English Language (INTRODUCTION)

The UK is the world's centre for English tuition. Over 600,000 people come each year to learn English. There are a huge number of courses available, including specialist courses for different professions and academic disciplines. Widely accepted tests such as the IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge certificates can be taken at many different centres.

Studying English in the UK
English is the most widely spoken language in the world. It is the major language for computing, education, business, international communications and the internet. By studying in the UK, you will improve your skills in a language that is in demand in business and industry everywhere. Many courses lead to qualifications. These are often valued by employers. You may also find them useful if you need to satisfy the entry requirements for higher education courses.

There is a huge range of courses for beginners, or for more advanced students. There are also specialised courses designed for particular careers, such as aviation, computing or business, or for different academic disciplines.

A wide choice of English language qualifications are available in the UK. Universities and colleges of higher education in the UK expect entrants to demonstrate competency in English by passing the GCSE/SCE at grade C or better, or obtaining another recognised qualification.

IELTS, TOEFL and UCLES
The most widely available English language tests for people whose first language is not English are the: IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate) certificates in English.

The IELTS programme is managed by the British Council in partnership with other organisations. The test is suitable for non-native English speakers who intend to study courses delivered in English. You can take this course at over 20 centres in the UK and at centres in about 100 other countries. Centres normally offers tests each month and sometimes more often, depending on the demand. You can get more information about the programme and a schedule of tests from your nearest British Council office. The IELTS results are graded from 1 (lowest) to 9. There is no pass or fail mark. Institutions decide what scores they will accept.

The TOEFL test is managed by the US Education Testing Service. Tests can be taken at several centres in the UK and at many others around the world. The TOEFL test has two forms: paper-based and computer-based. The computer-based test is graded from 40 points (the lowest score) to 300 points. The paper-based test is graded from 310 points (the lowest score) to 677 points. It includes a Test of Written English (TWE), which is graded separately on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 6. There are no pass or fail marks. Institutions decide what scores they will accept, and may ask for a specific score in the TWE component of the test.

UCLES administer a number of important English examinations. These include the Key English Test (KET), which is a basic qualification; the Preliminary English Test (PET); the First Certificate in English (FCE); Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), which is a high level qualification in English; and the Certificate of Proficiency (CPE).The test is graded A to C (pass grades) and D-E (fail). The CPE examines candidates' English language ability in reading and listening comprehension, and in composition and the use of English. It also includes an oral interview. Passes in CAE and CPE are both accepted for university entrance.

Other English language qualifications
Trinity College, London, administer a Syllabus of Grade Examinations in Spoken English for Speakers of Other Languages. They are a series of 12 progressively graded tests for learners of English, which are specially designed to test the ability of candidates to communicate effectively with other speakers of English. The 12 Grades are divided into four Stages: Initial, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced. Each Stage consists of three progressive Grades.

There are a number of other qualifications for people who need to use English in business. These include the LCCI (London Chamber of Commerce and Industry), EFB (English for Business), EFC (English for Commerce) and SEFIC (Spoken English for Industry and Commerce).

Even if you have already got a place at a university or higher education college, you may want to improve your English further. Your institution may run classes before or during the academic year, so it is worth enquiring about what is available.

If you come to the UK to learn English, you should choose a suitable course. If you plan to take a test as a condition of entry to a course, you should check in advance with your institution that the qualification you will obtain is acceptable.

English teaching qualifications
Many students come to the UK to obtain a qualification that will enable them to teach English overseas. Apart from full degree qualifications, there are several shorter programmes that lead to such a qualification. Qualifications available include the RSA/Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults) and the Trinity College TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certificate and Diploma.