What is IELTS ?
IELTS is The International English Language Testing System. It is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.
Why would IELTS be useful for me?
If you want to go to university in the UK, Australia, Canada or New Zealand, an IELTS score is recognised as an entry requirement. Many of our students are pre-graduates who need to meet these requirements in order to be accepted for a Foundation year at the University of Leeds or other university programmes. It will also prove useful if you are an international student who wants to improve your English and would like to work towards a certificate, if you are a doctor or nurse hoping to work in the UK, or if you want to move to live in the UK from abroad. Many employers recognise an IELTS score as a valid assessment of the candidate's language ability. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
If you would like to apply to study at a British University please ask one of our careers advisors for more information. They will guide you through your application and will be happy to introduce you to the University of Leeds or Leeds Metropolitan University, both of which are close to NSL. Alternatively, you will find information about many universities in our careers library.
What does an IELTS preparation course include?
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Exam technique
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Speaking
- British culture
The course entails 25 hours tuition (IELTS focussed) plus extra self-study as required. View our IELTS preparation course page for a more detailed look at our course and to download our course content fact sheet.
At The Northern School of Languages we firmly believe that to prepare effectively for the IELTS test you should follow a structured course with an experienced teacher, either in a group class or privately. General English language practice and self-study should be combined with a specialised IELTS course to achieve the best possible result. Our IELTS Preparation Courses will run on the following dates in 2008:
- 14th January- 7th March (IELTS test 8th March) 8-week course*
- 10th March - 2nd May (IELTS test 3rd May) 8-week course*
- 5th May - 27th June (IELTS test 28th June) 8-week course*
- 30th June - 12th September (IELTS test 13th September) 11-week course*
- 15th September - 7th November (IELTS test 8th November) 8-week course*
You may join one of the courses after the start date if necessary but we might suggest that you take extra lessons to catch up, depending on your level/previous experience of IELTS. If you would like to join NSL before an IELTS Preparation Course starts, you can enrol on a General English course. These run all year round and you can start on any Monday.
* It may be possible for you to enrol for an alternative test date if necessary, depending on availability at the test centre. Please ask at NSL on enrolment.