Whatever your plans for the future, there’s no doubt that being able to speak English will give you a major advantage. Where better to learn the most widely spoken language in the world, than in the country of its birth? There are more English language courses to choose from in the United Kingdom (UK) than anywhere else in the world so you’re almost certain to find one that fits your exact needs.
Checklist: Why study English in the United Kingdom?
- All parts of the UK are English speaking. There are different regional accents throughout the UK and you will
soon adjust to these. - You will be able to use your English in everyday life, through film and television, newspapers and books,
shopping and entertainment. - British Council Accredited schemes guarantee the quality of
English courses at 397 private language schools, state colleges and universities. - There is a vast range of courses at all levels from beginners to advanced.
- The UK has a long tradition of excellence in teaching English as a foreign language.
- UK qualifications in English language are internationally respected.
- You can choose where, when and how you study.
What can I study?
You can study at all levels; from basic general English to advanced English for specific or academic purposes. You will not usually need academic qualifications unless you are also studying another subject (an English Plus course).
General English: For students from complete beginners upwards.
English for Academic Purposes: To help students learn the English they need for academic study. Essay-writing, note-taking, listening to lectures, taking part in seminars, academic reading, library, work, computer skills, general and social English. Sometimes vocabulary and terminology for the student’s subject.
English for specific purposes: For people who want to learn English to further a career in areas such as business, travel and tourism, and catering. Courses concentrate on the vocabulary and skills needed for jobs. This could be telephoning, writing reports or making presentations.
English Plus combined courses: English language is only one part of a course. The other part – the ‘plus’ – could be training for a career or a professional qualification. The ‘plus’ part of the course could be anything from pottery to politics.
Seasonal or vacation courses: Summer and Easter courses, available for juniors (aged under sixteen) and adults. These courses often include holiday activities, such as sport or sightseeing.
Can I study English at the same time as another subject?
Yes. This can be a practical or an academic subject. It is usually called English Plus.
Will I find studying in the United Kingdom very different from studying in my own country?
You may find that the teaching style is different from your own country. In British Council teaching centres in your own country, or in the UK itself, you will be encouraged to use the language as well as study it. It is a practical style of teaching and you should expect to play an active part in lessons. Whatever your level of English, you will be placed in a class to meet your needs.
How can I be sure that the course is good quality?
The British Council and English UK run the Accreditation UK scheme. This is the only internationally recognised accreditation scheme for private schools in the UK and the only scheme for short courses for children. Accredited centres have been inspected by the British Council and meet a set of quality standards. All the English language courses listed on this web site are accredited courses. If the course is running at a college of further education or a university, it should have been checked by government inspectors as part of a routine inspection.
Where can I study?
There are accredited institutions throughout the UK, from the south coast of England to the north of Scotland and also in Wales and Northern Ireland. This means that you can choose the region that best suits your needs. You can also choose the type of language institution you want to study at: a specialised language school, a college of further education or a university. State and private institutions offer different advantages. In a state institution you will have the chance to mix with UK students studying other subjects. In a private language school there are usually smaller classes and more individual attention and less UK students. Up to the age of sixteen, you will probably learn English in a language centre which runs summer courses. Independent schools also run these courses. You can also learn English at a British Council teaching centre in many countries around the world. If you are over sixteen, you can study at one of the following institutions:
Private language schools: Full-time and part-time courses at all levels. Short and long courses. English language only courses will be in the majority.
Private and state language centres: Only short-term courses, normally in the summer, often including social activities and cultural visits. English language courses only.
Independent schools and tutorial colleges: You could study a range of subjects at these schools and colleges, and all your activities would involve using English.
Further education institutions: Full-time and part-time courses from beginners to advanced. They also offer career-based training and academic courses in classes where many students speak English as their first language. If you learn English language with another subject, the course will sometimes be called English Plus.
Higher education institutions: Full-time and part-time courses. Students would be of intermediate level, or better. Many of these institutions specialise in teaching English for Academic Purposes.
Where will I live?
Although you can stay with friends or relatives it is probably better to live somewhere where you have to use
your English on a daily basis. Almost all institutions running English language courses will help arrange
accommodation for their students. There is a wide range of accommodation types available from staying with a
family, in college halls or student flats to hotels and hostels. Think about what type of environment you would
prefer to stay in.
What are the main English language qualifications?
Examples would be the Cambridge and Trinity College English courses.
Are there any restrictions on my studying in the United Kingdom?
If you need a visa to enter the UK, you will need to make sure that your course consists of at least fifteen hours
of organised, day-time study per week and that you are able to meet the cost of your fees, living expenses and
accommodation.
You should bear in mind immigration requirements when considering whether to study in the UK. Requirements
vary according to your nationality or citizenship and the length of time you want to spend studying. You will not
be allowed to extend your permission to stay in the UK for more than two years on courses that are below
degree level and are of less than one year’s duration.
Note in particular that you will not be given permission to enter the UK as a student if the school, college or
university that you want to study at does not appear on the UK Department for Education and Skills Register of
Education and Training Providers.
For practical advice on living in the UK visit our studying and living in the UK section.
Checklist: Your next steps
- Select the courses or schools/colleges that interest you. You can find courses by area on this site.
- Tell us which schools and courses you are interested in.
- Fill out 1 quick form.
- Relax whilst we apply to all the schools for you. Wait for your letter of acceptance.
- Pay the deposit and wait for your confirmation letter.
- Apply for your UK student visa.
Yes. The government is going to start clamping down on dodgy English schools
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This is very good information. Though haven’t the rules changed? I thought it was going to become more difficult to enter the country to study English
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I can’t belive that you created all of the job to share this! Awesome. With no Bloggers like you, we would by no means get so amazing information’s!
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Of course, what a great site and informative postsme few a lot more thinks about this, I’m really fan of your blog…
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