Frequently Asked Questions
The Bridge Programme
What are the course aims and content?
The programme aims to improve students' English to the right level for their chosen academic course, and to give them the study skills to function successfully within their academic department.
It is designed to improve English language ability and increase knowledge of academic conventions.
The programme aims to provide a smooth progression from English language improvement to academic study with a balance of the following elements
- An opportunity for students to improve their General English skills;
There are six modules each semester*:
- English Usage
Grammar, vocabulary development, pronunciation, comprehension and communicative skills in General English - Study Skills: Reading and Writing
Core skills required for academic reading and writing such as note-taking, summarising, and text structure. - Study Skills: Listening and Speaking
Core skills for understanding lectures, participating in seminars and tutorials, and making presentations. - Exam Strategies: Reading and Writing
Strategies necessary for successful performance in corresponding sections of the IELTS exam. - Exam Strategies: Listening and Speaking
Exam techniques for successful performance in the relevant sections of the IELTS examination - Professional Skills
Report writing and presentation skills developed, other areas covered include producing professional correspondences and how to operate with a language appropriate to a business environment. In Semester One, this module will give all students training in developing systems of personal learning strategies and reflective processes. In Semester Two it will provide Pre-Undergraduate, Pre-Postgraduate and Pre-Foundation students with the necessary research skills essential for successful study in a British university.
* The University reserves the right to adapt the content of the programme without prior notice.
Students can take the IELTS exam at the end of the programme. There is an IELTS examination centre at Cardiff University. The IELTS exam cost is included in the course fees for students who join the course in September only. Students may take an additional earlier IELTS examination at their own cost.
Can I study for part of a teaching block?
The course has three entry points:
- September - June
- January - June
- April - June
The dates of the semesters can be found at the following link:
Can I study full-time or part-time?
The course consists of a modular programme of full-time study, usually between 9.00am and 5.00pm. this will include a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 25 contact hours per week plus assignments. This may vary in University reading weeks and examination periods.
What is the entry level for the course?
The minimum entry requirement depends on the level of English the student needs to achieve by the end of the course. Students can e-mail us for information about the length of course they should study at elt@cardiff.ac.uk
Students who wish to progress onto Undergraduate or Postgraduate scheme at the end of the Bridge to Academic Study Programme will need a score of IELTS 6.5 or IELTS 7.0 or equivalents, depending on the Undergraduate or Postgraduate scheme.
Students who need an IELTS 7.0 have the opportunity to take an appropriate Pre-Sessional Programme between June to September to improve from IELTS 6.5 to 7.0.
How do you apply and enrol?
Apply
Application forms and instructions can be found here
Enrolment
If you receive an offer to study on the Bridge Programme, information about enrolment and the induction programme will be sent to you by e-mail.
How much does the course cost?
09 May 2011 - 16 June 2011: £1,410
26 September 2011 - 13 June 2012: £7,050
Please note the following:
Students can pay the full tuition fees on the first day of the course or pay in easy instalments:
- The first instalment is due on the first day of the course
Sponsored students must supply a letter confirming payment of fees by the sponsor with their application or by the first day of the course.
Termination of Course
We hope that you will not want to leave your course once you have started. If, after arrival, you wish to reduce the length of your course for any reason, you should discuss your situation with the English Language Programmes staff as soon as possible. We require a minimum of 4 weeks' notice in writing. If you have paid in full, the remainder of your course fees minus the fees equivalent to the 4 weeks' notice period, will be refunded. If you have not yet paid in full we will require 4 weeks paid notice.