Bath Spa University

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Business English Pre-University Course

This one-year course is for International students who want to prepare to study on a Business and Management degree at Bath Spa University, but who don’t have the required English language level. It is also for International students who are interested in Business English and would like to develop their interest. If your English level is between IELTS 5.0 and 5.5 and/or your academic qualifications are equivalent to NQF Level 2, then this is the course for you.

Bath is a beautiful World Heritage City.

• This course will give you the skills and practice you need to follow a BA Business and Management programme at Undergraduate level.
• Entry requirements are: completed secondary education equivalent to NQF Level 2 or above in your home country, and an IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent.
• Successful completion of this one-year Business English Pre-University programme would meet Bath Spa University's entry requirements for the BA Business and Management course.

Course Structure and Content

The teaching is interactive, and the friendly learning environment will give you the confidence to reach your full potential as learners. You will be part of the dynamic Business and Management Department at Bath Spa University, and will be supported by your personal tutor. There are three key study areas:

• Business Topics: learn key vocabulary and ideas related to business and have opportunities to explore those ideas through classroom discussion, case studies, project work and research.
• Academic Skills: learn and practice all the skills you need for your degree studies including how to research and write essays and reports, how to contribute in seminars, how to give effective presentations, how to collect, present and analyse data.
• Language Skills: this will improve your general English language level in relation to vocabulary, grammar and the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). You will also have the opportunity to prepare for IELTS.

All students who successfully complete the Business English Pre-University Course will be eligible to apply for a place on the Business and Management undergraduate programme at Bath Spa University.

Modules

On the Business English Pre-University Course in Business for International Students, you will take six modules:

1. Business Concepts: Here you will explore key ideas related to business topics such as business management, marketing, economics and accounting.
2. Academic Skills through Business: Here you will develop your academic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, and apply these skills in practical contexts.
3. Research Skills: Here you will learn how to conduct research including collecting and analysing data, sourcing texts, citation and referencing.
4. Presentation Skills: Here you will develop presentation skills including planning, organising and delivering individual and pair/group presentations.
5. British Life: Here you will have the chance to look at British life and customs. You will explore aspects cultural life in the 'real' world.

All six modules will run throughout the academic year.

Teaching Methods and Resources

The style of teaching and learning on the Business English Pre-University Course is interactive and communicative. The tutors will help and encourage you to fully contribute to all classroom activities. We want you to become a strong independent learner. Students often work together in pairs or groups, as well as individually. Not all lessons take place in the classroom and students will have the opportunity to work on projects in the wider community.

You may be surprised by the style of teaching. Often students are not used to taking such an active role in their own learning. For example, at first students may be shy and lack the confidence to speak in class and share their ideas and views. We understand how difficult this situation can be. We will help you to develop your language skills and gain the confidence you need to adjust to this new learning environment.

We are sure that you will find the experience enjoyable and rewarding and a good preparation for your undergraduate life.

Sample Timetable

Day:	09:00-10:00h	10:00-11:00h	11:00-12:00h	12:00-13:00h	13:00-15:00h
Monday:	Academic Skills through Business			Lunch	Business Concepts
Tuesday:	Language Skills/IELTS				British Life
Wednesday:	Research Skills	Presentation Skills			Business Concepts
Thursday:		Language Skills/IELTS			Academic Skills through Business
Friday:	Research Skills

Teaching Materials

We will use a wide range of teaching materials to deliver the course, with a strong focus on authentic and up-to-date resources. These will include library books and articles, modern course books, internet resources, newspapers, magazines and podcasts.

Assessment Methods

For each module there will be final assessment at the end of the course. However, you will have lots of opportunity to practise the different skills needed for these assessments throughout the year.

All assessments will be marked according to the grading scheme below:

A	70% +	Excellent pass
B	60% - 69%	Very good pass
C	50% - 59%	Good pass
D	40% - 49%	Pass
F	below 40%	Fail

Your Future at Bath Spa University

Becoming a Business Undergraduate

When you have successfully completed your Business English Pre-University Course in Business for International Students, you can then apply for a place on the Business and Management degree course at Bath Spa University. Your year on the Business English Pre-University Course will have prepared you thoroughly to meet all the challenges of undergraduate study. Remember that you will already have met some of the staff and the tutors who run the degree programme. Also, during the Business English Pre-University Course you will have attended taster seminars and lectures. We will do our best to help you feel confident and secure from the very first day of the degree course.

Continued Language Support

When you finish the Business English Pre-University Course your language support does not stop. We want you to reach your full potential on your degree course. We know that to achieve this goal it is important for you to have continued language support throughout your studies. Your language tutors will be there to give you this support. There will be time dedicated to helping you in groups and individually with all your language needs.

Entry Requirements

Students must have IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) plus academic qualifications equivalent to NQF Level 2.