OVERVIEW
About This Programme
The Preparatory Course in English (PCE) is designed for students who possess basic English fluency but seek to build their confidence and proficiency in academic contexts. This course emphasises developing fluency, comprehension, and effective communication skills to prepare students for tertiary programmes taught at LSBF. Upon completion, the Preparatory Course in English will be awarded by London School of Business and Finance.
Supportive Student Experience
Interactive Learning Experience
Central Campus Location
Multinational, Multicultural Classes
MODULES
Designed to explore beyond subject knowledge
The Preparatory Course in English (PCE) provides students with a comprehensive foundation in English language skills essential for academic success. The programme develops listening, speaking, reading, writing, and pronunciation abilities, focusing on fluency, accuracy, and effective communication.
Graduates will acquire the skills to confidently interpret complex texts, express themselves clearly in both oral and written formats, and engage effectively in academic discussions. This programme prepares students to seamlessly transition into tertiary courses taught at LSBF.
Listening
This module focuses on enhancing students’ listening comprehension skills through structured activities such as short extracts, mini-dialogues, and longer texts like interviews, songs, stories, and conversations. Students will engage in structured speaking tasks, including interviews, mini-talks, problem-solving, and storytelling, while practicing close listening to words and sentences to model pronunciation.
Speaking
This module places a strong emphasis on developing speaking skills through oral exercises and activities. Grammar and lexis are practised in interactive settings, while topics and reading texts provide opportunities for meaningful discussions. Regular integrated pronunciation work supports the development of clear and confident communication.
Reading
This module features a wide range of reading materials, including factual and scientific texts, stories, quizzes, forms, notes, and emails, which are integrated to develop reading skills, support grammar and language analysis, and serve as models or stimuli for tasks and writing activities.
Writing
This module systematically develops writing skills through focused activities on drafting emails, letters, narratives, and reviews, enhancing textual cohesion with linking words, and includes written follow-ups to complement many speaking tasks.
Pronunciation
This module integrates pronunciation practice with grammar and lexis, focusing on stress, weak forms, and intonation. Students will engage in activities such as discrimination exercises and dictation, with equal emphasis on understanding and reproducing correct pronunciation. Workbook exercises will address problem sounds and word stress to reinforce learning.
Full programme structure and learning outcomes
Get details and learn about the advantages of learning with LSBF.
what to expect
Gain the Language Skills Needed
Programme Aims & Outcomes
- Develop language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with a focus on grammar, structure, and vocabulary.
- Support students with a working knowledge of English to improve their proficiency for academic purposes and progression to tertiary courses at LSBF.
- Equip students with the confidence and ability to use English effectively in academic, professional, and everyday settings.
- Ensure students are prepared to live, study, and work in any English-speaking environment upon completion.
Skills you will acquire
PROGRAMME structure
Who is this course for?
Preparatory Course in English (PCE) is designed for students who want to learn English in Singapore, regardless of their current language level. Our experienced tutors will provide our students with a well-rounded blend of general, academic and professional English, making the programme particularly relevent if they aspire to work or study further in an English-speaking country.
Assessment
Student will be assessed through the various components relevant to each level. Students will be assessed on their speaking, writing, listening, vocabulary, grammar and reading. In addition to the summative assessment, students will receive feedback through the use of formative assessments which may include, in class activities (tests, quizzes, presentations, written work, computer based activities, individual and group work, field trips, homework and individual assignments).
| PCE Levels | No. of formals assessments | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 2 | 50% each |
| Elementary | 2 | 50% each |
| Pre-Intermediate | 2 | 50% each |
| Intermediate | 2 | 50% each |
| Upper Intermediate | 2 | 50% each |
| Advanced | 2 | 50% each |
PCE will have weekly vocabulary, grammar, functions, reading, listening and writing quizzes
Each module will have a speaking assessment which represents 20% of the final grade. These are pair-speaking activities where students will be assessed on fluency, accuracy, and their demonstrated usage of various communicative skills and strategies.
The remaining scores will be determined by the monthly test which will have the following components:
- Grammar, vocabulary, functions, reading, listening
- Writing prompts
- Essay writing
| PCE Levels | Assessments Weighting |
|---|---|
| Beginners | Vocabulary (1): 15%Grammar (1): 15%Writing (1): 5%Writing Essay (1): 15%Speaking Assessment (1): 20%Functions (1): 5%Reading (1): 12.5%Listening (1): 12.5%Monthly Test = the above format |
| Elementary | Vocabulary (1): 15%Grammar (1): 15%Writing (1): 5%Writing Essay (1): 15%Speaking Assessment (1): 20%Functions (1): 5%Reading (1): 12.5%Listening (1): 12.5%Monthly Test = the above format |
| Pre-Intermediate | Vocabulary (1): 15%Grammar (1): 15%Writing (1): 5%Writing Essay (1): 15%Speaking Assessment (1): 20%Functions (1): 5%Reading (1): 12.5%Listening (1): 12.5%Monthly Test = the above format |
| Intermediate | Vocabulary (1): 15%Grammar (1): 15%Writing (1): 5%Writing Essay (1): 15%Speaking Assessment (1): 20%Functions (1): 5%Reading (1): 12.5%Listening (1): 12.5%Monthly Test = the above format |
| Upper Intermediate | Vocabulary (1): 15%Grammar (1): 15%Writing (1): 5%Writing Essay (1): 15%Speaking Assessment (1): 20%Functions (1): 5%Reading (1): 12.5%Listening (1): 12.5%Monthly Test = the above format |
| Advanced | Vocabulary (1): 15%Grammar (1): 15%Writing (1): 5%Writing Essay (1): 15%Speaking Assessment (1): 20%Functions (1): 5%Reading (1): 12.5%Listening (1): 12.5%Monthly Test = the above format |
Student needs an overall passing mark in order to proceed to the next level. The passing grade is set at 50%. All the grades awarded will be reviewed and confirmed through the Internal Examination Board and this decision is final and not subject to appeal. London School of Business & Finance also reserves the right to bar students from taking the examination if student fails to achieve the minimum attendance rate stipulated by the school.
teacher student ratio
1:30
Delivery Mode
The programme is delivered via lectures both face to face and online and occasional field trips.
Certificate
Upon completion of the programme, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement awarded by LSBF.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Why choose LSBF for your education
Study Materials
Students will receive study materials after they have made full payment for their programme. Replacement of study materials is subject to additional charge.
Student Portal
Students have access to the Student Portal. It is a useful site where the course information and learning materials are available for students’ easy reference.
Accessible Faculty
Students may contact their lecturers directly via email outside the lecture hours for any academic related queries.
Recorded Lectures
We will show compassion and care to all stakeholders as we believe the journey is as important as the outcome.
ELIGIBILITY
Who can apply?
Our Preparatory Course in English is designed for both local (Singaporean) and international students, helping you build a strong foundation in your language skill.
To ensure the right fit, all prospective students are required to complete a placement test to assess their proficiency level before enrolling in the course.
placement test
The Internal and External English Placement Tests assess students on multiple linguistic areas and allow the school to reliably gauge their communicative abilities. A placement test is administered before enrolment into the respective level of study. Students will be tested on writing and reading skills as well as grammatical knowledge at an authorized representative centre. An interview with the student will also be conducted to test student’s oral and listening skills, through either video conferencing, teleconferencing, other media, or face to face. Student will be informed after the above tests are completed and finalized which level they qualify.
Minimum Language Entry Requirement:
| CEFR Score | EPT Score | IELTS Band | Preparatory English Entry Requirements | *Estimated duration of study including term break |
| A1 | <30 | <2 | Beginner | 8 Weeks |
| A1-A2 | 30-39 | 2.0-3.0 | Elementary | 8 Weeks |
| A2-B1 | 40-49 | 3.0-4.0 | Pre-Intermediate | 8 Weeks |
| B1-B2 | 50-64 | 4.0-5.0 | Intermediate | 8 Weeks |
| B2+ | 65-79 | 5.0-6.0 | Upper-Intermediate | 8 Weeks |
| C1 | 80-90 | 6.0-7.0 | Advanced | 8 Weeks |
minimum age Requirement
- 14 years or above
fees (inclusive of gst):
SGD $2,398 per level
(Local Students)
SGD $2,321.30 / $4,642.59 / $5,954.63 / $7,670.37 / $9,416.39 / $11,192.69
(For 1/2/3/4/5/6 Levels, International Students)
