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Essex pre-arrival information

 

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the University of Essex International College. This page contains all the documents and forms you need. There are 3 things you need to do before your arrival in Essex:

  1. Choose and book your accommodation.
  2. Prepare for your visa credibility interview.
  3. Prepare for your arrival and give us your arrival details.

 

Please note: If you’re starting your course remotely with digital learning, you can find information about how to register, and more, on our dedicated digital learning support page.

1. Your accommodation

At the University of Essex International College we provide modern, secure student housing. Our great-value accommodation packages provide the ideal environment for studying and enjoying student life.

We recommend that you don’t book your accommodation until you have received your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) and know that you are definitely able to travel. You can see what options are available in the guide below, and if you have any questions, our dedicated accommodation team will be here to support you and help you make the best choice.

Accommodation guide for pathway courses starting between September 2020 and April 2021

Book your accommodation

College accommodation form

2. Your visa credibility interview

When applying for a UK study visa, some students will have a credibility interview. This is so UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can be sure that you are a genuine student.

View a list of sample questions here, plus tips for answering them to the best of your ability.

Course and module information

During the interview, you will also be asked about your chosen pathway course. It is important that you become familiar with the relevant course structure and module information, which you can find below.

  • Foundation Certificate details and module information

    Key facts

    Preparation for…Undergraduate-level study in the UK
    LevelRegulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3
    Course contentA selection of:

    - English language and academic skills modules
    - Projects related to your area of study
    - Subjects related to your degree
    Hours per weekThe number of hours per week will vary during your Foundation Certificate, but on average you will have 16-24 hours per week of class contact time.
    Progressing to universityTo progress to your chosen university, you will need to achieve a certain academic score and English language score in your Foundation Certificate. You also might be asked to submit a specific piece of work or attend an interview.

    Any requirements for your degree choice will be detailed on your offer letter.

    What will I learn on a Foundation Certificate?

    On your Foundation Certificate, you will learn how to:

    • Understand and demonstrate basic knowledge in your chosen subject
    • Successfully use English to communication in speech and writing, using subject-specific terminology
    • Create structured arguments using a broad range of academic resources
    • Develop your confidence as an independent learner, in preparation for your future studies

     

    What modules will I study?

    Foundation Certificate subjects for degree entry from October 2021
    Humanities
    Science and Health
    Social Sciences

    Where can I find out more about my degree and university?

    Visit our Degree Finder, locate your degree and click through to learn more on the University of Essex website.

  • International Year One details and module information

    Key facts

    Preparation for…Second year of an undergraduate degree in the UK
    LevelRegulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 4
    Course contentA selection of:

    - English language and academic skills modules
    - Projects related to your area of study
    - Subjects related to your degree
    Hours per weekThe number of hours per week will vary during your International Year One, but on average you will have 16-24 hours per week of class contact time.
    Progressing to universityTo progress to your chosen university, you will need to achieve a certain academic score and English language score in your International Year One. You also might be asked to submit a specific piece of work or attend an interview.

    Any requirements for your degree choice will be detailed on your offer letter.

    What will I learn on an International Year One course?

    On your International Year One course, you will learn how to:

    • Research key topics in your intended subject area
    • Develop project management skills to successfully prepare for university study
    • Communicate your work to different audiences, in speech and writing
    • Access suitable resources, including primary and secondary information
    • Create structured arguments by using critical analysis

     

    What modules will I study?

    International Year One subjects for degree entry from October 2021
    Business
    Economics
    Law
    Politics and International Relations

    Where can I find out more about my degree and university?

    Visit our Degree Finder, locate your degree and click through to learn more on the University of Essex website.

  • Pre-Master’s details and module information

    Key facts

    Preparation for…Postgraduate-level study in the UK
    LevelCommon European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Level B2
    Course contentA selection of:

    - English language and academic skills modules
    - Research project related to your area of study
    - Subjects related to your degree
    Hours per weekThe number of hours per week will vary during your Pre-Master's, but on average you will have 16-20 hours per week of class contact time.
    Progressing to universityTo progress to your chosen university, you will need to achieve a certain academic score and English language score in your Pre-Master's. You also might be asked to submit a specific piece of work or attend an interview.

    Any requirements for your degree choice will be detailed on your offer letter.

    What will I learn on a Pre-Master’s course?

    On your Pre-Master’s course, you will learn how to:

    • Research key topics in your intended master’s degree subject area
    • Develop project management skills to successfully prepare for university study
    • Communicate your work to different audiences, in speech and writing
    • Access suitable resources, including primary and secondary information
    • Create structured arguments by using critical analysis

     

    What modules will I study?

    Pre-Master's subjects for degree entry from October 2020
    Humanities
    Science and Health
    Social Sciences

    Where can I find out more about my degree and university?

    Visit our Degree Finder, locate your degree and click through to learn more on the University of Essex website.

  • Pre-Sessional English details and module information

    Key facts

    Preparation for…Undergraduate and postgraduate-level study in the UK
    LevelStarting at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B2
    Course contentA selection of:

    - English language modules
    - Academic skills modules
    - Culture and personal development modules
    Hours per weekThe number of hours per week will vary during your programme, but on average you will have 20-24 hours per week of class contact time.
    Progressing to universityWhen you successfully complete your programme, providing you meet the entry requirements for your degree, you’re guaranteed progression to the University of Essex.

    Pre-Sessional English (with Study Skills) course

    On your Pre-Sessional English course, you will learn how to:

    • Successfully use English to communication in speech and writing, using subject-specific terminology
    • Create structured arguments using a broad range of academic resources
    • Develop your confidence as an independent learner, in preparation for your future studies

     

    What modules will I study?

    Where can I find out more?

    Visit the Essex Pre-Sessional courses webpage for course information, and the University of Essex website to learn more about your degree.

3. Your arrival details

Our team can arrange for you to be met at the airport and taken directly to your accommodation. Even if you plan to find your own transportation from the airport, it is important that you complete our pre-arrival form to notify us of your arrival details.

Are you ready for enrolment? Read our pre-arrival guide to prepare for your arrival and ensure you have everything you need.

Welcome Week

Before your classes start, there’s Welcome Week at the College. This is a series of fun activities and practical advice, so you can meet other students, get to know the local area, and settle in quickly.

We strongly recommend to you take part in all of Welcome Week, so that you have the best possible start here!

Complete the arrival form

College pre-arrival form

Need assistance?

If you have any questions about anything on this page, you can contact the College, and our staff will be happy to help.