Course description
Our Pathway to English Language and Academic Skills course is available to study at different levels, according to your ability.
Pathway 3 is suitable if you want to improve your English language in order to progress on to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course and you want to finish by the end of September.
You can study for a minimum of 5 weeks up to a maximum of 40 weeks.
The course offers a combination of core modules and target modules, split into morning and afternoon sessions.
You will learn through:
- interactive, student-centred tutor-led sessions which take place in dedicated teaching rooms on the University campus
- guided individual study tasks which you complete by yourself outside class times
- group and individual tutorials where you can discuss your work with your tutor
Morning sessions cover core English Language & Skills and focus on listening, reading, writing, vocabulary and speaking, including pronunciation. You will use an appropriate course book for these sessions, as well as accessing University resources for further skills practice.
Afternoon sessions allow you to study target modules which complement your morning classes. In the afternoons, you will participate in a range of activities to further develop your communication and academic skills.
Modules include:
- Themes
- British Culture and Communication
- Grammar for Writing
- Pronunciation for Presentations
- Manchester People and Places
- Manchester Ideas and Innovations
- IELTS preparation (Term 3 only)
Sample timetable
| Class time (UK time) | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.30am – 11am |
English Language & Skills |
English Language & Skills |
Independent Study |
English Language & Skills |
English Language & Skills |
| 11.30am – 1pm |
English Language & Skills |
English Language & Skills |
Group & individual tutorials (11am - 1pm) |
English Language & Skills |
English Language & Skills |
| 2pm – 3pm | Target module | Target module | Target module | Target module | Individual study |
| Any time | Individual Study | Individual Study | Individual Study | Individual Study |
*This is a sample timetable only and times may be subject to change.
Assessment
Terms 1 to 3:
Formative assessment will take place in week 5 of the course
Summative assessment will take place in week 10 of the course
* If you wish to progress on to a 10-week summer Pre-sessional English course, you will need to submit an IELTS SELT test no later than 13 April 2026. Please note The University of Manchester IELTS centre does not offer the IELTS SELT option.
Upon completion of the course, you will receive a full report indicating your English language level according to UCAE bands and a certificate of attendance.
There will be a maximum of 18 students in your class.