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:
- Choose and book your accommodation.
- Prepare for your visa credibility interview.
- 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. If you’re travelling to the UK for your studies this Autumn, take a look at how we’re supporting you on your journey and arrival.
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 2021 and April 2022
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.
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Foundation Certificate details and module information
Key facts
| Preparation for… | Undergraduate-level study in the UK |
| Level | Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3 |
| Course content | A selection of:
- English language and academic skills modules
- Projects related to your area of study
- Subjects related to your degree |
| Hours per week | The 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 university | To 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?
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.
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International Year One details and module information
Key facts
| Preparation for… | Second year of an undergraduate degree in the UK |
| Level | Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 4 |
| Course content | A selection of:
- English language and academic skills modules
- Projects related to your area of study
- Subjects related to your degree |
| Hours per week | The 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 university | To 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?
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.
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Pre-Master’s details and module information
Key facts
| Preparation for… | Postgraduate-level study in the UK |
| Level | Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Level B2 |
| Course content | A selection of:
- English language and academic skills modules
- Research project related to your area of study
- Subjects related to your degree |
| Hours per week | The 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 university | To 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?
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.
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Pre-Sessional English details and module information
Key facts
| Preparation for… | Undergraduate and postgraduate-level study in the UK |
| Level | Starting at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B2 |
| Course content | A selection of:
- English language modules
- Academic skills modules
- Culture and personal development modules
|
| Hours per week | The 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 university | When 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?
Find out more about the modules you’ll study.
| Course length | IELTS improvement | Enrolment | Start date | End date | Tuition fees |
| 20 weeks | 1.5 | 25th April 2019 | 29th April 2019 | 13th September 2019 | £7,160 |
| 15 weeks | 1.0 | 30th May 2019 | 3rd June 2019 | 13th September 2019 | £5,375 |
| 10 weeks | 0.5 | 4th July 2019 | 8th July 2019 | 13th September 2019 | £3,580 |
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.
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.
Complete the arrival form
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!
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.
