications should be submitted via the links on the International pages here
Pre-Sessional English
Course Content:
The Pre-Sessional Course is a full time course which is designed to improve your English to a level at which students are able to undertake study at a UK university.
Learning and Teaching:
The Pre-Sessional Course focuses on developing your language skills and covers the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in an academic context.
Your timetable will include language lessons with the course books and supplementary materials, skills lessons focussing on the four skills, academic vocabulary lessons, language production and tutorials. You will also have sessions in the IT suite when you will develop a language portfolio of work.
All course books and materials are provided, but we recommend that you buy an advanced learner dictionary to support your studies.
Lessons take place in well-equipped classrooms which encourage whole class, group, pair and individual work.
Assessment:
You will be assessed in each of the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing at the end of your course. A minimum of B2 on the CEFR must be attained in each assessment and it is not possible to compensate between assessments.
Assessments will be timetabled to take place at the end of your course and you will be given information and support in preparation for your assessments throughout the course.
The assessments will take the format of timed exams for Listening, Reading and Writing and conversation, including extended discussion, for Speaking.
Employability and Careers:
The aim of the Pre-Sessional Course is to prepare you for your progression course. Previous students have progressed into all Schools at Cardiff Metropolitan – please see our testimonials page.
Entry requirements and how to apply:
September 2019 Pre-Sessional:
Our September Pre-Sessional will run from 16th September 2019 to 10th January 2020, with advanced entry points for higher IELTS (or equivalent) levels.
Please choose the most appropriate start date from the table below:
| Overall IELTS Level (or equivalent) | Minimum level in any skill | Start date | Course fees |
| 4.5 | 4.0 | 16th September | £4,200 |
| 5.0 | 4.5 | 14th October | £3,000 |
| 5.5 | 5.0 | 11th November | £1,800 |
Applications should be submitted via the links on the International pages here.
Pre-Sessional Summer Courses
Course Content:
The Pre-Sessional Course is a full time course which is designed to improve your English to a level which students are able to undertake study at a UK university.
Learning and Teaching:
The Pre-Sessional Course focuses on developing your language skills and covers the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in an academic context.
Your timetable will include language lessons with the course books and supplementary materials, skills lessons focussing on the four skills, academic vocabulary lessons, language production and tutorials. You will also have sessions in the IT suite when you will develop a language portfolio of work.
All course books and materials are provided, but we recommend that you buy an advanced learner dictionary to support your studies.
Lessons take place in well-equipped classrooms which encourage whole class, group, pair and individual work.
Assessment:
You will be assessed in each of the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing at the end of your course. A minimum of B2 on the CEFR must be attained in each assessment and it is not possible to compensate between assessments.
Assessments will be timetabled to take place at the end of your course and you will be given information and support in preparation for your assessments throughout the course.
The assessments will take the format of timed exams for Listening, Reading and Writing and conversation, including extended discussion, for Speaking.
Employability and Careers:
The aim of the Pre-Sessional Course is to prepare you for your progression course. Previous students have progressed into all Schools at Cardiff Metropolitan – please see our testimonials page.
Entry requirements and how to apply:
Summer 2019 Pre-Sessional:
Our Summer Pre-Sessional will run from 3rd June to 6th September, with advanced entry points for higher IELTS (or equivalent) levels.
Please choose the most appropriate start date from the table below:
Overall IELTS Level (or equivalent) | Minimum level in any skill | Length of course | Start date | Course fees |
4.5 | 4.0 | 14 weeks | 3rd June | £4,200 |
5.0 | 4.5 | 10 weeks | 1st July | £3,000 |
5.5 | 5.0 | 6 weeks | 29th July | £1,800 |
** New Pre-Sessional Course for January 2020 **
Course Content:
The January Pre-Sessional Course is a full time course which is designed to improve your English to a level at which students are able to undertake study at a UK university.
This course is designed especially for students who have not yet reached IELTS 4.5 overall.
Learning and Teaching:
The Pre-Sessional Course focuses on developing your language skills and covers the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in an academic context.
Your timetable will include language development lessons, use of course books and supplementary materials, skills lessons focussing on the four skills, vocabulary lessons, language production and tutorials. You will also have sessions in the IT suite when you will develop a language portfolio of work.
All course books and materials are provided, but we recommend that you buy a learner dictionary to support your studies.
Lessons take place in well-equipped classrooms which encourage whole class, group, pair and individual work.
Assessment:
You will be assessed in each of the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing at the end of your course. A minimum of B2 on the CEFR must be attained in each assessment and it is not possible to compensate between assessments.
As well as assessing your progress during the course, we will timetable final assessments to take place at the end of your course. You will be given information and support in preparation for your assessments throughout your studies with us.
The assessments will include classroom tests, and timed exams for Listening, Reading and Writing and conversation, including extended discussion, for Speaking.
Employability and Careers:
The aim of our courses is to prepare you for your chosen progression course. Previous students have progressed into all Schools at Cardiff Metropolitan – please see our testimonials page.
Entry requirements and how to apply:
January 2020 Pre-Sessional:
Our January Pre-Sessional will run from 20th January 2020 to 4th September 2020 with fees of £9,000.
The entry level for this course is a minimum IELTS 4.0 overall or equivalent, with no skill below 3.5.
Important Note
For students requiring a Tier 4 visa, the UKVI stipulates a minimum of 4.0 in all skills. Due to the short amount of time between the end of this course and the start of the September undergraduate and post graduate courses, students who wish to progress in the university and who require a Tier 4 visa for their progression course are advised to not join this course on a Short Term Student visa. Please contact the International Office for advice if necessary.
Applications should be submitted via the links on the International pages here.
One-to-one classes
Tailor made courses to suit a student's individual needs whether they are for General English at any level, Business English or English for a Specific Purpose. Maximum size 1.
Entry Requirements:
There are no entry requirements as classes are designed for the individual student. However, students must already have a UK visa (if required).
Cost: £50 per hour
Bespoke courses
We offer flexible study programmes and can design one specifically to order.
- Specialist language programmes for businesses.
- Small groups.
- Specific courses to suit your needs.
Entry Requirements:
There are no entry requirements as classes are designed for the specific requirements of the group. However, students must already have a UK visa (if required).
Dates: Dates are set to requirement.
Cost: Cost are calculated according to requirement
