University of Bath students

English Language Preparation

Improve your English language skills

If you meet the academic entry requirements for our programmes but need help with your English language, you can join our English Language Preparation programme delivered fully online first. The programme is designed to develop English language skills and introduce students to essential academic and study skills before travelling to the International Study Centre and beginning the academic programme.

You'll develop your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking while boosting your confidence in communicating with classmates and tutors ahead of starting your academic programme.

We offer a range of programme lengths available to suit your needs and requirements, with dedicated support and guidance from our expert tuition staff. Whatever your length of study, our preparation courses will make sure you are ready to make the next step onto one of the International Study Centre programmes.

DurationTuition Fees
6 weeks£2,100
10 weeks£3,500
16 weeks  £5,600

Benefits of studying Online English Preparation

  • Development of core English language skills through interactive online learning.
  • Increased confidence in academic communication with international peers and tutors.
  • Flexible course lengths supported by experienced teaching staff 
  • End-of-course English language assessment to confirm requirements are met.
  • No requirement to take an additional UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT) for a student visa before arriving on campus.

At the end of the online course your English language level will be assessed to ensure that you meet the English language level requirements for your face-to-face academic programme. You are not required to take an additional UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT) to obtain a student visa before you come to campus.

Key facts

Age 17+ 
Duration 10 weeks​​  
Fees £3,500​​ 
Intakes January/May/August 
Term dates 10 weeks: 
11/05/2026 – 17/07/2026 
17/08/2026 – 23/10/2026 

English language entry requirements 

Academic IELTS for UKVI or accepted equivalent​​ 

4.5 overall (minimum 4.0 in all other skills) 

English language exit requirements (to start the International Foundation Year) 

Academic IELTS for UKVI or accepted equivalent​​ 

You will be assessed internally at the end of your English programme and will be required to meet the equivalent grade of Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 (minimum 4.5 in all other skills) 

Accepted tests

Course duration Accepted alternative tests Required score  
10 weeks Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (minimum 4.0 in all other skills) 
 Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI TBC 

Note: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (no skill below 5.0), or equivalent is required to study the IFY for students aiming to progress to: Accounting & Finance, Accounting & Management, Architecture, Business, Criminology, Economics, Economics with Politics, Education with Psychology, Finance, International Development with Economics, International Management, Management, Management with Marketing, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Policy, Social Sciences, Social Work & Applied Social Studies, Sociology, Sociology & Social Policy.

Age 17+ 
Duration 

6 weeks   

10 weeks  

16 weeks 

Fees 

6 weeks: £2,100  

10 weeks: £3,500  

16 weeks: £5,600  

Intakes 

6 weeks: January/February/June/July/September/Oct 

10 weeks: January/May/August  

16 weeks: March/July 

Term dates 6 weeks: 
08/06/2026 – 17/07/2026 
06/07/2026 – 14/08/2026 
14/09/2026 – 23/10/2026 
26/10/2026 – 04/12/2026 
 
10 weeks: 
11/05/2026 – 17/07/2026 
17/08/2026 – 23/10/2026 
 
16 weeks: 
06/07/2026 – 23/10/2026 

English language entry requirements (to start the International Foundation Year) 

Academic IELTS for UKVI or accepted equivalent​​ 

6 weeks:  
5.0 overall (minimum 4.5 in all other skills)  

10 weeks:  
4.5 overall (minimum 4.5 in all other skills)  

16 weeks:  
4.5 overall (minimum 4.0 in all other skills)  

English language exit requirements 

Academic IELTS for UKVI or accepted equivalent​​ 

You will be assessed internally at the end of your English programme and will be required to meet the equivalent grade of Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.0 in all other skills) 

 Accepted tests 

Course duration Accepted alternative tests Required score  
6 weeks Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 overall (minimum 4.5 in all other skills)  
 Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI TBC 
10 weeks Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (minimum 4.5 in all other skills)  
 Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI TBC 
16 weeks Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (minimum 4.0 in all other skills)  
 Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI TBC 
 Age 20+ 
Duration 

6 weeks   

10 weeks  

16 weeks 

Fees 

6 weeks: £2,100  

10 weeks: £3,500  

16 weeks: £5,600  

Intakes 

6 weeks: January/February/June/July/September/Oct 

10 weeks: January/May/August  

16 weeks: March/July 

Term dates 6 weeks: 
08/06/2026 – 17/07/2026 
06/07/2026 – 14/08/2026 
14/09/2026 – 23/10/2026 
26/10/2026 – 04/12/2026 
 
10 weeks: 
11/05/2026 – 17/07/2026 
17/08/2026 – 23/10/2026 
 
16 weeks: 
06/07/2026 – 23/10/2026 

English language entry requirements (to start the International Foundation Year) 

Academic IELTS for UKVI or accepted equivalent​​ 

6 weeks:  
5.0 overall (minimum 5.0 in all other skills)  

10 weeks:  
5.0 overall (minimum 4.5 in all other skills)  

16 weeks:  
4.5 overall (minimum 4.5 in all other skills)  

English language exit requirements 

Academic IELTS for UKVI or accepted equivalent​​ 

You will be assessed internally at the end of your English programme and will be required to meet the equivalent grade of Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all other skills) 

 Accepted tests

Course duration Accepted alternative tests Required score  
6 weeks Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 overall (minimum 5.0 in all other skills)  
 Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI TBC 
10 weeks Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 overall (minimum 4.5 in all other skills)  
 Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI TBC 
16 weeks Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall (minimum 4.5 in all other skills)  
 Trinity Integrated Skills in English UKVI TBC 

 

100%

of students who completed their English Language Preparation Online programme in 2024/25 academic year, progressed to their onward academic programme at their chosen International Study Centre.

What our students say?

"The course was informative and well-structured. Overall, it was a valuable and engaging course.

"I think the course is very comprehensive, and I have learned a lot."

What to do next

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application.