The English Language Preparatory Program at Budapest Metropolitan University aims to equip international students with the necessary language skills for successful academic studies at either the B.A. or M.A. level. The program is an intensive one semester course focused on enhancing overall language proficiency. It prepares students for their chosen degree program by providing them with the requisite skills and knowledge.
The program begins with a placement test to assess students’ proficiency levels. Based on the results, students are assigned to suitable study groups. They receive information about their current level and the required level for admission to a degree program. Students in a one-semester course may be advised to extend their studies for an additional semester if their results do not meet the requirements for their chosen program. For two-semester courses, students’ skills are reassessed to determine the appropriate study group for continued studies.
Each semester consists of 300 contact hours, with 16-20 contact hours per week, divided into 80-minute sessions. Additional subjects may be included as needed. At the end of each semester, students must complete an end-of-term examination. Successful completion, particularly at the intermediate plus-upper-intermediate level, is a prerequisite for starting a BA or MA course.
Students receive practical grades for each subject at the end of the semester, along with a score from the end-of-term examination. These combined results determine the grade of the certificate issued upon request. At the beginning of the semester, students undergo a mock exam to familiarize themselves with the final examination format.
The program offers numerous benefits, including exposure to academic culture, integration into the student community, and acclimatization to the local and broader society. Students also develop skills necessary for successful academic performance in a multicultural environment. They receive training in independent study methods and learn how to utilize the Virtual Learning Environment (CooSpace) at the University.