Pre-Sessional English
LSC offers Pre-Sessional English courses designed for both students who require additional English language training to meet minimum entry requirements for British degree programmes or students who wish to further improve their English language.
About the course
Some applicants to LSCM and other higher education (HE) institutions fall slightly short of the English language level required to start their chosen HE programme. The Pre-Sessional English course is designed to develop and enhance those learners' English language skills. Specifically, it seeks to support them to reach the English language level: B2+ (broadly equivalent to IELTS 6 and within the 'independent' speaker category). LSCM's pre-sessional English course will:
- Carry out an initial diagnostic assessment to ensure that it can provide bespoke teaching, tailored to meet the needs of each individual learner, giving them the language skills that will best meet their specific needs.
- Equip students with specific English language skills for academic reading writing speaking and listening, preparing them for higher education academic study.
- Improve other transferable skills such as presentation, research and interpersonal skills.
- Encourage independent learning and self-development, through providing students a range of interactive resources for them to engage in.
- At the end of the course, each student will undertake an assessment to establish their English level and suitability for higher education.
Key Features
The Pre-Sessional English course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their language skills before starting a full academic program.
This course focuses on developing the language proficiency required for academic study.
Course Modules
Modules and Skills1. Language Proficiency Development
Listening Skills: Emphasis on understanding academic lectures, discussions, and presentations.
Speaking Skills: Practice in academic speaking, such as giving presentations, participating in seminars, and engaging in discussions.
Reading Skills: Reading academic texts efficiently, focusing on comprehension, skimming, scanning, and identifying key points.
Writing Skills: Improving academic writing, including essay structure, referencing, and developing arguments.
2. Academic Skills Training
Critical Thinking: Developing the ability to analyse and evaluate academic content.
Research Skills: Learning how to conduct research, evaluate sources, and integrate references into academic writing.
Note-Taking: Techniques for effective note-taking during lectures and while reading academic material.
Presentation Skills: Learning to structure and deliver academic presentations effectively.
3. Study Skills and University Life Preparation
Time Management: Developing strategies for managing study schedules, deadlines, and workloads.
Cultural Adjustment: Helping students adapt to academic culture in English-speaking countries, including expectations in classes, group work, and academic integrity.
Collaboration and Group Work: Encouraging teamwork skills for group projects and seminars.
Understanding Academic Expectations: Familiarising students with academic conventions such as referencing styles, plagiarism policies, and the importance of independent study.
4. Tailored Content
Course-Specific Focus: Some sessions are tailored to specific academic disciplines (e.g., international business, finance, human resources) to help students with subject-specific vocabulary and writing styles.
Individual Assessment: Regular assessments to monitor progress and provide feedback on language development and academic skills.
5. Assessment and Feedback
Continuous Assessment: Regular tests, assignments, and activities to assess progress in language and academic skills.
Feedback: Personalised feedback during tutorials (every three weeks) from teachers on areas of improvement and strategies to enhance language skills.
6. Support and Resources
Language Support: Access to additional resources such as writing workshops.
Peer Interaction: Opportunities to interact with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, which enhances language learning through practice and cultural exchange.
These features work together to prepare students for academic success in their subsequent degree programs by improving both their language skills and their understanding of academic norms.