This study programme is one of BBSI's most enduring business
English courses. It represents a challenging step up from general
English and is recognised as being demanding in respect of the
amount of output required by students, who are required to
collaborate in teams, produce work of a professional standard,
conduct research and demonstrate new English language skills to
others. Students who complete the course feel a real sense of
achievement, have improved confidence in themselves generally and
possess sound business English resources from which they can draw.
Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds, ie business
people and professionals seeking to develop their English language
and business skills; recent graduates looking towards careers that
require a sound level in business English; and high school
graduates preparing for business courses in British universities.
Course Outline:
Minimum English Entry
Level: IELTS 5.0 (Intermediate)
Course Duration:
4-12 weeks
Entry Dates:
The course is conducted year-round, and can be joined
on most Mondays throughout the year. The main entry dates,
however, coincide with the commencement of the 4 BBSI academic
terms annually, i.e. January, end March, end June, end September.
Lessons Weekly:
30 (each of 45 minutes' duration)
Minimum Age:
17 years
Course Structure & Content:
20 lessons weekly in Communication & Business Skills
10 lessons weekly in English Language (selected from
one of the following)
>preparation for the University of Cambridge FCE
>preparation for the University of Cambridge CAE
>preparation for the University of Cambridge BEC
>English Language Workshop (ELW)
Awards:
BBSI Certificate in Communication & Business Skills
(continuous assessment)
NCFE Certificate in Communication & Business Skills
(full 12-week course only; continuous assessment)
Optional Examinations+:
University of Cambridge FCE
University of Cambridge CAE
University of Cambridge BEC
Course Objectives.
The course is conducted around a busy social and activity
programme. The training objectives are to:
- develop English-language communication skills in a
business & professional context
- provide a foundation in business knowledge
- provide a practical programme relevant to the modern
working environment
- build confidence & enable effective communication in an
international environment
- prepare participants for one of a range of English and
business english examinations
- provide participants with the opportunity to obtain one of
a range of English and business English qualifications
On completion of the course, participants will have enhanced
their knowledge of international business and have developed their
ability to use English language effectively in a professional,
business and social context. In addition, students will have
developed an extensive range of appropriate language skills, as
well as having produced a very useful portfolio of assignments,
commercial correspondence and written work.
Course Content
English Language
Elements. English language is taught in
context to support the study of business skills and their
related topics: tenses and sentence structure, vocabulary
building, levels of formality in spoken and written English,
skills development and practice, study skills, pronunciation
and spelling. The aim is to develop and practise professional
English language communication skills in a business context.
Skills.
The language skills covered include:
- oral communication
- presentation/PowerPoint TM
- business correspondence
- telephoning
- negotiating
- reporting
- meetings/debating
Business Topics.
The business topics covered include:
- finance & banking facilities
- international trade, law & Incoterms
- market research & advertising
- customer services
- branding
- travel
- organisation structure
- cultural awareness
- recruitment
- quality
- business ethics
- leadership
- innovation
† University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
FCE (First Certificate in English)
FCE is an Upper-Intermediate level examination that indicates
sufficient proficiency in English to be of practical use in
clerical, secretarial and managerial jobs for example, or in the
tourist industry, where contact with English speakers is
required. FCE is also useful preparation for students working
towards higher-level examinations, such as the CAE.
CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)
CAE is the second-highest level of Cambridge ESOL examination
and is ideal for those who want to work or study abroad. A CAE
certificate demonstrates language skills in a wide range of
contexts. The examination is based on realistic tasks, and
indicates the ability to use the language in practical
situations, such as meetings and discussions.
BEC (Business English Certificate)
There are 3 levels of BEC examination: the BEC Preliminary, BEC
Vantage and BEC Higher. All 3 examinations are ideal for
students preparing for careers in the fields of international
business and commerce, where a good knowledge of English is
required to function effectively. BEC certificates are
internationally recognised and demonstrate that the holder has
acquired an appropriate standard of English in a professional
context.
‡ English Language Workshop
The English Language Workshop is designed to provide general
language support for those students who are studying a
specialised course and who do not intend to prepare for a
specific English language examination. The content of the
Workshop includes extensive skills practice in professional
areas of the language, which is useful for those who need to
improve their ability to communicate effectively with others in
a professional international environment, or who later decide to
acquire a professional qualification.
