English Language, British Culture and Intercultural Skills

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Improve your English, develop your intercultural skills and explore Yorkshire through our unique programme.

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Russell Group University

Experience studying at a leading UK university, rated both gold for teaching and top 10 for research.

Consistently high ranking

In the UK, and one of just six post-war universities to have appeared in the world top 100.

University of the Year shortlisted

Shortlisted for the prestigious University of the Year award by the Times Higher Education (THE) in 2023.

Top 20 in the UK

20th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, with 11 subjects ranked in the UK top 10.

For adults aged 18+, our programme is designed for participants to improve their English language, intercultural competency and soft skills through interactive lessons, workshops and project work. Participants are immersed in British Culture through a rich schedule of visits and trips in the historic city of York and beyond.

Programme dates

Option 1: 15 to 28 July 2026
Option 2: 12 to 25 August 2026

Course details

English Language, British Culture and Intercultural Skills

English is a global language that opens doors to education, careers, and cultural understanding.

This programme will help you strengthen your functional English skills while gaining deeper insights into British culture. Lessons and workshops with experienced tutors are complemented by visits and excursions across York and Yorkshire, ensuring that learning is practical, engaging, and meaningful. Dedicated sessions on intercultural communication will prepare you to interact confidently across cultures, while a video research project will enhance digital literacy and provide valuable preparation for success in the modern, global workplace.

Programme Aims

The aim of this programme is to develop your English language and intercultural communication skills. In particular it helps you:

Strengthen your English language skills, with a focus on communication and functional language.
Provide an in-depth understanding of British culture through immersive experiences and visits.
Develop intercultural awareness and effective digital skills.
Build academic skills such as seminar participation, presentation delivery, and reflective practice through a creative video project.

English Language and Culture

The main components of the summer school combine academic study with real-world experiences. Students will build their language confidence through interactive classes while also exploring British culture first-hand through cultural activities and excursions. This balance of classroom learning and experiential opportunities ensures that participants not only develop their English proficiency but also gain fresh perspectives on life and study in the UK.

Complementary Skills Sessions

To support language learning, students also take part in tailored workshops designed to develop key skills for higher education and international careers. Sessions include intercultural communication and academic skills workshops which equip participants to perform at a high academic level while preparing them for life and work in an increasingly interconnected world.

Register your interest for 2027

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What are the academic requirements to apply?

Our summer school has no formal academic requirements, but we expect you to have a clear motivation for applying and enthusiasm for the subject. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your interest through your application form.

What level of English do I need to join?

The programme is suitable for students who have been learning English as a second/foreign language.

We do not ask for proof of your English language proficiency, however, to ensure all students receive the full value of the programme, applicants should have an intermediate level of English (minimum CEFR B1 or IELTS 4.5).

How do I apply?

Complete the online application form.

After you have submitted the application form, please allow five working days for your application to be assessed.

What happens after I apply?

We aim to inform applicants of the outcome of their application within five working days.

If your application is successful, you will receive an Offer Letter by email. This letter confirms the programme and academic option you have selected, the start and end date, and the payment deadline. In order to accept your place on the programme you will be asked to pay the programme fee in full via the University’s online store by the indicated deadline. Please refer to the terms and conditions regarding payment.

Please allow at least three working days for our team to confirm receipt of your payment and documents. On confirmation of your place, you will receive an Acceptance Letter by email.

Please note, your place on the programme is not confirmed until payment has been received.

Study and Skills

21 hours of interactive English language and culture teaching and project work.
Designed and delivered by experienced tutors from our Global Opportunities team.
Dedicated sessions on intercultural understanding and communication skills.
Tailored workshops to develop key skills for higher education and international careers.
Combine academic study with real-world experiences!

Culture and Free Time

Put your learning into context, expand your network and make new friends through our cultural visits and optional free-time activities:

Two full-day excursions to places of historical, cultural and geographical interest around Yorkshire.
Sightseeing visits and tours in York
Regular optional free-time activities led by University of York students

Download the 2026 Timetable

Assessment and Certificate

Students will complete two assessed elements:

A personal learning log to track and reflect on progress.
A video research project to apply skills in a practical, creative way.

Upon successful completion, participants receive a University of York Certificate of Completion, recognising their achievements and providing a valuable addition to their academic portfolio. Students who have completed the course will qualify for a 10% York Graduate Loyalty Discount at the University of York.

Programme fees

Our fees
Tuition fee per session	£1,920
Early Bird Tuition Fee	£1,800 (before 31 March 2026)
The tuition fee includes all tuition and course materials, transport and entry fees for timetabled trips and visits, a welcome dinner, optional free time activities, Wi-Fi on campus and in York city centre and a certificate of completion. some activities may have an additional cost. This will be communicated on arrival.
Accommodation fee per session (optional)	£550
The accommodation fee includes accommodation for 14 nights in a single room on campus.

Accommodation and Catering

If you book accommodation with us, you will be staying in a single room with shared bathroom (usually one bathroom per 5 to 6 students) in one of our 11 colleges situated on our wonderful parkland campus. Your fellow students will be staying in the same accommodation block, but you will have the privacy of your own room.

Each accommodation block has a shared kitchen and you will be provided with basic kitchen equipment on arrival. There is a small supermarket on campus as well as a variety of food outlets and cafes.

Discover your accommodation

Getting to the University of York

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the University, including any necessary visas or immigration permissions.

If you need to apply for a passport or renew/replace your passport, you should begin this process as soon as possible after you have been accepted onto the programme.

We advise that you do not start to make travel arrangements until you have received your Acceptance Letter and the programme is confirmed. We also strongly advise that you invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers cancellations, personal possessions and healthcare. Please see our terms and conditions for more details.

Do I need a visa?

If you are not a UK or Irish citizen, you may need immigration permission to enter the UK and take part in the programme.

Overseas students who will be studying in the UK for 6 months or less can do so on a Standard Visitor Visa and this will likely be the most appropriate route for most of our students.

You can check if you need a visa and how to apply at the UK Visas and Immigration website. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct immigration permissions to participate in the programme.

If you need a visa, you should apply after your place on the programme has been confirmed and you have received a Letter of Acceptance. Your Letter of Acceptance will include your passport number so please make sure this is valid and correct.

Ready for an unforgettable experience?

Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

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Terms and conditions

When applying to study on this programme you are required to accept our terms and conditions.

Read our terms and conditions