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We are still accepting applications for September 2020 starts.

Our campuses remain closed for the foreseeable future 

Easter Closure and return to study

The College will be closed from Saturday 4th April to Tuesday 14th April (inclusive), there will be no work set for classroom based courses over this normal 2 week holiday period, however we will be returning to remote working on Wednesday 15th April for staff to continue to prepare online learning and resources.

UCC students and Apprentices will return to their online remote learning on Monday 20th April.

Further Education students will return to online remote learning on Wednesday 22nd April. This delay is to allow teaching staff to prepare materials for the next few weeks of online learning on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st April.
Important Information about Summer 2020 GCSE exams
Student and Staff Coronavirus Information and IT Support
Information for all applicants for courses due to start in 2020/2021
Information and helpful links to support worry and anxiety at this time
Key Worker Initiative: Guidance and information for students

English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

Colchester Institute has been offering English classes for over 40 years, recruiting students from all over the world and achieving pass rates of over 90% in the past 10 years. Our classes have a mix of students from different backgrounds and ages, ensuring that the lessons are a multi-cultural learning experience. The EFL course includes all elements of language; listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary development and learning to use English to communicate successfully with others. The English language department was named a Centre of Excellence by the EL Gazette in 2013.

Many of our students take the internationally recognised Cambridge English Language examinations (Preliminary, First, Advanced, Proficiency and IELTS). You will receive guidance on all parts of the EFL exam, ensuring you have the best chance of exam success.

Who is the course for?

The course is suitable for au-pairs, school language assistants, workers on temporary contracts and current students who wish to improve their English. The course gives students the opportunity to improve their language skills, grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary, with the chance to take an internationally-recognised exam at the end of the course.

How will I learn?
  • General English, including elements of cultural studies, citizenship and employability
  • Exam Preparation

Students will be thoroughly prepared for all parts of the exam (reading and Use of English, writing, speaking and listening), working in pairs and small groups to increase fluency. Students will have regular progress tests throughout their studies and will receive individual tutorials with their tutor to discuss their learning and development. Students will receive homework every week, which forms an important part of the course and will ensure the best chance of exam success.

The maximum class size for the part-time EFL programme is 16, as required by the British Council.

When are the classes?

Classes are on Wednesday morning and/or Friday morning or one evening for Cambridge: Advanced.  All classes are three hours, including a 15-minute break, and in Colchester you can choose to study three or six hours per week – the price for six hours is double.

Course Levels

What level of English will I study?

These courses are for students wanting to study English at all levels from pre-intermediate upwards. Students will be invited to Colchester Institute to complete a reading, writing and speaking placement test. The test will provide the teacher with details on the student’s current level of English to ensure they are placed in a class best suited to their development needs.

Part-timeA0Pre-EntryComplete Beginner
Part-timeA1E1Beginner
Full-timeA2E2Elementry
Full-timeB1E3Pre-Intermediate → Intermediate
Full-timeB2L1Intermediate → Upper Intermediate
Full-timeC1L2Upper Intermediate → Advanced
Part-timeC2L3Advanced
Entry and Enrolment Requirements

No formal qualifications. However, your language will be assessed on arrival through a simple test to place you on the most appropriate level. The minimum age of enrolment for the part-time EFL programme is 16 years old.

Exam Costs

Students are prepared for internationally recognised Cambridge examinations.

Students will need to pay extra if they choose to take an exam.  Prices given below are valid for 2019 and may increase slightly in 2020.

EFL Cambridge Main Suite examinations and prices:

  • B1 – PET – Preliminary English Test: £47.75
  • B2 – FCE – First Certificate in English: £87.50
  • C1 – CAE – Certificate in Advanced English: £91.50

If the teacher is satisfied with the student’s progress then students can take these examinations in December or May/June (depending on numbers).

Additional costs and Social Programmes

Students will need a pen, pencil, paper and folder. Students will need to purchase an English learner dictionary (We recommend the Longman Active Study dictionary or the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary; prices range from £20 – £25).

Social Programme

While studying with Colchester Institute students can take part in trips, visits and activities organised by the college. These may include ten pin bowling, ice skating, theatre productions – costs will be between £6 and £10.  There are also day trips to London, Cambridge or Brighton costing approximately £20 including travel.

Holidays and Vacations

If you study between September – December:  

1 week holiday 28 October – 1 November

 

If you study between January – June:                 

1 week holiday 17 February – 21 February

2 weeks holiday 6-17 April

 

For further information please contact Admissions:

Telephone: +44 (0) 1206 712777. Email efl@colchester.ac.uk

Information published is correct at the time of printing; Colchester Institute reserves the right to amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will not take responsibility for any changes that may result in students having to cease their studies.

What can I do next?

Career Opportunities

Developing English Language skills offer students the opportunity to access further career opportunities, whether within their existing field or a different one.

Course Progression
Progression onto further education or training in a variety of subject areas and on successful completion of the IELTS examinations, students may progress to university or a higher education institution in the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand or in their home countries.

Information for Under 18's

Many students at Colchester Institute are under 18.  In the English Language department, we have a mixture: some students are under 18 and some are adults.  You may be in a class with some adult students. They will welcome you and help you with your studies. Your teachers will also work hard to keep you safe.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Colchester Institute believes the health and safety of all our students is important.  All of the English Language staff are trained to help keep students safe, happy and healthy in college.

Well-being and keeping safe

Bullying [using words or actions to make someone feel bad] is not allowed in the college.  The College is committed to making our classes a place where all students are respected and where bullying is not allowed.  If a student has a problem or complaint, we will listen to them and work to solve the problem quickly and fairly.

What should I do if I have a problem?

If a student has a problem or complaint they should speak to their teacher or the Student Services Welfare Team (Ground Floor, Main Building, Colchester Institute).   At The College at Braintree, please go to Student Services A56.  Student Services are very good at solving students’ problems.

We hope you will enjoy your studies with us and that you will always feel safe and happy to study here.

Accommodation

You need to arrange where you are going to live during your studies before you arrive in the UK. Colchester Institute is able to offer accommodation to students but it is limited depending on demand.

Accommodation offered by Colchester Institute

If you would like to arrange accommodation through Colchester Institute you will need to complete an Accommodation Request Form, you can email the Accommodation Officer to ask for this form once you have received your course offer.

Please contact:

UCC Operations

Tel: 0044 (0)1206 814090 Email: ucc.operations@colchester.ac.uk

Address:
UCC Operations
Colchester Institute
Sheepen Road
Colchester, Essex
CO3 3LL
How To Apply

To apply to study on this part-time course you will need to complete and return the application form in the next menu.

English Language courses can start at various points during the year and can be studied on a part-time (3 or 6 hours per week) basis depending on what suits you, your schedule and your needs.

Please see the menu below for the next course start dates.

Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email or card within one week of the application being received by our Admissions team, if you do not receive this you should contact the team to check that your application has been received. Courses will run subject to sufficient applications being received.

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme. Simply download and complete the part time application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible. You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester or Braintree campuses:

Admissions
Colchester Institute
Sheepen Road
Colchester
CO3 3LL

Admissions
The College at Braintree
Church Lane
Braintree
CM7 5SN

If you have any further questions about the application process or next available start date, want to check the progress of your application or if you are unsure about anything please contact us using the enquiry line or enquiry form buttons in the next menu.

If you are ready to apply then please click the ‘Apply Now’ Button in the next menu in order save or print the application form.

English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
LocationColchester
DurationSep – Dec (14 Weeks)
Sep – June (35 Weeks)
Jan – June (21 Weeks)
Study ModePart-Time
CampusColchester Institute
AttendanceVariable: 3 or 6 hours per week.
You have a choice of morning, afternoon or evening classes.
Fee(s)Sep - Dec (13 Weeks): £284 (inc. £53 for coursebooks)
Sep - June (34 Weeks): £621 (inc. £53 for coursebooks)
January - June (21 Weeks): £337 + £53 for coursebooks
Apply NowGot a Question: Enquire HereCourse Enquiry Line: 01206 712 777Open Event Updates

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2019-20 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

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