York St John University

English for Personal Development Programme

The English for Personal Development (EPD) Programme is designed for students who wish to improve their language skills for social, academic and professional purposes. There are no upper age limits to join our courses, but students are expected to be at least 18 years old.

Course information

We offer fantastic teaching facilities, including an excellent Language Support Centre, where a qualified teacher will give you individual attention after normal class time, to assist you in meeting your personal study goals.

The course is accredited by the British Council, guaranteeing you a high standard of teaching, study facilities and accommodation. The University also offers IT suites, gym facilities and a dining area on campus.

  • Age limit: Normally 18+
  • Class size: normally 10-12 students (maximum 14 students per class)

Course content

Core Modules (Mornings)

When you arrive at York St John International you will receive a full induction into the programme. Included in this will be a Placement Test to decide which level you will study, ranging from Pre Intermediate to Upper Intermediate (Elementary to Advanced during the Summer Term).

In the morning class you will work with a course book (included with the fee). You will have the opportunity to study all the following:

  • Grammar
  • Listening
  • Vocabulary
  • Speaking and Pronunciation
  • Reading
  • Writing

Your tutors will adapt the content of the course to suit the needs of the class and you will also have regular one to one tutorials with your tutor to discuss your progress.

Target Modules (Afternoons)

In the afternoons student will have a choice of 2 target modules to choose from. These are:

Integrated Skills

  • All four language skills; speaking, listening, reading and writing, are practiced using a variety of activities, including group work and individual research both leading to presentations, and many other lively activities

Exmination Preparation

  • IELTS test preparation
  • Please note: Examination fees are in addition to tuition fees

Course timetable

Tuition hours: 22 per week (plus optional self-access work in our Language Support Centre), with breaks for coffee and lunch as follows:

Monday-Friday

09.00 – 10.30

11.00 – 12.30

13.30 – 14.30

14.45 – 15.30 (Monday – Thursday, classes finish at 12.30 on Fridays)

Study Dates

You can either:

  • Study for less than a term and choose the duration you wish to study (this must be a minimum of 4 weeks).  This costs £250 per week.

OR,

  • Study for a term or more than 11 consecutive weeks and get a discounted rate of £230 per week. Please see the tables below for fees and entry dates.