University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2018/19 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Arts > Centre for Academic Language and Development > Pre-sessional Course in Academic English (January entry) > Specification
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Programme code | 1LANG002T |
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Programme type | Undergraduate Non-Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Martin Jenkins
Hannah Jones |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
School/department | Centre for Academic Language and Development |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups | Languages, Cultures and Societies (2023) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
The Pre-sessional works with students at different language levels who join the course at different points to explore the way in which subject knowledge is communicated in English across a range of disciplines at and beyond Master’s level, equipping students for the increasingly inter-disciplinary world of the 21st century. As well as improving knowledge and use of academic English grammar and vocabulary, it will develop students’ awareness of the expectations of study at Master’s level and beyond at a top UK institution. Students will improve general academic skills of taking notes from lectures, dealing with long reading texts and a heavy reading load, taking an active part in academic discussions and giving successful presentations. They will also see progress in writing skills through the development of a portfolio comprising a range of academic written genres. Students will leave the course fully equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed at a top British university and the confidence to communicate ideas with academics, peers or the public both orally and in writing.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Learning is facilitated in small groups (10-16 students) in which the approach and methods of Communicative Language Teaching are adapted to an academic context. Where applicable, tutors set up the work/study contexts that students might encounter in their target situations. In addition to a range of textbooks and authentic written texts, use is made of video, technology and web-enhanced language learning. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Formative assessment includes portfolios, reflective journals, oral presentations, online discussions, research reports and examinations (paper-based and on Blackboard) in a range of language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening). Final summative assessment includes timed writing, listening and reading exams as well as a coursework assignment and oral presentation. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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We aim to make expectations explicit and to help students develop confidence in trying out new roles in the learning and teaching context. This is achieved through regular dialogic and sustainable feedback throughout the course. Students are also encouraged to make use of the self-study materials available on Blackboard and to be pro-active in identifying and dealing with issues that may arise. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Both formative and summative assessment is undertaken through performance in writing, reading, listening exams; oral presentations, and research-based written tasks. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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A "process writing" approach involving drafting, feedback and redrafting is used in working towards the production of a variety of text types. A variety of communicative tasks and activities is employed in creating the conditions in the classroom for motivated social interaction in English. Regular weekly meetings with a personal tutor monitor integration and negotiation of University application process. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Not formally assessed, although many dimensions of these skills are indirectly implicated in the more formal assessment of knowledge, understanding and intellectual skills. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level C/4 - Certificate |
By the end of the course students will have enhanced academic language and literacy, equipping them to operate effectively across a range of disciplines at and beyond Master’s level. They will have developed the ability to deal with academic discourse, both written and spoken, moving from general academic to more subject-specific texts. They will have developed a level of learner autonomy and an appropriately critical approach, along with an awareness of British and academic culture. They will have achieved a higher understanding (contextualised, critical, strategic) that comes from having been required to evaluate ideas and apply them in new ways. All this will enable active engagement with knowledge and its construction to facilitate students' transition to a given discourse community in line with the expectations of advanced study in a UK H.E. institution. Completion of the course does not guarantee progression to a degree at the University of Bristol, but does equip students to be more successful in their applications for postgraduate courses at the University of Bristol and other universities. |
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The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the undergraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Workload Statement
In common with the rest of the University, units in the Faculty of Arts
adhere to the credit framework which sets out that 20 credits normally
equates to some 200 hours of student input. Some of this time will be spent
in class, with the remainder divided between preparation for classes and
preparation for, and completion of, the assessment tasks. Some of this
activity may occur within the University’s online learning environment,
Blackboard, which you may use to prepare wikis, to interact with other
students, to download tutorials or to receive feedback.
Assessment Statement
Please select the following link for a statement about assessment. This is University of Bristol access only.
https://www.bris.ac.uk/arts/current/under/assessment.html
Code of Practice - progression regulations (being drafted by Elinor Davies)
CELFS website: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/english-language/study/pre-sessional-courses/
Email: celfs-presessional@bristol.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)117 3318522
Address:
Centre for English Language and Foundation Studies (CELFS)
University of Bristol
Richmond Building
105 Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1LN
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | ||
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Pre-sessional course in Academic English (January entry) | 80 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
University of Bristol,
Senate House,
Tyndall Avenue,
Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)117 928 9000