BBSI is a highly-accredited UK English language school. We offer international students the opportunity to study English in the UK, and provide the education facilities for students to acquire important general English and business English qualifications.

Our General English Courses are modular in format so that you can join a course at any time throughout the year and study for periods that suit your personal circumstances. These courses enable you to acquire the language and communication skills that you need, by studying in England, the home of the English language. We offer a choice of 3 General English study programmes that vary in intensity to fit your particular needs: a 20-lesson weekly study programme (GE 20), a 24-lesson weekly study programme (GE 24) and a 30-lesson weekly study programme (GE 30). The GE 20 and GE 24 options are available from Elementary to Advanced Level, whilst the GE 30 option is available to those at an Intermediate level in English or above. The courses can be joined on any Monday throughout the year and have a maximum class size of 12, which can be extended to 15 during the summer months, July-September. The course can be studied for a period of between one and 50 weeks.

Students are tested and interviewed on arrival at BBSI and are then placed in international classes at a language level to suit their needs. The training methods are functional and practical, and a wide range of effective teaching methods is utilised to suit different types of learner. Our interactive techniques stimulate interest, inspire motivation, increase the efficiency of the learning process and achieve the highest possible levels of retention. All course options are conducted around a busy social and activity programme.

Additional English and Business English Qualifications. Students will develop competent English communication skills. Moreover, those who attend for 12 or more weeks can study for and a acquire one of a range of different University of Cambridge ESOL† qualifications: the First Certificate in English (FCE), the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), or the Business English Certificate (BEC). Alternatively, you can opt to join our ongoing weekly English Language Workshop‡ (ELW) at a language level to suit your needs.

English Language Entry Levels:

GE 20 Courses:Elementary-Advanced
GE 24 Course: Elementary-Advanced
GE 30 Course: Intermediate-Advanced

Course Duration: 1-50 weeks

Course Designations:

GE 20: 20 lessons weekly (each of 45 minutes' duration)
GE 24: 24 lessons weekly (each of 45 minutes' duration)
GE 30: 30 lessons weekly (each of 45 minutes' duration)

Entry Dates: The courses are conducted year-round, and can be joined on most Mondays throughout the year.

Minimum Age: 17 years

Course Structure & Content:

10 lessons weekly in grammar & functions

2 lessons weekly in vocabulary development
4 lessons weekly in reading & writing skills
4 lessons weekly in speaking & pronunciation skills
4 lessons weekly additional speaking, reading & listening skills (GE 24 only)
10 lessons weekly selected from one of the following (GE 30 only)

• preparation for the University of Cambridge FCE
• preparation for the University of Cambridge CAE
• preparation for the University of Cambridge BEC
• English Language Workshop (ELW)

Award: BBSI Certificate in English Language Communication Skills

Optional Examinations+:

University of Cambridge FCE (examination dates)
University of Cambridge CAE (examination dates)
University of Cambridge BEC (examination dates)

Course Objectives. The course objectives are to:

• develop a sound knowledge of English grammar
• acquire a broad range of relevant English vocabulary
• develop effective listening & reading skills
• build fluency in English communications generally
• build confidence in speaking English & improve pronunciation skills
• integrate our students with English culture in the UK
• maximise the learning experience in the UK
• prepare for Cambridge ESOL examinations (optional; GE 30 only)

† University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations

FCE (First Certificate in English)
FCE is an Upper-Intermediate level examination that indicates sufficient proficiency in English to be of practical use in clerical, secretarial and managerial jobs for example, or in the tourist industry, where contact with English speakers is required. FCE is also useful preparation for students working towards higher-level examinations, such as the CAE.

CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)
CAE is the second-highest level of Cambridge ESOL examination and is ideal for those who want to work or study abroad. A CAE certificate demonstrates language skills in a wide range of contexts. The examination is based on realistic tasks, and indicates the ability to use the language in practical situations, such as meetings and discussions.

BEC (Business English Certificate)
There are 3 levels of BEC examination: the BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage and BEC Higher. All 3 examinations are ideal for students preparing for careers in the fields of international business and commerce, where a good knowledge of English is required to function effectively. BEC certificates are internationally recognised and demonstrate that the holder has acquired an appropriate standard of English in a professional context.

‡ English Language Workshop

The English Language Workshop is designed to provide general language support for those students who are studying a specialised course and who do not intend to prepare for a specific English language examination. The content of the Workshop includes extensive skills practice in professional areas of the language, which is useful for those who need to improve their ability to communicate effectively with others in a professional international environment, or who later decide to acquire a professional qualification.

 Book a General English course on-Line.

The following English language courses are also available at BBSI:

+ Examination fess for those seeking to undertake external examinations are not included in the BBSI course fees.

BBSI English-language courses are designed and structured at different language levels to enable international students to develop all 4 English language skills simultaneously, as well as their knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary. Our system of learning also enables students at an Intermediate Level of English and above to progress to developing their communication skills in academic, vocational or professional context.