ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

This is the Level 2 ESOL Reading unit to help you become confident in understanding more complex written texts used in work, education, and daily life in the UK. This course supports you in reading a wide range of authentic texts and preparing for the ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Reading exam, accredited by the English Speaking Board (ESB).

You will practise reading strategies, develop critical reading skills, and learn how to compare and analyse texts in detail. This course also supports your progress to Functional Skills English or further academic study.

This course runs during term 1.

You need to do a short test before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here

Have you been learning English for years but feel stuck with your writing? Are you a confident speaker who struggles with formal communication? This course will release you! This course is designed to help you break through those barriers. You’ll focus on improving the structure of your writing - from full texts to paragraphs and sentences - while deepening your understanding of grammar. The skills you develop will also support more formal speaking tasks, such as job interviews, workplace meetings, and presentations. Ideal for those who feel comfortable speaking English but want to build confidence in their writing and formal communication.

You can join the course during terms 1 and 3.

You need to do a short test before joining.

Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here

Can you speak, read, and write a little English but want to do more? This course will help you speak more clearly, write better emails and messages, and understand others more easily. You will learn more grammar, new words, and improve your pronunciation. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident speaking English in daily life.

 

You can join the course during terms 1,2 or 3. You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here

Unsure when to use present perfect or past perfect? Is reported speech still causing you problems? Do you need to practise your conditionals? Join this course and put your grammar into practice in speaking, writing, reading and listening. Gain confidence in using grammar effectively through high level and engaging tasks
You need to do a pre-course assessment. Contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 8078 0489 for a face-to-face assessment or click the Start Assessment button on this page. Log on with your email address (not name).

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here

This course is for beginners who only know a few words in English. You will learn new words, simple grammar, how to ask and answer questions, and how to talk and write about yourself, your family, and your friends. You will also learn how to fill in forms and write short emails.

You can join the course during terms 1,2 or 3.

You need to do a short test before joining.

Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 8078 0489

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here

This course is for students who are not complete beginners and can speak and write a little English. You will learn new words and grammar, how to ask and answer questions, how to read and write about yourself, family and friends and how to fill in forms and write short notes and emails.

You will also learn simple maths - for example, how to count, tell the time and name shapes.

You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here

Is your grammar holding you back? Enhance your communication skills by exploring, analysing, and experimenting with advanced English grammar. This course will help you understand that grammar is not just about rules-it's about meaning. You'll learn to interpret others more accurately and express yourself more clearly and effectively.

This course runs during terms 1 and 3.

You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here

Are you quite confident about your everyday English? Can you go shopping, talk about simple subjects, and write emails or letters - but still make some mistakes? Do you find it hard to speak, read, or write about more difficult subjects?

 

This pre-intermediate course will help you improve your speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You will learn to understand people more easily, talk about most daily topics with more than one person, read short, simple texts like emails and news stories and write different types of sentences and check your own work effectively.

 

You can join the course during terms 1,2 or 3. You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here

This is the Level 1 ESOL Writing unit to help you build confidence and accuracy when writing in English for everyday, academic, and work-related purposes. At Level 1, you will learn to write clearly, using appropriate tone, vocabulary, and grammar. You will practise writing emails, forms, letters, notes, and short texts such as descriptions, stories, or opinions.

This course runs during term 3. You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here

This is the Level 2 ESOL Writing unit to develop your confidence and ability to write clearly, accurately, and appropriately in different contexts. You will learn how to write for formal, academic, and everyday purposes, preparing you for the ESOL Skills for Life Writing Level 2 exam, accredited by the English Speaking Board (ESB).

The course focuses on developing effective planning, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and proofreading skills, and is ideal if you are aiming to study, work, or live independently in the UK.

You need to do a short test before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here

This is the Entry 3 ESOL Writing unit of the course to give you confidence in writing for everyday life, work and study. You will learn how write formal or informal topics using the right grammar and vocabulary. You will focus on planning and organising writing into paragraphs and writing clear introductions and conclusions. Through practical tasks and guided support, you’ll learn how to structure your writing, use correct grammar and punctuation, expand your vocabulary and write for different real-life situations - all in a supportive and practical environment.

You can join the course during term 3. You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423

This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here