Where to find us What we provide Classes 1:1 help
The Birmingham City University English Language Test
External English Language Examinations

Where to find us

English Language support for Birmingham City University's International Students is provided by Vicky Schofield-Vollans, Steve Gould, Caroline Wall, Julia Barnes, Eposi Ndumbe, and David Colbourn. We are based in Edge Building, Perry Barr, room 219, and form part of Library and Learning Resources (LLR).

Our telephone number is (331) 5348/6552.

If none of us is in the office, you can leave a message on (331) 5380/7997.

What we provide

We offer the following services:

5 and 10 week presessional courses in the summer for students about to start at Birmingham City University

Classes from October to May at the Perry Barr campus, BIAD, tic and the Conservatoire

1:1 help at Perry Barr, the Conservatoire, BIAD and Westbourne Road.

A one year Foundation Course in English for Academic Purposes (FCEAP).

The Academic Skills Centre Centre in Edge 219

Classes

Classes at Perry Barr run from October to May. These cover Academic Writing, Academic Listening , Reading and Grammar. At certain times of the year there are also Speaking classes which concentrate on the skills needed to make successful seminar presentations.There are also General English classes designed primarily for Erasmus students. Click for the current International Student class timetable.

All students must register in advance for the classes they wish to attend. Please come to Edge 219.

1:1 Help

We can provide 1:1 language help for any students who either come to us individually or are referred to us by their tutors. This usually consists of help with writing course assignments: planning, structure, style, accuracy, correct referencing etc. We prefer to see students during the planning and drafting stages of their work in order to work with them and guide them into becoming more autonomous as time goes on.

We do not provide a free proofreading service. We are happy to check the work of students who have made an effort to improve their English - either by coming to classes or getting 1:1 help - but are unable to do this for students we do not know. We can arrange for work to be professionally proofread at the cost of around £12-14 per hour. (Your department may be in a position to help with costs).

Please contact us to make an appointment: ring (331) 5348 or come to Edge 219.

The Birmingham City University English Language Test

It is a university regulation that all non-European Union students take a test to assess their level of English on arrival at Birmingham City University. This applies to all students, including those who already have English language qualifications. The test consists of 4 parts: Writing, Use of English, Listening and Reading, takes about 2 hours and is held in September, October, January and May. Students who fail the test may be required to come to  English classes until they are able to pass the test. These classes should be those that correspond to the failed parts of the test. Students who pass the test are under no obligation to come to classes, but may do so if they wish.

Some faculties also require their EU students to take the test.

If you need a certificate of English proficiency at the end of your stay in the UK, you should then take the test in January or May.

External Examinations

We can arrange for you to take external English Language exams, such as those run by the University of Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFLor GMAT.

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Steve Gould
Last updated: 13 October 2006