This online programme is designed to offer international students 11 weeks of extensive academic English classes in preparation for further study within SOAS and its international partnerships. The programme aims to help bridge the gap between an academic English level of 4.5 IELTS and the entry requirement of 5.0 / 5.5 IELTS on, for example, the following degree pathway programmes:

ELAS (English Language and Academic Studies)

FDPS (FDPS Pre-Masters Foundation)

ICC (International Foundation Programme)

It offers students the chance to develop and strengthen their English language skills within a higher education setting, with a focus on speaking, writing, and study skills. Students receive regular feedback and there is the opportunity for further guided self-study for those students who wish to study beyond the basic course hours.

Completion of this programme at the 50% pass mark or above and a minimum of 80% attendance will guarantee entry to the ELAS (English Language and Academic Studies) programme without the need to retake a SELT exam.

Mode of Attendance: Online Learning

Programme Description

Programme length: 11 weeks plus 2-week assessment period
Mode of attendance: Online Learning
Time required per week: 4 to 5 hours
Minimum attendance required: 80%

A part time non-credit bearing course, consisting of live online classes and preparation tasks totalling four hours per week. Live classes are taught in the morning UK time between 8 AM and 12 PM BST (British Summer Time).

The emphasis of the programme is on the development of English for Academic purposes within a context that simulates the students’ higher education experience. This is achieved by integrating Academic English instruction with a series of Academic subject lectures looking at belief, civil society, governance, and economics within the theme of ‘Changing World Views’.

The contents of these lectures is used as the base of the materials and assessments within the academic English side of the programme; and the academic subject lectures’ discussion, case study and reflection sessions and tasks give students the opportunity to activate the skills introduced during the academic English sessions.

A key feature of the programme is the individualised guidance given through written and live one-to-one tutorials. This is based on the completion of set short tasks and live session performance and not only provides feedback but also highlights areas for development.

During these tutorials an agreed action plan with supplementary self-study exercises will be created for those students who wish to study beyond the basic course hours. Please note the completion of the set tasks (around 30 minutes) as well as attending the tutorials (10-20 minutes) are in addition to the four core hours given above.

Programme Assessment

Students are assessed through the completion of a series of five short tasks during weeks one to nine; a timed writing practice which is reviewed then re-written over weeks ten and eleven; their performance throughout the academic subject sessions.

There will also be a two-week assessment period which includes:

Academic English listening assessment (a comprehension task) based on the fifth concluding academic subject lecture

Academic English speaking assessment (a collaborative poster presentation) based on one aspect of the lecture series theme

Academic English Writing assessment (a 500-800 word essay) based on the lecture series theme

Please contact the ELAS Programme Tutors if you require more information: epts@soas.ac.uk 

SOAS reserves the right to alter programme content without notice.

Important notice

Teaching & Learning

Course outline

Fees

£2300

All fees must be paid in full before the start date of the programme. For instructions on how to pay, see IFCELS Fees.

SOAS reserves the right to alter programme content and fees without notice.

How to Apply

Please complete the application form and attach:

1. the photo ID page of your passport your IELTS, PTE or other English language certificate.
2. your IELTS, PTE or other English language certificate.
3. Minimum age requirement: 17 years old at the start of the programme

Application deadline: 21st April 2021

Apply now

Completion of the Access to English Academic Studies course at the 50% pass mark or above and a minimum of 80% attendance will guarantee entry to the ELAS (English Language and Academic Studies) programme without the need to retake a SELT exam. Please see the ‘Term Dates and Fees’ for ELAS below.

The course can also act as a pathway to our ICC Foundation and FDPS Pre-master's programmes, for students who do not have a sufficient level of English for direct entry.

SOAS reserves the right to alter Module programmes and fees without notice.