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Register your interestJoin our online information session to find out more about our undergraduate programme designed especially for students who do not have English as a first language.
17 March, 6.30pm – 7.30 pm
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This unique degree programme is designed especially for students who do not have English as a first language.
The programme aims to assist students in their progression towards proficiency in English, and to help them develop transferable skills which will enable graduates to work more comfortably in the English language, to gain confidence in seeking employment in an English-speaking environment, and to better understand the role that language plays in the social world around them.
The programme also offers an opportunity to those who intend to train as TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) professionals and teach English in the UK or internationally to develop these skills through the optional Theory and Practice in English Language Teaching Module.
As well as allowing students to become highly proficient multilingual communicators, the programme equips students with critical and analytical tools to understand how language shapes society, and how society shapes language. Students explore this through our wide range of core and optional modules that address the social, political, linguistic, cultural and educational aspects of (English) language.
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page for information on our different entry requirements, including country-specific details for EU and non-EU qualifications.
This course is only open to students who do NOT have English as a first language.
Previous study at University Level must be validated by a Higher Education institution and mapped to relevant UWS RPL standards.
All academic degrees/awards at UWS are taught in English. For applicants whose first language is not English*, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. All English language qualifications must have been gained within two years of the start of your UWS course.
* applicants who are exempt from english language requirements include:
In general terms, if you are applying to study a course at, or above, Year 1 (SCQF Level 7) bachelor’s degree level, then the UKVI’s minimum level of English proficiency is Common European Framework for References of Languages (CEFR) at B2 (Upper Intermediate).
At UWS, we define our general English language requirements using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) as follows:
These are minimum requirements and some courses may require a higher standard for admission†.
† Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see IELTS Score Exceptions section below for more information).
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Health, Nursing & Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (BSc Adult Nursing, MSc Adult Nursing, BSc Mental Health Nursing, MSc Mental Health Nursing, BSc Midwifery and MSc Midwifery), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BSc Paramedic Science degree leads to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); it has different IELTS requirements than other Health-related courses. Although it is not possible to apply for this degree directly as an international student, for applicants who meet SAAS residency requirements and for whom English is not their first language, then the following IELTS scores are required:
For our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science degrees, which may lead to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work degrees are professionally recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
In additional to IELTS, we also accept a number of alternative English language for application and admission to our courses for both home/EU and international students at bachelor's degree study at Year 3 (SCQF Level 9), and above. From Cambridge to TOFEL iBT qualifications the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out about non-IELTS English Language Tests
UWS has also reviewed a range of High / Secondary School qualifications studied by non-EU applicants that can be used as a basis of entry to a UWS. These range from Botswana GCSEs to USA High School Graduation Diplomas, the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out more about international English Language high-hchool qualifications
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
This programme has 2 objectives:
Classes develop languages skills through group discussions, presentations and reading and writing tasks. Lessons use a combination of the latest English language resources and authentic materials.
The maximum class size is 25 students. Classes are usually 3 hours in duration (e.g. 09001200) and, during this time, there will be a short break of approximately 15 minutes. The assessment varies from module to module, but it typically involves a combination of presentations, portfolios, written assignment and class tests.
This course also gives you the option of taking a language module, which can count towards your degree. These modules cover multiple languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level.
The broad and specialised (socio)linguistic knowledge acquired throughout the programme modules provides a holistic perspective on (English) language, allowing students to become more attentive users of English and to critically reflect on their own multilingual practices as well as those of the wider world around them. This enhanced sensibility further supports students in the development of their language skills as well as fostering a nuanced understanding of, and appreciation for, their own linguistic repertoires. Assessments are designed in ways that allow students to creatively draw on their own experiences to demonstrate their learning.
All UWS Languages modules are informed by the communicative methodology which focuses on the development of practical language skills. Core language classes focus on receptive and productive skills, together with the development of an understanding of the formal structures of the language studied. They are exposed to authentic materials in the target language in written and spoken form, including contact with speakers whose first language is English, both directly and through the full range of electronic media. As students progress, they are expected to be increasingly able to identify their own language learning needs and to work on these independently. All four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) are assessed both formatively and summatively in the core language modules. Across all levels, students engage with current socio-cultural, political and historical topics relating to the target cultures, thus enhancing their sense of being global citizens.
English is the most widely used language across the world and fluency immediately makes you more employable, providing you with a strong base for working in a range of national and international organisations.
This programme allows students to gain broad and deep knowledge of societal issues related to language as well as hands-on practical skills for the workplace. Upon completion, our students are highly competent multilinguals with a strong grasp on intercultural and international communication.
This degree demonstrates to employers that our graduates possess key language and transferable skills as well as critical understanding of the role of language in society, which prepares students well for the global, multilingual and multicultural employment market. After graduating, our students have continued their studies at postgraduate level in TESOL, Education, Social Sciences, Business and other related areas.
Local work placement opportunities can be organised through the School of Education and Social Sciences. Global Opportunities mobility exchanges for work or study abroad are also possible. The BA also offers an excellent pathway into the MEd TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) programme offered by our School.
£1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£15,500 per year of study
Ready to apply? All UK & EU Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS. Further information for international, part-time and exchange applications can be found below.
Apply on UCASAll UK and EU applicants for undergraduate study, not applying through an agent or partner, should apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
The on-time application deadline for 2025/26 entry is 29 January 2025, 18:00 (UK time). For some courses it may still be possible to apply beyond this period, subject to suitable vacancies remaining. The final deadline for late applications via UCAS is 30 June 2025. Beyond this deadline, you may be able to apply via ‘UCAS Clearing’ if the course you are interested in has remaining places.
Please refer to our Undergraduate Application Guide for domestic & EU/EEA to find more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS.
You can find out more about applying for this undergraduate course on UCAS.
Students from non-EU/non-EEA countries can apply directly to UWS via our dedicated online application system. The latest we can process your application is 6 weeks before the course start date to allow for visa processing times. For more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS please refer to our International Undergraduate Application Guide.
For part-time & online study, you should apply directly to the University through our online application system, not through UCAS. Please select the part-time mode of study when submitting your application. Before you begin your application, it is important to read the part-time application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
To come to UWS as a visiting student on a study abroad or exchange programme, you must apply entirely through our online system.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Get in touch. We are here to help!
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