ELTC Courses
Choose from professional, undergraduate or postgraduate preparation courses.
At the ELTC we have been delivering university preparation courses since 2006. We run the Cardiff Metropolitan University Pre-Sessional Course and the International Foundation Course as well as professional and vocational English language courses.
The International Foundation Course is intended to provide a vehicle for international students who wish to improve their English language proficiency and become familiar with the conventions of Higher Education in the UK. Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded with 120 Level 3 credits and will be assisted in applying for their chosen progression courses at Cardiff Metropolitan University on successful completion.
Students who have completed this course have gone on to study on courses across the university. The International Foundation Course is a full-time course which is designed to improve your English and academic skills to a level at which students are able to undertake study at a UK university.
Learning and Teaching:
The International Foundation Course focuses on developing your language skills and covers the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in an academic context.
Tutors on the International Foundation Course use a range of teaching methods and activities including whole class, group work, pair work and individual work.
As well as regular tutorials, you will be offered tutorials to support you throughout your course.
You will be provided with a course book and electronic resources. You will also need a laptop as soon as you start the course.
All course materials are provided, but we recommend that you buy an advanced learner dictionary to support your studies.
The ELTC is based at the Cyncoed campus and this is where the majority of our courses are run. However, please be aware that our courses can be delivered across the university’s sites.
Course Modules:
You will follow these six compulsory modules across both semesters (unless otherwise stated):
English Language Proficiency
A main aim of this course is to help you to achieve B2 English – and this module will help you to develop your language in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
English for Academic Purposes 1 (Semester 1 only)
The English for Academic Purposes 1 module is designed to help you develop your language for academic study in the UK. You will develop skills in academic writing, note taking and listening to lectures, speaking in class, and reading academic texts.
English for Academic Purposes 2 (Semester 2 only)
The English for Academic Purposes 2 module will give you the opportunity to carry out desk based research so that you can write a research project with Harvard referencing, and present your findings.
Professional Development
The aims of this module are to prepare you for your next area of study and the workplace. Sessions cover personal development such as team work and motivation; development of IT skills; and focussing research and language for your next area of study.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking, and the ability to question, are important skills both in university study and beyond. This module will introduce you to some key aspects of critical thinking to support you on this course and in future study.
Context Analysis
The opportunity to share your research skills, and study an organisation to learn about its context – looking at history, geography, technology, culture and more – you will use different academic and non-academic sources to develop your project.
Each module is worth 20 credits.
Assessment:
Assessments will take place throughout the academic year. You will be given details of submission dates and assessment criteria at the start of the course.
Assessments take the form of written submissions such as essays and reflections; portfolios; presentations; posters, and classroom tests. All written assessments are submitted electronically. The assessments are designed to provide a range of opportunities to develop a range of skills for HE study.
All your work must be your own and any research sources that you will be shown how to cite and reference using the Harvard Referencing system.
Employability and Careers:
The aim of the International Foundation Course is to prepare you for your progression course. Previous students have progressed into all Schools at Cardiff Metropolitan.
How to apply:
Applications should be submitted via the links on the Global Engagement applications page.
Language requirements:
Students must have an overall IELTS level of 4.5 or above or an equivalent grade. A minimum of IELTS 4.0 in each component or equivalent is required. Please refer to this page for additional information Applying to Cardiff Met English Language Requirements.
Dates and fees for 2025/2026:
The International Foundation Course lasts for one academic year from September, or the equivalent of one academic year if joining in January.
The full time course runs on five days, Monday – Friday and you will have timetabled classes on campus through the week.
September 2025:
Course start date: 22nd September 2025
Semester 1 runs from September – January
Semester 2 runs from January – May
Course fees: £12,000
January 2026:
Course start date: 12th January 2026
Semester 1 runs from January – May
Semester 2 runs from May – August
Course fees: £12,000
Certification:
Students who successfully complete the course will receive a level 3 foundation certificate and be awarded 120 Level 3 academic credits from Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Successful outcomes are Pass, Merit and Distinction.
The Pre-Sessional Course is designed to meet the Cardiff Metropolitan University's standard undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirement of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent* - Applying to Cardiff Met English Language Requirements
*please note that some courses may require higher scores - please refer to the relevant course pages and International Students - Applying to Cardiff Metropolitan University for further information.
Course Content:
The Pre-Sessional Course is a full time course which is designed to improve your English to a level at which students are able to undertake postgraduate study at Cardiff Metropolitan.
Learning and Teaching:
The Pre-Sessional Course focuses on developing your language skills and covers the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in an academic context.
Your timetable will include language lessons and skills lessons focusing on the four skills, academic vocabulary lessons, language production and tutorials. You will have the opportunity to develop a language portfolio of work.
The course will be delivered in person, face to face, on campus in Cardiff.
For all course options, materials will be provided, but we recommend that you have access to an advanced English learner dictionary to support your studies. You will need access to a laptop throughout the course.
Assessment:
You will be assessed in each of the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing at the end of your course. A minimum of B2 on the CEFR must be attained overall and minimum of B2 on the CEFR in each skill.
The assessments will take the format of exams and tests covering the four skills of Listening, Reading and Writing and conversation, including extended discussion, for Speaking.
Employability and Careers:
The aim of the Pre-Sessional Course is to prepare you for your progression course. Previous Pre-Sessional students have progressed into all Schools at Cardiff Metropolitan.
Entry requirements:
Our Summer 2025, 14-week Pre-Sessional starts on Monday 19th May, with advanced entry points for higher IELTS (or equivalent) levels.
Please choose the most appropriate start date from the table below:
| Overall IELTS level (or equivalent) | Minimum level in any skill | Length of course | Start date | Course fees |
| 4.5 | 4.0 | 14 weeks* | 19th May 2025 | £4,900 |
| 5.0 | 4.5 | 10 weeks | 16th June 2025 | £3,500 |
| 5.5 | 5.0 | 6 weeks | 14th July 2025 | £2,100 |
Course Location:
The English Language Training Centre is based at the Cyncoed campus and most of our courses are delivered at Cyncoed. Please be aware however that our courses, including the Summer Pre-Sessional may also be taught at the Llandaff campus.
We offer flexible study programmes and can design one specifically to order.
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Specialist language programmes for businesses.
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Small groups.
Specific courses to suit your needs.
Entry Requirements: There are no entry requirements as classes are designed for the specific requirements of the group. However, students must already have a UK visa (if required).
Dates: Dates are set to requirement.
Cost: Costs are calculated according to requirement.
Please contact us if you have any enquiries regarding 1:1 tuition.
This can be arranged for individuals and can focus on academic, business, or general English.
Cost: Please contact us to discuss your requirements.