Study English in the UK

'There are no limits to the range of English language courses offered in the UK. Over 600,000 learners a year come to the UK to help achieve their ambitions, to experience modern UK life, and to use the language in its natural home. Why not join them? '

A student reading an English newspaper © Guzelian for Education UK An ability to speak English will give you a major advantage in all aspects of life. Learn English in the UK and you will be studying and living the language all of the time; you’ll be able to use your English everyday - through film and television, newspapers and books, shopping and entertainment.

UK English language courses include all the language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing. Study in the UK and you can practise your spoken English and experience the many different UK regional accents, helping to broaden your skills.

UK English language courses you can study

You can search for courses in the course finder on the right-hand side of this page. Click on the arrow next to 'Please select' then click on 'English Language courses'. You can then choose different course types and the location you'd like to study in. Click 'Find' and you'll see a list of courses to choose from.

If you'd like to find out more about the different courses you can study, please read the following information:

  •  General English
 Learn English skills for life; suitable for all language levels.
  • Vacation courses for adults
Learn a language on a short course during your holiday and discover more about the UK.
  • Vacation courses for young learners
Learn a language as part of a social, sports and visits programme; for ages five to 17.
  • One-to-one tuition
Personalised, individual tuition; only one teacher and one student.
  • English for business/executives
Improve the language you use in your business life; courses are usually intensive.
  • Examination preparation
Take a course leading to a qualification that is recognised worldwide. Learn exam techniques and tips for success and achieving high grades.
  • Home tuition
One-to-one tuition in the teachers' own home.
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Prepare for further study, often at university. Improve your English in an academic context and learn study skills such as note taking, discussion, academic reading and writing.
  • English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
Learn language skills for your career in a specific professional field such as law, medicine, journalism or travel.
  • English Plus
Short or long courses where you can improve your English and study a practical or academic subject such as cookery, sports, fashion design or performing arts.
  • Courses for teachers of English
Short language/methodology courses leading to qualifications; from postgraduate certificate to doctorate levels.
  • Foundation and access courses
A combination of academic English with study skills and study of an academic or professional subject.
 
Look for English language courses in the course finder. (internal link)

Places to study English language in the UK

There are accredited institutions throughout the UK – in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. So you can decide which region best suits your needs. You can also choose the type of English language institution you want to study at:
  • Private language school
Full-time and part-time courses at all levels - short and long. English language-only courses will be in the majority.
  • Private and state language centres
Only short-term English language courses are available, normally in the summer. They often include social activities and cultural visits.
  • Independent schools and tutorial colleges
You can study a range of subjects at these schools and colleges, and all your activities will involve using English.
  • Further education institutions
Full-time and part-time courses, from beginners to advanced. They also offer career-based training and academic courses in classes where many students speak English as their first language.
  • Higher education institutions
Full-time and part-time courses are available. Your English would need to be at intermediate level, or better. Many institutions specialise in teaching English for Academic Purposes.

Useful Links:

British Council Learning - www.britishcouncil.org/learning-english-gateway
English UK - www.englishuk.com/en/students

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Become an international student ambassador

Do you want to share your experiences as an international student and become an Education UK Ambassador?

Who?
Whether you're currently studying in the UK or have completed your studies we want to hear from you.
Why?
Because we know that there are no better Ambassadors for studying in the UK than those who have experienced Education UK for themselves.
What do we want to know?
Tell us about how you would like to get involved with Education UK – it will only take about 2 minutes to complete.

Please note that by completing the survey and providing your contact details you are not committing yourself to anything. Take the survey now.

Scotland international student experience

Scotland is consistently rated by visitors as friendly, combining a strong sense of its own identity with a community spirit. 91% of International Students describe Scotland as ‘a good place to be’.

International students in Scotland are most satisfied with the subject expertise of academic staff and the multicultural learning environment they find in Scotland.

Find out for yourself what international students are saying about Scotland on YouTube.

Compare your qualifications with the UK equivalents

UK NARIC can compare qualifications you’ve gained in your home country with the UK equivalents. UK NARIC is the national agency responsible for providing information and advice about vocational, academic and professional skills and qualifications from all over the world. If you want to find out if you meet the entry requirements for a course in the UK, you can purchase a Statement of Comparability for £46 online.

Find out more about this and other services for international students at the UK NARIC website.

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