English Preparatory Year
English Preparatory Year — Intermediate
Intermediate · CEFR B1 entry · 1 Semester + Intensive Block · 22 US Credits / 45 ECTS · Full-Time
Intermediate · CEFR B1 entry · 1 Semester + Intensive Block · 22 US Credits / 45 ECTS · Full-Time
The Intermediate level is for students aged 17 and above who already communicate in everyday English (CEFR B1) and need to reach the academic level required for further study. A full semester of academic English (grammar in context, seminars, academic reading and writing, and English for business and technology) is followed by an eight-week intensive block in the first 8 teaching weeks of the next semester, focused on academic writing, presentations and preparation for your external English test.
The programme has 8 modules worth 22 US credits / 45 ECTS in total, studied over 24 weeks: one full semester of 16 weeks (14 teaching weeks, midterm assessments worth one week (spread across the teaching period) and a final exam week) and the first 8 teaching weeks of the following semester. 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 with everyday English (CEFR B1) who need about six months to reach an academic level.
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 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).
Academic Writing Intensive, Presentations and Seminar Skills Intensive, English Test Preparation Intensive (7 US credits / 15 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 1: 5 modules, 15 US credits / 30 ECTS.
| Code | Name | Category | Credits (US / ECTS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPY251 | Academic Writing Intensive | Intensive | 3 US / 6 ECTS |
| EPY252 | Presentations and Seminar Skills Intensive | Intensive | 2 US / 5 ECTS |
| EPY253 | English Test Preparation Intensive | Intensive | 2 US / 4 ECTS |
Intensive block (Semester 2, teaching weeks 1–8): 3 modules, 7 US credits / 15 ECTS.
Continue to BCBT’s Level 3 Foundation or Level 4–6 qualifications once you meet their English requirement.
Qualifications