Pathways to Higher Education is an intensive programme with 25 hours of study per week, specially designed for young adults who are preparing for future academic study or for the start of their professional life. The course takes place at the University of Sussex, the only university campus in England that is surrounded by a National Park. Although located in the countryside, the University is just 10 minutes away by train from the cosmopolitan city of Brighton. This University campus, with many modern buildings and its award-winning architecture, can be described as a self-contained village, ideal for the 16-20 age group.
Who is this course suitable for:
It is specially designed for older teenagers and young adults who are preparing for further academic study or for the start of their professional life
At a glance:
Where:
- BRIGHTON, UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX ( 1h drive from Heathrow airport; 30’ from Gatwick airport )
- Summer session: Sunday 29 June – Saturday 2 August 2025
- Full board residential accommodation at the University’s student residence on campus
- Single bedroom with en-suite bathroom
- Laundry facilities available for students to use independently ( 2 washes per week )
- Free Wi-Fi on campus
- Facilities on campus include restaurants and cafes, IT centre, supermarket, pharmacy, bars, post office, cashpoint, tennis courts, fitness rooms, squash courts, football pitches. Use of sports facilities during students’ free time is not included in the course fees.
PROGRAMME:
- 25 hours of lessons per week including Academic English, Communication Skills, and English for Specific Pathways ( English for Humanities, English for Business & Economics, English for Law, English for STEM )
- Age range: 16 – 20
- Level of English: 4 levels are available from B1 ( Intermediate ) to C2 ( Proficiency )
- Maximum class size: 14
- Evening activity programme
- Full-day excursions on weekends ( Saturdays & Sundays )
- Digital Attendance Certificate & Digital Academic Report
ACADEMIC ENGLISH
10 hours per week The morning Academic English sessions develop the students’ English language proficiency across the four skills, with a particular focus on the forms of English which are used and encountered in university settings. These include essay writing, note-taking, lectures, seminars and presentations.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
5 hours per week These sessions prepare students for life in Higher Education through highly practical workshops that enable more effective methods for high-level oral and written communication. This will be delivered through a wide range of professional and academic contexts, and can involve debating, problem-solving, presenting, essay writing, critical thinking or negotiating.
ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PATHWAYS
10 hours per week These sessions are themed around the specific pathway that the student has chosen, and provide both an introduction to their chosen discipline as well as the language skills necessary to develop their understanding of it. The classes develop students’ abilities to work confidently in English-speaking academic environments and improve their style, technique and accuracy when producing written and spoken work, as well as broaden their vocabulary in the chosen area.
English for Specific Pathways are*: English for Business & Economics | English for Humanities | English for Law | English for STEM
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES ( Afternoons )
There is a variety of sports and recreational activities students can opt in to take part in them ( Aerobics, Dodgeball, Rounders, Volleyball ) or enjoy free time after classes.
SOCIAL EVENTS ( Evenings )
Social events, organized every evening apart from Saturdays, enable students to participate in the vibrant student life of the University campus and in Brighton, and are always the perfect time for them to mix and enjoy themselves with their new friends, They social programme will see students attend music and comedy gigs, visit the famous beach and pier, as well as visit Brighton’s many attractions and shop in the unique and quirky “ North Lane district “ during their stay.
EXCURSIONS
Students have the opportunity to visit places of cultural and historical interest, as well as chances for sightseeing, shopping and amusement.
Uniquely, for weekends, students will consult with the Activities Manager to help design their own excursion programme for evenings and weekends. This means that the destinations and attractions can vary according to the wishes of the students and use the best of Brighton, London and other places of interest in the South of England.
