About English Language School
If you’re ready to apply now, choose your course below and apply directly from the course page. Need to know more? Book a call with one of our friendly admissions staff, who can answer your questions and guide you through the application process.
Mission Statement:
- Our mission is to address the needs of international students who need to improve their English skills so that they can access Higher Education courses in the UK or better employment opportunities in their home country or abroad.
- We also cater for students who live permanently in the UK and need to develop the skills that will allow them to study in Further or Higher Education contexts and/or to improve their employment prospects. This includes preparation for IELTS for students who have professional qualifications from their countries of origin.
Course Dates
Courses run throughout the year and classes take place every weekday apart from on the following holidays and non-teaching days:
Half term February – 12/02/24 to 16/02/24
Easter holiday – 25/03/24 to 05/4/24
May bank holiday – 06/05/24
Teacher training day – 07/05/24
Half term May – 27/05/24 to 31/05/24
August bank holiday – 26/08/24
Teacher training day – 25/10/24
Half term October – 28/10/24 to 01/11/24
Christmas holiday – 20/12/24 to 03/01/25
Teacher training day – 06/01/25
Why learn English with us?
South and City College Birmingham is one of the largest further education colleges in the country. Our English Language School provides high-quality programmes to address the needs of international students who need to improve their English skills so that they can access Higher Education courses in the UK or better employment opportunities in their home country or abroad. Students who live permanently in the UK can develop the skills they need to study on Further or Higher Education courses and to improve their employment prospects.
We offer:
- Short and long-term year-round courses which include preparation for IELTS.
- Initial assessment in all skills to place you in the most suitable class.
- Friendly, qualified and professional teachers with extensive teaching experience will guide and help you in every aspect of your studies.
- Courses at all levels from Elementary to Advanced.
- Continuous assessment including weekly tests throughout your course to ensure that you are making the maximum progress.
- Regular one-to-one tutorials to discuss your progress and set and review personal learning targets.
- Focus on study skills and the techniques that you need to become a more independent learner and to develop the skills you will need at university or in your future career
How we support you
Personal approach to learning English:
SCCB welcomes students from all over the world and from many different backgrounds. We believe that this is what makes the atmosphere special and perfect for learning. Over the years, we have welcomed over 90 different nationalities to study on our English language courses. Every student has individual needs, we understand this and will help you to achieve your personal goals.
Your tutors:
In addition to support from the International Office, every student at the College has a personal tutor. It is their job to help you with any support you may need whilst on your course.
Our teachers are all qualified teachers of English as a foreign language with many years of experience. Many have taught overseas and so understand the challenges of learning a new language and integrating into a new and different culture. They all take part in an ongoing programme of teacher development which means they are always learning the latest methods to ensure language-learning success. Our teachers know what it takes to help students to improve their language level, learn the skills they need to be successful in the world of education and work and develop the techniques required to pass key exams. They will be with you every step of the way during your course.
Your progress:
You will have regular tutorials with your teacher to talk about your progress and set short-term goals. You will also have regular progress tests and assessments so you can see how much you have learned and the improvements you have made. The assessments will determine your general, functional and academic English skills and are mapped closely to IELTS band scores.
Our mission is to help you advance from one level to the next in the shortest possible time. You and your teacher will discuss your progress and decide when you are ready to move to a higher level. At the end of your studies, you will receive a report that shows the progress you have made and a certificate that indicates the level that you have achieved.
Flexible start dates and duration:
You can study for any length of time, from 2 weeks up to a year or longer depending on your visa. Generally, students start on a Monday and finish on a Friday but you are free to book whatever programme you wish.
Our mission is to help you advance from one level to the next in the shortest possible time. With your teacher you will discuss your progress and decide when you are ready to move to a higher level.
At the end of your studies, you will receive a report that shows the progress you have made and a certificate that indicates the level that you have achieved.
Below are the three types of visas you will need to apply for English Language:
- Standard Visitor Visa You can come to visit family, friends or as a tourist on a visitor visa and also study English or any other course for up to 6 months.
- Student Visa Where you can study English for up to 6 months or 11 months.
- Study Route Visa Where you can study English for more than 11 months and also bring dependants with you.
Visit our visa page to see more information and what documents are required:
Fast Track English for non-visa students
Fast Track is the ideal course for students who want to study general and academic English and who need to improve their English skills as quickly as possible.
Fast Track English for Professionals
Please click the below to see all of the necessary information for Fast Track English for Professionals:
Trips and Leisure Activities
We organise regular trips and leisure activities to help you to practise your English outside your classes and to have fun. There are conversation events where you can develop your fluency and chat to students from other classes. We arrange visits to local places of interest like Cadbury World, Lichfield and Stratford upon Avon. The trips and activities outside the college cost between £10 and £20.
How to apply
1. Application: Download the English International Application Form – Remember to attach everything on the checklist
English International Application Form
2. Passport: You will need a clear copy of your passport cover and personal details page
3. Personal statement if not a government scholarship student
4. Offer Letter: Once we have processed your application we will issue you with an offer if you meet the international admission and course entry criteria.
5. Payment of Fees: Once you have received the offer, either a full government scholarship letter will need to be provided or full payment of fees will need to be made to the college. Thereafter a visa letter will be provided. The preferred method is bank transfer. Our bank details will be supplied in our letter to you.
PLEASE NOTE: The first £450 of this fee is a non-refundable administration charge. Our refund policy can be found below:
International Course Refund Policy
6. Enrolment: Once you have applied and received your visa you will need to come to college to complete your registration and enrolment. We will also do an initial assessment do determine your correct level.
7. Short-term study visa for English Language
Please check what you need to do before you can apply for a short-term study visa and what to do when you arrive in the UK: Apply for a Short-term study visa: step by step
Course Fees
General English / IELTS Preparation / Academic English
| Hours per week | Price per week | Annual price (Based on 41 weeks) |
| 15 Hours per week | £165 per week | £6,765 per year |
| 21 Hours per week | £295 per week | £12,095 per year |
| 25 Hours per week | £320 per week | £13,120 per year |
Pre Sessional English
| Hours per week | Price per week | Annual Price (Based on 41 weeks) |
| 25 Hours per week | £320 per week | £13,120 per year |
Fast Track (UK/EU Students who have EU settlement VISA in UK)
| Hours per week | Price | Duration |
| 15 Hours per week | £800 per term | 6 months |
| 15 Hours per week | £1,200 | 12 months |
| 21 Hours per week | £1,000 | 6 months |
| 21 Hours per week | £1,600 | 12 months |
Accommodation
Although the college does not organise accommodation (except for students under the age of 18), the international team can provide you with information about the different accommodation options.
There are three main types of accommodation available in Birmingham:
1) HALLS OF RESIDENCE – £95-£150 per week
There are a number of halls of residence located near to our Digbeth Campus. These are private en-suite rooms with shared facilities such as a kitchen, common room and laundry facility.
2) HOMESTAY – LIVING WITH A FAMILY – From £140 per week
Staying with a local family can be a great way to experience UK culture. The facilities available will depend on which family you are placed with. Arrangements can be self-catering or half board (this is where most meals are provided by the family).
3) STUDENT HOUSE – £70-£100 per week
You may prefer to find a shared house with other students, and there are many options in and around the city centre. You will have your own room but will share other facilities with the others in the house.
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The college does not own or endorse any residential accommodation. The prices listed above are a rough guide price. When you are ready to explore your options in more detail please contact us for a list of local accommodation providers.
The college does not accept any responsibility in relation to the actions of the accommodation providers who operate independently to the college.
Refund Policy
Contact the International Team
International
Contact the international team
Our Campus Facilities
