The UK University Experience Course
The aim of this course is to give high school students an opportunity to improve their English language skills, gain insight into what studying at university is like, and how approaches to learning differ between school and university.
It also gives learners the chance to experience Welsh and British culture, in the beautiful setting of a seaside town located in mid Wales.
Overview
The UK University Experience Course immerses students in university life with seminars and practical workshops. It includes:
- 6 or more different academic departments
- Focussed academic English and study skills preparation for university
- British and Welsh culture classes and activities
- A lively, social activities programme and trips
The course is taught on the main Aberystwyth University campus, and students will have full access to all University facilities including 24-hour computer rooms and libraries, the University Arts Centre, Sports Centre and other University facilities. Also students can make use of the wonderful resources at the National Library of Wales, located just next door.
Who is the course for?
This course is for high school students who want to improve their English and experience a taste of university study in Britain.
| Age | 16-19 years old |
|---|---|
| Language Level | Minimum English requirement: CEFR B1/IELTS 4.5 - CEFR B2/IELTS 6.0 |
| Other | Group bookings only, with a minimum of 10 participants. Groups must be accompanied by a suitable staff member from their home school. Each participant must have written consent from their parents. |
What will I study?
You will have 20 hours tuition per week, from Monday to Friday. Each week you will typically spend 12 hours studying English, and 8 hours in different university departments. There are also organised trips with other international students, provided on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays, and evening social activities twice a week.
English Language and Study Skills classes will focus on improving your spoken and written communication, and developing vital skills students need at university. You will learn how to carry out small-scale research projects, participate actively in seminars, give formal presentations and develop your own "academic voice".
You will also take part in activities organised by 6 different departments in the university. Each department will provide you with a lively, interactive and fun introduction to their subject. It does not matter whether you have studied the subject before or not.
One day you might be writing computer code and programming a robot in the University's Robotics Lab, the next you might be exploring global poverty in the International Politics Department, or you may find yourself making your own movie in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television.
Depending on the group's needs and interests, your University Experience Course may include activities with the following departments:
- Art
- Life Sciences
- Computer Science
- Education
- English and Creative Writing
- Geography and Earth Sciences
- International Politics
- Law and Criminology
- Business
- Psychology
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Theatre, Film and Television Studies
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in our Halls of Residence, and students share a six or eight bedroom apartment or house with their classmates and group leaders. Every apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, and the University has a range of restaurants and cafeterias providing tasty and reasonably priced food.
Groups may also choose to purchase meal cards so that students can eat in the University cafeterias and restaurants without the need to carry cash.
Dates and Fees
- 2024 dates: 1 July - 12 July (accommodation: 29 June - 13 July)
- 2024 fees: contact tesol@aber.ac.uk
The high school or nominated group leader is responsible for ensuring all course participants have adequate travel insurance to cover their journey, possessions and any medical treatment necessary. There are many insurance policies designed especially for international students.
How to apply
Contact tesol@aber.ac.uk to register your interest.