If you are a 'gap year' student waiting to go to university, a 'pre-masters' student preparing for futher study, or you just want to develop your English skills - this is the best choice for you.

We offer this course during the academic year - September-December; January-May and as a compact short 6 week course May-June.

This stimulating alternative to the traditional English Language course plays to the strengths of St. Clare's. Our experienced language teachers combine with academic subject specialists to create a flexible and challenging programme. The components are:

The English Language component

You follow a rigorous, intellectually-engaging programme in preparation for an externally-validated English examination:

CAE - Certificate in Advanced English

CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English

IELTS - International English Language Testing System

See below for more detailed information.

The Academic Subject component

You select three subjects, each for two or three hours per week, to suit your interests and needs for the future. See below for more detailed information.

Study skills practice

You develop listening and note-taking skills by attending the St. Clare's Seminar Series at Blackfriars Hall, part of the University of Oxford, during the Autumn and Spring semesters (past themes include Creation & Inspiration and Diversity & Culture).

Careers guidance

You plan your future with the help of our Careers & Higher Education Adviser.

Entry requirements

You need to be age 17+
You need to have a level of English equivalent to Upper Intermediate (IELTS 5.5, FCE or CEF B2).
Before you are admitted to the course, the Director of Studies will check your level of English with a written test and a short telephone interview.

The English Language component

This programme consists of 10 hours per week in small groups (maximum 12). Classes explore contemporary topics such as Youth Cuture, Travel & Tourism, City Life or Country Living, Fairtrade & Charities, Crime & Punishment through the medium of English.

Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and stimuli (television documentaries study visits, newspaper articles, internet searches as appropriate) and focus on the more advanced skills of register, collocation and idiomatic usage. Every opportunity is taken to develop the academic study skills you require for study at university.

You are assessed internally and externally:

external examinations (CAE / CPE / IELTS) provide a focus for the end of the course.

internal assessments include formal and informal writing activities, an extended essay based on your own research and an oral presentation;

The Academic Subjects component

These subjects are taught at university level together with English native-speakers, usually students from the USA on study abroad programmes. Tuition is provided by subject specialists who bring the benefits of the latest research in their own areas of expertise.

This programme consists of three academic subjects selected from the following areas:
• Art History • Economics • Business Studies • Politics	• English Literature • European History • Philosophy • Pyschology • Religion	• Chinese or Russian for beginners • Natural Sciences • Studio Art • Mathematics

The programme requires background reading and research and is assessed through course work, extended essay and examination.

Sample timetable
Lesson 1	Language development Video 'The true costs of cheap food'	English teacher
Lesson 2	Discussion and debate
Lunch	Take lunch and mingle with friends in the college dining room
Lesson 3	Academic subject choice Philosophy 'The Scientific Method'	Subject teacher
Self-study	Consolidation activities
Activities	Join in the programme of regular events