Language Improvement courses

Who is it for?
What does it do?
When can I join?
How do I apply?
Contact us

Who is it for?

This is a course for people who want to study & improve their English ability in a university environment.

There are two course options:

21 hours a week (5 mornings & 3 afternoons)
15 hours a week (5 mornings only)

It runs all year and provides:

Language focused lessons
Skills development lessons
Work with a text book
IELTs preparation (these classes are also open to non-ELCOS students. For further details, click here )
Regular progress tests
Projects
Socials
Tutorials

The course is for people who are at A2 level (IELTS 3/elementary) and above. It is a flexible and varied course for people wishing to study all aspects of English language & use. If you are looking for English for Academic Purposes, click here for more information on our Pre-sessional Courses. Please note: Text books are used on most ELCOS courses, which students need to buy (normally 1 book per course but this can vary)

This is the timetable for a typical week:

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY
9.30-11.00	Grammar & vocabulary	Grammar & vocabulary	Speaking lesson	Writing lesson	Unit test
11.30-13.00	Grammar & vocabulary	Grammar & vocabulary	Listening lesson	Review of the week	Conversation sessions Tutorials Socials
14.00-16.00	Listening & speaking	Reading & speaking	SELF-STUDY	Writing feedback workshop	SELF-STUDY

*It is not possible to join a Degree course or an ELCOS Pre-sessional course without an IELTS test result at the required level

What does it do?

The Language Improvement Course aims to improve your English through real-life interaction and formal teaching. We will practise the four skills; speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the classroom and out of the classroom.

This course aims to:

Improve your English skills
Develop your grammar and vocabulary
Use English for communication in project work
Use monthly assessment to check your progress and your needs
Use individual learning plans so you can see your progress and make targets
Help you get involved in university life and life in the community in Bangor

We aim to improve your English communication skills with a wide variety of activities in a relaxed and friendly setting.

You can prepare for an IELTS test. Click here to see how you can progress onto an ELCOS pre-sessional academic English course.

When can I join?

The course runs throughout the year. You can join the course on the first Monday of each month and study with us for as long as you like (one week minimum). This is different in the summer when you can join on any Monday. You can study 21 hours per week (mornings & afternoons), or 15 hours per week (mornings only) if you prefer.

21 hour course costs £250 per week
15 hour course (mornings only) costs £200 per week

Course Dates 2019 - 2020:

23rd September – 13th December 2019
6th January – 3rd April 2020
27th April – 29th May 2020
20th July – 14th August 2020

Monday start dates:

23rd September 2019
30th September 2019
4th November 2019
6th January 2020
3rd February 2020
2nd March 2020
27th April 2020
5th May 2020

5th May (Tuesday because Monday 4th May is a Bank Holiday)

In the summer (2020), the course is 4 weeks long. You can study from 1 - 4 weeks and start on any Monday from July 20th to August 10th: (If you think your English language level is above CEFR B1+, please contact ELCOS before booking a place during the summer period )

20th, 27th July
3rd, 10th August

Accommodation:

Some university accommodation is available throughout the year. We can also provide a list of local private accommodation in the Bangor area.

How do I apply?

To apply you need to be elementary level or above (A2 or IELTS 2.5).

Download the application form.
Email your completed application form to elcos@bangor.ac.uk
We will send you a letter of acceptance confirming your place on the course

The course costs £250 a week for 21 hours per week, or £200 a week for 15 hours per week (mornings only).

The following methods of payment are acceptable for deposits:

(a) "Cheque or draft drawn on a UK Clearing Bank (see Note below for cheques/drafts not drawn on a UK Clearing Bank).
(b) Electronic funds transfer from your bank directly into the University bank account quoting the student ID number and full name as a reference.

Cheques/drafts not drawn on a UK Clearing Bank

In the event that a cheque or bankers draft is not drawn on a UK Clearing Bank this could create very significant delays before the University is able to either confirm receipt of payment or process any refunds that may subsequently become due. Students will remain liable for payment until the University is able to confirm receipt of payment, which it will be unable to confirm until "cleared" funds are received to the University's bank account.

Bangor University Bank details:

Bank Name: Santander UK PLC

Sort Code: 09-02-22

Account No: 10364019

IBAN: GB46ABBY09022210364019

Swift Code: ABBYGB2L

Account Name: Bangor University

Please ensure that any bank charges are paid by yourself and please make sure that the transfer indicates that the payment is for a deposit for an ELCOS course. The payment of the remaining amount can be paid in Bangor by cash, traveller's cheques, eurocheque, banker's draft or Visa Credit Card. You will receive an invoice for the remaining amount during the first week of the course.