University of Birmingham

English for International Students Unit

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English for International Students Unit

The English for International Students Unit (EISU) has an excellent reputation for the quality of its courses and offers you a friendly, welcoming and supportive study environment. EISU staff have high academic qualifications and extensive teaching experience.

EISU runs Presessional, Foundation and Insessional English programmes as shown below:


Presessional Courses 2011 Brochure

Successful completion of the Presessional course components will allow you to progress onto your academic programme without having to retake IELTS. These courses help you to improve your academic English before you begin your academic studies and include longer year round courses, intensive courses running from May to September and Business Management English programmes for postgraduate students about to enter the Business School. Find out more:

Business Management English (BME) Presessional

English & Academic Skills (EAS) Presessional

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Presessional


International Foundation Programme

From Autumn 2012, the former International Foundation Programme will be replaced by the  ‘Birmingham Foundation Academy’.  Further information about this Academy will be available online from the end of February 2012. 


Insessional Courses

Once you are on your undergraduate or postgraduate academic programme at the University of Birmingham, you can attend our free term-time courses  and receive individual language support.

In addition, if you are an undergraduate student, you can study our module in International Communication and Cross-Cultural Awareness as part of the Personal Skills Award.


EISU courses are run from two locations

For a virtual tour of the University and the city, click here

For information about academic courses at the University, click here