English Preparatory Year
English Preparatory Year — Beginner
Beginner · CEFR A1–A2 entry · 1 Year · 30 US Credits / 60 ECTS · Full-Time
Beginner · CEFR A1–A2 entry · 1 Year · 30 US Credits / 60 ECTS · Full-Time
The Beginner level is a one-year, full-time programme for students aged 17 and above who are starting from a basic level of English (CEFR A1–A2). In Semester 1 you build the foundations: grammar and vocabulary, listening and speaking, reading and writing, pronunciation and study skills. In Semester 2 you move into academic English: longer texts, seminars and presentations, essays and the English of business and technology.
The programme has 10 modules worth 30 US credits / 60 ECTS in total, studied over two semesters of 16 weeks (each with 14 teaching weeks, midterm assessments worth one week (spread across the teaching period) and a final exam week), 28 teaching weeks in all. Classes are taught in person on our Brussels campus by native English-speaking instructors, in groups of at most 12 students, and combine daily seminars, interactive workshops, language-lab practice and cultural activities that help you settle into student life in Belgium.
A placement test at application places you at Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced, so you study only what you need. This level suits: students starting from a basic level of English who want a full year to reach the level needed for an English-taught programme.
Classes of at most 12 students, taught in person on our Brussels campus by experienced native English-speaking instructors.
Seminars, lectures, academic reading and writing, presentations and the English of business and technology prepare you for an English-taught programme.
Finish with an external English test (such as IELTS, TOEFL or the Duolingo English Test) and continue to BCBT’s Level 3 Foundation or Level 4–6 qualifications, or to another English-taught programme.
Grammar and Vocabulary Foundations, Listening and Speaking I, Reading and Writing I, Pronunciation and Fluency Lab, Study Skills and Digital Literacy (15 US credits / 30 ECTS).
Grammar in Context, Listening and Speaking II: Seminars and Discussions, Academic Reading, Academic Writing I: Paragraphs to Essays, English for Business and Technology (15 US credits / 30 ECTS).
Full module-by-module detail is in the Curricula tab.
The English Preparatory School welcomes motivated students aged 17 and above who want to reach the English level needed for an English-taught qualification.
Every module is assessed continuously: weekly class tasks and a learning portfolio, a midterm progress check during the teaching weeks and an end-of-module assessment in the final exam week, with speaking assessments in the speaking modules. Results are reported as Pass, Merit or Distinction, together with the CEFR level reached in reading, writing, listening and speaking. At the end of the programme you receive the BCBT English Preparatory School Certificate, and you sit an external English test (such as IELTS, TOEFL or the Duolingo English Test) to confirm that you meet the English requirement of your next programme.
All English Preparatory School students are supported by: a Personal Tutor who reviews your progress and goals; language-lab access; Study Skills Support; Library and Digital Library access; guidance on choosing and applying for your next programme; IT Support; Disability Support Services; and Mental Health and Wellbeing Services.
Complete and submit the online application form, attaching your passport copy and any English test result you already have.
Take the placement test. The BCBT Admissions Office confirms your level (Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced) and contacts you within 10 working days with an offer or a request for further information.
Accept your offer and pay the enrolment deposit to secure your place. You will receive a formal Enrolment Certificate by email.
Complete your registration at the BCBT campus before the start of the programme.
| Code | Name | Category | Credits (US / ECTS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPY101 | Grammar and Vocabulary Foundations | Core | 4 US / 8 ECTS |
| EPY102 | Listening and Speaking I | Core | 3 US / 6 ECTS |
| EPY103 | Reading and Writing I | Core | 3 US / 6 ECTS |
| EPY104 | Pronunciation and Fluency Lab | Core | 2 US / 4 ECTS |
| EPY105 | Study Skills and Digital Literacy | Core | 3 US / 6 ECTS |
Semester 1: 5 modules, 15 US credits / 30 ECTS.
| Code | Name | Category | Credits (US / ECTS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPY201 | Grammar in Context | Core | 3 US / 6 ECTS |
| EPY202 | Listening and Speaking II: Seminars and Discussions | Core | 3 US / 6 ECTS |
| EPY203 | Academic Reading | Core | 3 US / 6 ECTS |
| EPY204 | Academic Writing I: Paragraphs to Essays | Core | 3 US / 6 ECTS |
| EPY205 | English for Business and Technology | Core | 3 US / 6 ECTS |
Semester 2: 5 modules, 15 US credits / 30 ECTS.
Continue to BCBT’s Level 3 Foundation or Level 4–6 qualifications once you meet their English requirement.
Qualifications