English UK is the world’s leading language teaching association with more than 450 members all accredited by the British Council including private language schools, educational trusts and charities and language centers in further education colleges and universities. More than 600,000 students every year choose to learn English in the UK, an estimated 35% of all students who travel abroad to study English. What attracts them is the UK's reputation for excellent English language teaching, the worldwide recognition of British qualifications, and the opportunity to experience British culture alongside their language learning.

English UK is the national association of accredited English language centers. Formed in 2004 from two previous associations (the Association of Recognized English Language Services and the British Association of State English Language Teaching), we have around 450 member centres in private schools, educational trusts and charities, further education colleges and universities. All our members are accredited under the Accreditation UK scheme, which we manage in partnership with the British Council. British Council is the world's leading language teaching association. Since 2004 we have worked tirelessly to establish ourselves as the voice of the UK English language teaching sector and now work with a wide range of partners and stakeholders worldwide to represent the interests of the English language profession.

What do you want to study?

There are English language courses to suit all language needs and levels of skill. Here are some of the main types.

Where do you want to study?

There are different types of British Council accredited English language teaching centres and institutions all over the UK. Up to the age of 16, you will probably learn English in a language centre or independent school running summer courses. If you are over the age of 16, you have more choice. Accredited institutions include specialised language schools and colleges of further education and universities. Here are some of the options and the types of course you should expect.

General and Intensive English	Learn language skills for life in an English-speaking country. Courses help you improve your English in all areas of language: reading, writing, listening and speaking. A full-time course will usually require 15 to 25 hours lesson time per week.
Foundation	Prepare for a course at college or university (e.g. an undergraduate course). Foundation courses generally combine English for academic purposes with study of your chosen academic or professional subject. Passing a foundation course may be part of the requirement when applying for a university or college course.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP)	Learn language that helps you communicate effectively in work-related situations. Courses are tailored to a wide range of professions like law, medicine, nursing, administration, architecture, acting, call centre work, journalism and tourism management. They cater for almost every kind of workplace.
Business English	Learn English suitable for business or your chosen profession. Pick up language for meetings, presentations and other work-related environments. Schools belonging to Business English UK specialise in courses for professionals, use authentic materials, and commit themselves to the standards expected by executives. Courses are usually intensive.
Adult vacation	Learn a language while enjoying social, sports and cultural activities of your choice. For people aged 18+.
Young learner vacation	A variety of summer courses for students aged 8 to 17. Practise your English and improve your communication skills in an English-speaking environment. Courses may include social, sports and cultural experiences. You can make friends with people from all over the world.
English Plus	Prefer to be practising your English rather than learning it in a classroom? English Plus is English language learning... plus another skill or hobby. Pick up the language while pursuing another academic or vocational subject or leisure interest like art & design, business, tourism management, cooking, football or golf.
Home tuition	Learn English on a one-to-one tuition basis in the teacher's own home and as part of a family. Home tuition offers total immersion in the English language, and you develop language in a truly authentic context.
One-to-one	Individual tuition - one teacher, one student. This allows for a truly personalised programme, for as many days or weeks as you choose. One-to-one teaching can be combined with other courses so you can achieve your language aims and benefit from being part of a group.
Courses for teachers of English	Teacher development and courses leading to qualifications - from postgraduate certificate to doctorate level. Courses may include language and methodology, creative teaching techniques, contemporary culture and using multimedia in lessons. Return to the classroom with fresh ideas for students and yourself.
Work experience	Learn in the classroom, and then practise in a work placement or internship at a selected UK company. Work experience options offer the complete package: educational preparation, an internationally-recognised qualification and on-the-job experience.
Examination preparation	Courses with qualifications that are recognised worldwide. Learn exam techniques and tips for success and achieving high grades.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)	Prepare for success in further study (e.g. if you have applied to a university or college course). Improve your English in an academic context and learn independent study skills like note-taking, discussion, academic reading and writing, and research techniques.

Private language schools	Private language schools typically offer a range of different English language courses. Some may specialise in teaching young learners or business executives. Others have special expertise in English for Specific Purposes or English Plus courses. Language schools can often cater for all skill levels and provide full-time or part-time options. Short, long and summer programmes are usually available and you can often choose when to start your course.
Independent schools and tutorial colleges	Courses allow you to study a range of subjects, and all your activities involve using English. Some independent schools also offer special summer programmes.
Further education institutions	Full-time and part-time courses, for beginners to advanced. They also offer career-based training and academic courses in classes where many students speak English as their first language. Learning the language alongside another subject will sometimes be called English Plus.
Higher education institutions	Higher education institutions offer full-time and part-time courses. Your language skills should be intermediate or better. Many of these institutions specialise in teaching English for Academic Purposes and Foundation courses.

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Last Updated: 29 February 2012

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