Assessment and progression

Assessment

40, 30 and 20 week assessments

You will be assessed informally throughout the longer pre-sessional courses. Assessments will be made of all four language skills with tasks such as essay and report writing, presentations, note-taking activities and comprehension tests. There are no resit opportunities. Progress will be closely monitored and it is expected that by the end of each ten week course, students will have met the entry requirements for the following course. If by the end of each ten week course we feel that you are not making the recommended progress, you will be required to complete additional work to improve your English level.

Final Assessment

During the final weeks of your pre-sessional course, you will be assessed in all four language skills. Each skill contributes 25% to your final, overall grade. For your overall grade you will receive a final score of an IELTS equivalent which will determine your entry onto your degree programme.

1. Writing: You will conduct an independent research project on a topic related to your academic field and produce an essay. Plans and drafts will also contribute to the mark received for this element.
2. Speaking: You will prepare and give an individual academic presentation on a topic related to your subject field. Your presentation will focus on the key findings of your written research project.
3. Reading: You will complete an ongoing journal recording summaries and critical responses to written texts. Texts cover a range of topics. Most of this work will be completed outside of class time.
4. Listening: You will complete an ongoing journal recording summaries and critical responses to spoken texts. Texts cover a range of topics. Most of this work will be completed outside of class time.

Engagement, participation and completion of independent study materials will also contribute to your final mark.

Resit opportunities are available should any student fail any or all of their final assessments.

Progression

To progress onto your degree programme you must meet the English language requirements of your chosen degree in each language skill. This will vary depending on degree programme but will be detailed in your offer letter.

In 2020, 98% of our pre-sessional students were successful in meeting their entry requirements and progressed onto their degree programmes.