English Language
Preparation
We can't wait to meet you!
To fully immerse yourself in the vibrant experiences awaiting you in the UK, embrace the excitement of reading, writing, and speaking impeccable English—aim for a GCSE grade C or its equivalent standard.
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Undergraduate study guide for parents and supporters
Everything you need to know about your child starting university.
Photo by Joey Pilgrim on Unsplash
We understand it can be daunting when your child is preparing to go to university. It’s likely to be the first time your son or daughter is living away from home, so it’s natural to feel worried. We can reassure you that your child is in safe hands here at UWE Bristol.
To study at UWE Bristol, you will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency unless you are from the list of a few exempted countries.
Alternatively, a degree earned here in the UK – or in a majority English speaking country – will qualify you.
Some courses have more specific higher language requirements, so make sure you also check the requirements for the course you want to apply.
UWE Bristol English Language Test for students in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region
For students who need to meet the English language requirements of their offer at UWE Bristol, we are pleased to offer the UWE Bristol English language test (ELT).
About the Test
UWE Bristol's English Language test (ELT) uses the same system and format as the IELTS Academic test, testing all four components; listening, reading, writing and speaking. You will be awarded scores for each component, as well as an overall score. You will have 3 hours 20 minutes to complete the test, but you can submit your test early if you finish before the allocated time. You will not be permitted to take any breaks during the test. We recommend allowing:
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English Language
Preparation
Ready to study with us?
We can't wait to meet you!
To study at UWE Bristol, you will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency unless you are from the list of a few exempted countries.
Alternatively, a degree earned here in the UK – or in a majority English speaking country – will qualify you.
Some courses have more specific higher language requirements, so make sure you also check the requirements for the course you want to apply.
For students who need to meet the English language requirements of their offer at UWE Bristol, we are pleased to offer the UWE Bristol English language test (ELT).
About the Test
UWE Bristol's English Language test (ELT) uses the same system and format as the IELTS Academic test, testing all four components; listening, reading, writing and speaking. You will be awarded scores for each component, as well as an overall score. You will have 3 hours 20 minutes to complete the test, but you can submit your test early if you finish before the allocated time. You will not be permitted to take any breaks during the test. We recommend allowing:
Eligibility - Students need to hold a conditional offer to study at UWE Bristol.
Our online EPT is fully accepted in place of IELTS and other English examination awards and is fully recognized by UKVI and UWE. This means that you can use your test results (providing you reach the scores required) for entry onto the majority of courses at UWE Bristol but these cannot be used for applications to other universities.
The English Placement Test is now open for resits. If you’ve taken our free UWE Online EPT before but didn’t quite manage to get the required score to fulfill your English language requirement, don’t worry! You now have the chance to take the test again, giving you the opportunity to pass and successfully go on to your studies in the UK at UWE, Bristol.
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
Listening
40 minutes
Reading
90 minutes
Writing
60 minutes
Speaking
The speaking component, if you are eligible, will take 10 minutes and will be held online with a member of our English Language team.
Eligibility - Students need to hold a conditional offer to study at UWE Bristol.
Our online EPT is fully accepted in place of IELTS and other English examination awards and is fully recognized by UKVI and UWE. This means that you can use your test results (providing you reach the scores required) for entry onto the majority of courses at UWE Bristol but these cannot be used for applications to other universities.
The English Placement Test is now open for resits. If you’ve taken our free UWE Online EPT before but didn’t quite manage to get the required score to fulfill your English language requirement, don’t worry! You now have the chance to take the test again, giving you the opportunity to pass and successfully go on to your studies in the UK at UWE, Bristol.
Listening test
Duration: 30 - 40 minutes
Format: 40 questions • 4 sections
Part ONE:
You’ll hear a conversation between two people.
(someone making an appointment or booking something)
Part TWO:
One person speaking about a generic topic.
(e.g. someone describing a library’s layout)
Part THREE:
A discussion between 2-3 people about an academic topic.
(an assignment or paper)
Part FOUR:
A lecturer speaking about an academic topic.
The difficulty level of the test increases progressively,
with Part FOUR being the most challenging component.
How to prepare for the listening test?
Look at past papers and understand what’s required of you. Download the IELTS Prep App or visit the Road to IELTS site.
Visit credible websites to practice.
Listen to audio and watch TV! Watch TED Talks, watch your favourite TV shows and movies, listen to podcasts.
Familiarise yourself with a range of about the keywords. Read the instructions and questions carefully before you listen to the audio. Underline key words and try to predict the content of the audio.
Beware of "distractors". This is when a speaker says one thing and then changes their mind later on. (E.g. Let’s meet at 5PM. Actually, I have a meeting then, let’s do 6PM)
TIP
The answers are all in order. If you think you’ve missed an answer then just move on.
Reading test
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: 40 questions • 3 sections • 3 x 700-800 word texts to read
How to prepare for the reading test?
Understand the test.
Read extensively. Take time to read things you enjoy. It will improve your vocabulary and reading speed.
Develop your reading skills: skimming, scanning, reading for detail.
The reading test tests your knowledge of vocabulary. Before you start reading, read the instructions and questions carefully and highlight important words.
Try to predict what words might be used instead of the keywords you’ve highlighted, think of how the question has been paraphrased from information in the text.
Fill out the answer sheet as you go.
TIPS
PREVIEWING
Looking at things like the heading and layout of a text to get an idea of what the text is about before starting to read.
for the Reading test
SCANNING
TO FIND KEY INFORMATION
Reading a text quite quickly, but we use this reading skill when we want to find a particular fact.
SKIMMING
FOR MAIN IDEAS
Moving your eyes quickly down the page to find specific words or phrases. This is often used to look for names or numbers.
GUESSING
WORDS FROM CONTEXT
Working out the meaning of a word by using the surrounding language and your knowledge of the world.
INTENSIVE
READING
Careful study of a text or part of a text. We do this when all the content is important.
PREDICTING
CONTENT AND STRUCTURE
Using your knowledge of the topic to guess what the text is going to be about.
Tasks in the Reading test
» Matching Headings - choose which heading best matches a paragraph.
» Matching Information - find which paragraph contains some specific information.
» Matching Sentence Endings - choose the best ending to the first half of a sentence.
» Summary, note-taking, flow chart completion - complete a text, notes or table with information from the text.
» Diagram Labelling - fill in the gaps in a diagram.
» Multiple Choice - choose the best answer.
» Short Answers - answer questions about a text.
» Sentence Completion - use a limited number of words to complete a text.
» Identifying the writer’s claims or views - decide whether information is true/ false or not given.
Writing test
Duration: 60 minutes
Format: 1 question • 1 section
• Essay style question – minimum 250 words
TYPE of essay questions:
Advantages vs disadvantages | Opinion | Problem/solution | Double question | Cause and effect
PLANNING your essay:
AVOID these common writing mistakes:
» Writing too informally.
» Not signposting language.
» Not paraphrasing the question.
» Not using a range of
grammar and vocabulary.
» Not using paragraph.
Introduction
Here is what the easy is about. Here is what I think about the question and my main ideas.
Main Body
Here are my main ideas. This is how they answer the question. Here are some examples to support my main points.
Conclusions
Here’s a summary of the things I just talked about.
Speaking test
Duration: 10 - 12 minutes
Format: 3 sections
You'll be invited to attend a UWE speaking exam if you’ve scored nothing lower than a 5.5 on the listening, reading and writing components. They usually happen a few days after the written test.
FORMAT of the test
Examiner will:
ONE: Begin by asking you questions about yourself.
(e.g. hometown, hobbies, travel experiences, family)
TWO: Give you a prompt card and some time to prepare what you’re going to say. You then have 2 minutes to speak.
THREE: Proceed to ask you some follow-up questions about part TWO.
How to prepare for the speaking test?
Have a broad understanding of common topics.
These include topics like hobbies, hometown, travel, family, work/study, health & fitness, etc.
Look up past questions and practice recording yourself. You can even use AI software to generate example IELTS questions for you to answer. Listen back to the recording and work out where you could improve.
This isn’t a truth test! If you can’t think of anything to say, just try to imagine what a friend/family member might say.
Never give one-word answers unless prompted to.
UWEIES's
Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSE)
available online only for Asia Pacific students
Need to top up your English? No problem.
Pre-sessional English courses are a great way to gain both language skills and cultural understanding to help you really make the most of your time at UWE Bristol.
Upcoming INTAKES
What can you expect from the UWEIES’s Pre-Sessional English (PSE) Programme?
» Learn the skills required to succeed in your studies in the UK.
» Learn how to write academic texts, read and synthesise information, listen to lectures, and so much more.
» Our English tutors will also give you lots of IELTS test preparation and practice which will help to boost your English scores.
» Learn about British culture and what it’s like to live in one of England’s major cities - Bristol.
Why should you join PSE course by UWEIES team?
The PSE course has been designed by English language professionals who have a range of experience working and teaching in Asia.
Over the last 6 years, we have taught thousands of students from over 20 regions across Asia-Pacific giving them the opportunity to improve their English, develop their study skills, and fully prepare themselves for life and study in the UK.
Because of coronavirus, we were not able to take the offline course, but the online course gave us a new experience. Every teacher in the course gave us a lot of help in terms of improving our English level. Although thousands of miles away, we can feel your enthusiasm and charm through the screen.
Thanks again to you all!
Mingwei Yan
The two months of language lessons as a whole were impeccable. I got to know a lot of classmates and my teacher really well and was able to communicate with them. Through the daily practice of listening, reading, writing and speaking, my English level has been greatly improved!
Sun Sining
I think this course has enriched my daily life and made me realise that English can also be so interesting. I will apply the English I learned on the course to my life in the future. On the course, I met friends from all over the world and they were all very friendly. I believe that I will meet more friends when going to study at UWE.
Jiaying Zhang (Nancy)
Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSE)
that will gain you both - language skills & cultural understanding
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
UWE Bristol English Language Test for students in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region
Listening
40 minutes
Reading
90 minutes
Writing
60 minutes
Speaking
The speaking component, if you are eligible, will take 10 minutes and will be held online with a member of our English Language team.
Listening test
Duration: 30 - 40 minutes
Format: 40 questions • 4 sections
The difficulty level of the test increases progressively, with Part FOUR being the most challenging component.
Part ONE:
You’ll hear a conversation between two people. (someone making an appointment or booking something)
Part TWO:
One person speaking about a generic topic.
(e.g. someone describing a library’s layout)
Part THREE:
A discussion between 2-3 people about an academic topic. (an assignment or paper)
Part FOUR:
A lecturer speaking about an academic topic.
How to prepare for the listening test?
Look at past papers and understand what’s required of you. Download the IELTS Prep App or visit the Road to IELTS site.
Visit credible websites to practice.
Listen to audio and watch TV! Watch TED Talks, watch your favourite TV shows and movies, listen to podcasts.
Familiarise yourself with a range of about the keywords. Read the instructions and questions carefully before you listen to the audio. Underline key words and try to predict the content of the audio.
Beware of "distractors". This is when a speaker says one thing and then changes their mind later on. (E.g. Let’s meet at 5PM. Actually, I have a meeting then, let’s do 6PM)
The answers are all in order. If you think you’ve missed an answer then just move on.
TIP
Reading test
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: 40 questions • 3 sections •
3 x 700-800 word texts to read
How to prepare for the reading test?
Understand the test.
Develop your reading skills: skimming, scanning, reading for detail.
Read extensively. Take time to read things you enjoy. It will improve your vocabulary and reading speed.
The reading test tests your knowledge of vocabulary. Before you start reading, read the instructions and questions carefully and highlight important words.
Try to predict what words might be used instead of the keywords you’ve highlighted, think of how the question has been paraphrased from information in the text.
Fill out the answer sheet as you go.
TIPS
for the Reading test
PREVIEWING
Looking at things like the heading and layout of a text to get an idea of what the text is about before starting to read.
SKIMMING
FOR MAIN IDEAS
Moving your eyes quickly down the page to find specific words or phrases. This is often used to look for names or numbers.
PREDICTING
CONTENT AND STRUCTURE
Using your knowledge of the topic to guess what the text is going to be about.
INTENSIVE
READING
Careful study of a text or part of a text. We do this when all the content is important.
SCANNING
TO FIND KEY INFORMATION
Reading a text quite quickly, but we use this reading skill when we want to find a particular fact.
GUESSING
WORDS FROM CONTEXT
Working out the meaning of a word by using the surrounding language and your knowledge of the world.
Tasks in the Reading test
» Matching Headings
choose which heading best matches a paragraph.
» Matching Information
find which paragraph contains some specific information.
» Summary, note-taking, flow chart completion
complete a text, notes or table with information from the text.
» Matching Sentence Endings
choose the best ending to the first half of a sentence.
» Diagram Labelling
fill in the gaps in a diagram.
» Multiple Choice
choose the best answer.
» Short Answers
answer questions about a text.
» Sentence Completion
use a limited number of words to complete a text.
» Identifying the writer’s claims or views
decide whether information is true/ false or not given.
Writing test
Duration: 60 minutes
Format: 1 question • 1 section •
Essay style question – minimum 250 words
TYPE of essay questions:
Advantages vs disadvantages | Opinion | Problem/solution | Double question | Cause and effect
PLANNING your essay:
Introduction
Here is what the easy is about. Here is what I think about the question and my main ideas.
Main Body
Here are my main ideas. This is how they answer the question. Here are some examples to support my main points. .
Conclusions
Here’s a summary of the things
I just talked about.
AVOID these common writing mistakes:
» Writing too informally.
» Not signposting language.
» Not paraphrasing the question.
» Not using a range of grammar & vocabulary.
» Not using paragraph.
Duration: 10 - 12 minutes
Format: 3 sections
Speaking test
FORMAT of the test
Examiner will:
ONE: Begin by asking you questions about yourself. (e.g. hometown, hobbies, travel experiences, family)
TWO: Give you a prompt card and some time to prepare what you’re going to say. You then have 2 minutes to speak.
THREE: Proceed to ask you some follow-up questions about part TWO.
You'll be invited to attend a UWE speaking exam if you’ve scored nothing lower than a 5.5 on the listening, reading and writing components. They usually happen a few days after the written test.
How to prepare for the speaking test?
Have a broad understanding of common topics. These include topics like hobbies, hometown, travel, family, work/study, health & fitness, etc.
Look up past questions and practice recording yourself. You can even use AI software to generate example IELTS questions for you to answer. Listen back to the recording and work out where you could improve.
This isn’t a truth test! If you can’t think of anything to say, just try to imagine what a friend/family member might say.
Never give one-word answers unless prompted to.
Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSE)
Need to top up your English?
No problem.
Pre-sessional English courses are a great way to gain both language skills and cultural understanding to help you really make the most of your time at UWE Bristol.
UWEIES's
available online only for Asia Pacific students
UPCOMING INTAKES
What can you expect from the UWEIES’s Pre-Sessional English (PSE) Programme?
» Learn the skills required to succeed in your studies in the UK.
» Learn how to write academic texts, read and synthesise information, listen to lectures, and so much more.
» Our English tutors will also give you lots of IELTS test preparation and practice which will help to boost your English scores.
» Learn about British culture and what it’s like to live in one of England’s major cities - Bristol.
Why should you join
PSE course by UWEIES team?
The PSE course has been designed by English language professionals who have a range of experience working and teaching in Asia.
Over the last 6 years, we have taught thousands of students from over 20 regions across Asia-Pacific giving them the opportunity to improve their English, develop their study skills, and fully prepare themselves for life and study in the UK.
Because of coronavirus, we were not able to take the offline course, but the online course gave us a new experience. Every teacher in the course gave us a lot of help in terms of improving our English level. Although thousands of miles away, we can feel your enthusiasm and charm through the screen.
Thanks again to you all!
Mingwei Yan
The two months of language lessons as a whole were impeccable. I got to know a lot of classmates and my teacher really well and was able to communicate with them. Through the daily practice of listening, reading, writing and speaking, my English level has been greatly improved!
Sun Sining
I think this course has enriched my daily life and made me realise that English can also be so interesting. I will apply the English I learned on the course to my life in the future. On the course, I met friends from all over the world and they were all very friendly. I believe that I will meet more friends when going to study at UWE.
Jiaying Zhang (Nancy)
Follow Us
Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSE)
that will gain you both - language skills & cultural understanding
If you managed to pass our test, Congratulations!
If you didn't pass, no need to fret – there are still plenty of exciting options available to you!
attempt the English Placement Test again for £50 per attempt
Retake
prepares you for the test and comes with one FREE retake of the English Placement Test for £100 per participant
EPT+ Workshop
will gain you both - language skills & cultural understanding for a fee and retake the English Placement Test again for FREE.
PSE
Retake
You now have a fantastic opportunity to retake the test for just £50 per attempt. Ready for the challenge? Go ahead and give it a go!
Get ready for success with EPT+, a dynamic and concise course crafted to get you fully prepared for the English Placement Test (EPT).
EPT+ Workshop
Tailored for those new to IELTS or returning after a break, EPT+ sessions offer a refreshing approach. Unlike the more extensive and intensive Pre-Sessional English (PSE) course, EPT+ is all about providing essential information and highlighting the skills needed to conquer specific tasks in the English Placement Test (EPT).
3 reasons to join
EPT+ workshop:
You will get a practice pack to take away.
You will get "a chance to retake the English Placement Test for FREE" for anyone who attends EPT+ workshops.
Tutors will provide mock test tasks for homework and provide written feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Who will teach the lessons?
Members of our English language team.
2. What platform will our lessons be hosted on?
Zoom or any other suitable online platform.
3. How will the classes help me with the English exam?
We will show you the format and different task types included so you will understand how to approach the test and get the best scores you can.
4. Will we be given a mock test?
We can provide sample tasks at the end of the 2-day course for you to practice with.
5. What if I can't attend after booking?
You can join a later course, but you do need to give notice.
6. Will I be expected to prepare anything for the course?
No, but you should prepare to engage in the session as we'd like to make them as interactive as possible. We will expect you to answer questions and share thoughts with other students.
7. Will I have access to the lesson slides after the course ends?
No, but we will provide a practice pack and a summary of the materials we've used.
* By providing your email address and mobile number you are confirming you are giving us permission to respond to your enquiry via email or call. The University of the West of England would also like to contact you with information about our courses, facilities and events we are holding for prospective students. We may also ask for your opinion through surveys, and we will use your responses to improve our communications with you and other students and parents. Please note, this will overwrite any previous communication preferences you may have already specified to us. We will process your information in accordance with our data policy.
MSc Building Information Modelling
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Business & Management (Top-up)
If you managed to pass our test, congratulations!
If you didn't pass, no need to fret – there are still plenty of exciting options available to you!
attempt the English Placement Test again for £50 per attempt
Retake
EPT+ Workshop
prepares you for the test and comes with one FREE retake of the English Placement Test for £100 per participant
PSE
will gain you both - language skills & cultural understanding for a fee and retake the English Placement Test again for FREE
Retake
You now have a fantastic opportunity to retake the test for just £50 per attempt. Ready for the challenge?
Go ahead and give it a go!
EPT+ Workshop
Get ready for success with EPT+, a dynamic and concise course crafted to get you fully prepared for the English Placement Test (EPT).
Tailored for those new to IELTS or returning after a break, EPT+ sessions offer a refreshing approach. Unlike the more extensive and intensive Pre-Sessional English (PSE) course, EPT+ is all about providing essential information and highlighting the skills needed to conquer specific tasks in the English Placement Test (EPT).
3 reasons to join
EPT+ workshop:
You will get a practice pack to take away.
You will get "a chance to retake
the English Placement Test for FREE" for anyone who attends EPT+ workshops.
Tutors will provide mock test tasks for homework and provide written feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Who will teach the lessons?
Members of our English language team.
2. What platform will our lessons be hosted on?
Zoom or any other available digital platforms.
3. How will the classes help me with the English exam?
We will show you the format and different task types included so you will understand how to approach the test and get the best scores you can.
4. Will we be given a mock test?
We can provide sample tasks at the end of the 2-day course for you to practice with.
5. What if I can't attend after booking?
You can join a later course, but you do need to give notice.
6. Will I be expected to prepare anything for the course?
No, but you should prepare to engage in the session as we'd like to make them as interactive as possible. We will expect you to answer questions and share thoughts with other students.
7. Will I have access to the lesson slides after the course ends?
No, but we will provide a practice pack and a summary of the materials we've used.
* By providing your email address and mobile number you are confirming you are giving us permission to respond to your enquiry via email or call. The University of the West of England would also like to contact you with information about our courses, facilities and events we are holding for prospective students. We may also ask for your opinion through surveys, and we will use your responses to improve our communications with you and other students and parents. Please note, this will overwrite any previous communication preferences you may have already specified to us. We will process your information in accordance with our data policy.
MSc Building Information Modelling
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Business & Management (Top-up)
begins at 2 PM Indochina Time (ICT)
A minimum of 10 participants are required to commence the session.
A minimum of 10 participants are
required to commence the session.
Registrations for the EPT+ Workshop this season have closed. We'll reopen registrations next season. Your enthusiasm means the world to us—thank you for your interest!
Registrations for the EPT+ Workshop this season have closed. We'll reopen registrations next season. Your enthusiasm means the world to us—thank you for your interest!