BBSI is a highly-accredited UK English school and business college. We offer international students the opportunity to learn English in the UK, and provide the education facilities to allow students of English, computing and IT to develop their competence and study for an internationally-recognised qualification. Our course in General English, Computing & IT Skills comprises 30 lessons weekly, and is modular in format so that you can join the course at any time throughout the year and study for periods that suit your personal circumstances. The course enables you to acquire the language and communication skills that you need, by studying in England, the home of the English language, while also developing your knowledge of Microsoft software, computers, computing and IT skills. The course is designed for those at an Intermediate level in English, has a maximum class size of 12 and can be studied for a period of between 4 and 12 weeks. Those students choosing the full 12-week option can obtain the International Computer Driving License® (ICDL) qualification.
International Computer Driving License®. BBSI is an accredited centre for conducting courses preparing for the International Computer Driving License® (ICDL), which is an internationally-recognised qualification that verifies practical competence in computer skills in either a professional or personal capacity and is the fastest growing international IT user-qualification. ICDL is designed specifically for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enable them to develop their IT skills and enhance their career prospects. No prior knowledge of IT or computer skills is needed. The ICDL raises an individual’s level of competency in IT & computing skills; improves personal productivity, both at home & at work; requires no prior knowledge of IT or computer skills; and provides individuals with an internationally-recognised qualification.
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. The computer lessons offer tutor-guided project work, the use of a variety of basic IT computer software packages. The course is conducted around a busy social and activity programme.
Course Outline
English Language Entry Level: IELTS 4.5 (Intermediate)
Course Duration: 4-12 weeks
Course Designation: EIT
Lessons Weekly: 30 (each of 45 minutes' duration)
Entry Dates: The course is conducted year-round, and can be joined on most Mondays throughout the year. However, for those students wishing to complete the full ICDL syllabus and acquire the qualification, it is recommended that you join the course on one of the 4 main academic term intake dates, ie in October, January, April or July (term dates 2008).
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
10 lessons weekly in Computers, Computing & IT Skills
(full 12-week course includes the full ICDL syllabus)
Award: BBSI Certificate in General English, Computing & IT Skills
Optional Examination†: International Computer Driving License® (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
- acquire suitable vocabulary in the fields of computers, computing & IT
- develop an overview of the Microsoft Windows® operating system
- familiarise students with the use of Microsoft Internet Explorer® and other browsers
- learn Microsoft Outlook Express® & other e-mail software
- develop word-processing skills using Microsoft Word®
- create spreadsheets, tables, graphs & charts using Microsoft Excel®
- develop basic presentation skills using Microsoft PowerPoint®
- acquire the International Computer Driving License® (optional)
Specialised Elements. In addition to providing students with a thorough and comprehensive grounding in technical English and professional communication skills, the course incorporates specialised elements selected from the following:
- word processing
- spreadsheets
- database
- presentation
- Microsoft AccessTM
- forms & reports
- queries
- commands & macros
- types of computers
- computer viruses
- Internet viruses
- electronic communications
- using a computer effectively & managing files
- concepts of information & computing technology
- information & effective communication
Book this 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.

Download a PDF of the BBSI course General English, Computing & IT Skills.