Language Preparation

British Council English Online Course

The British Council English Online Course is a required pre‑MBA English refresher for nominated incoming MBA students. It is designed to strengthen communication, improve fluency and confidence, and better prepare students for MBA class participation and professional interactions.

Students will receive 35 weeks’ access and 72 credits, which must be fully used by 30 September 2026, following this required plan:

• 32 credits must be used for 32 group classes (55 minutes each; 1 credit per class).
• The remaining 40 credits must be used for 1‑to‑1 private classes and/or a speaking test where available (25 minutes per private class; 2 credits per private class or speaking test).

Classes taken must be C1 or C2, and you are strongly recommended to select business-related classes/themes where possible. You must complete at least two (2) Business themes and the required assessments (including the speaking test where available).

FAQ

1. Who must take this course?
This course is required for nominated incoming MBA students only. If you have been nominated, you are expected to complete the course as part of MBA onboarding.

2. What is the objective of this course?
To provide a structured English refresher that strengthens workplace and social communication, improves fluency and confidence, and supports effective participation in MBA classes and professional discussions.

3. What will I receive?
You will receive:

• 35 weeks’ access to British Council English Online
• 72 credits to book live classes and assessments
• An online placement test (English Online Level Test)
• Access to a 24/7 live class timetable
• Online exercises with instant feedback and grades
• Up to 4 Live25 webinars per month (25-minute sessions on grammar/pronunciation)
• Access to certificates/badges available on the platform based on participation/completion

4. How does the learning format work?
The course combines:

• Live online classes (group and 1‑to‑1) with British Council teachers, and
• Online exercises linked to lessons for preparation and practice.

Lessons are organized by themes (including Business themes), so you can focus on relevant communication skills.

5. How do credits work, and what is the required credit allocation?
Credits are used to book classes and assessments on the platform:

• 1 credit = 1 group class (55 minutes)
• 2 credits = 1 private 1‑to‑1 class (25 minutes; themed or freestyle)
• 2 credits = 1 speaking test (teacher-led; available after completing a theme, where offered)

MBA requirement (how you must use the 72 credits by 30 September 2026):

• 32 credits must be used for 32 group classes
• The remaining 40 credits must be used for 1‑to‑1 private classes and/or a speaking test where available

6. What class level should I take?
Classes taken must be C1 or C2 level. You are also strongly recommended to choose business-related classes/themes where possible.

7. What theme requirements must I complete?
You must complete at least two (2) Business themes.

8. What evaluations/assessments are involved?
Assessments available on the platform may include:

• Theme Challenge (timed online test with a score)
• Speaking test (teacher-led feedback; booked using credits after completing a theme), where available

Your progress may also be reflected through participation in live classes, theme completion, and any linked online exercise grades.

9. What do I need to attend classes?
You will need:

• Laptop/desktop preferred (tablet/phone possible)
• Reliable internet connection
• Headset/headphones with microphone
• Webcam
• Zoom installed (classes run on Zoom)
• Chrome or Firefox recommended for accessing the platform

10. Can I choose my own schedule?
Yes. The course provides a 24/7 timetable, and you book sessions based on your availability, while ensuring you meet the required credit allocation and completion deadline.

11. What happens if I do not complete all requirements by the deadline?
The onboarding requirement is to fully use all 72 credits by 30 September 2026 and complete the theme/assessment requirements. If you anticipate difficulty meeting the deadline, contact the MBA onboarding/admin team early for guidance.