Study English at UOWD

How do I know my level?

When you are ready to join the classes, we will send you a code to log in to the Cambridge English Placement Test.  You can do this online at home or you can come to campus. It is not a pass or fail test; we use your score to place you in the best class for you.  It is important that you do the test yourself, without any help.

We offer English courses for people with a range of learning levels. English language levels are measured in different ways and below is a table showing some of these ways. People progress at different rates but It usually takes 12 weeks to complete one of our levels.  For example, if your English is at IELTS band 5, it will probably take around 12 weeks to reach a band 6.

Tips to improve your level

1. Speak as much as possible and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.  You learn faster by making mistakes.
2. Watch TV and movies in English – it will take time but you will gradually understand more and more.  Your brain will absorb the rhythms and sound of the language.
3. Read in English as much as possible.  Read about something that interests you.  
4. Trust your teacher.  In Dubai you will hear a lot of English but it is not all good English.
5. Use an app such as Babel or Duolingo for extra practice
6. Have fun and don’t stress! 

Plan your study

Planning your English language journey is an essential step towards achieving your desired proficiency level. Once you know where you stand by taking the Cambridge English Placement Test, you can set a target score that you would like to achieve and estimate the duration it may take to reach that goal. This information will empower you to plan your study schedule in advance, ensuring you stay on track and make steady progress towards success.

What do the levels mean?

Language levels are measured and described in different ways.  You may be familiar with the bands related to the IELTS exam.  We also use the Council of Europe Framework (CEFR).  When you take our placement test,  you will receive a result that says A2 or B1.  The table below shows how these relate to our course levels.

*where one or more skill is below the overall band score

Important note: People learn at different rates and the number of weeks shown is only a guide. Your rate of progress depends on many factors including your attendance at class and how much you practise your English outside of the class.

What you will learn?

Level 1 – Starter | CEFR A0-A1 | IELTS 0 – 2

At this level you will know a few English words and expressions. You will learn to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and phrases.  You will be able to give information at a basic level.  You will learn to understand simple English that is spoken very slowly and clearly.

Topics you will study include:

• Talking about holidays
• Family, friends and famous people
• Cities and travel
• Daily life, work and study

Level 2 – Elementary | CEFR A2 | IELTS 3

At this level, you can already communicate in a basic way.  You will learn basic grammar and simple vocabulary to understand written and spoken English in common situations.

Topics you will study include:

• People, places and possessions
• Food
• What you do in your free time and entertainment
• Journeys and nature

Level 3 – Pre-Intermediate | CEFR A2+ | IELTS 3.5/4

You can now have simple conversations with people. In this level, you will learn to talk confidently about simple everyday topics using a wider range of vocabulary and grammar.

Topics you will study include:

• Lifestyle and stages of life
• Transport and the environment
• Work technology and products
• History

Level 4 – Intermediate | CEFR B1 | IELTS 4.5/5*

You are able to communicate in a wider range of situations. You will learn to understand the key points of social interactions related to a range of common situations and topics. You will use the language more correctly and confidently.

Topics you will study include:

• Culture, identity, and wellbeing
• Water
• Opportunities and travel
• Knowledge and experts

Level 5 – Upper Intermediate | CEFR B2 | IELTS 5.5/6*

You can now communicate confidently in English. You will develop your language so that you can talk about a wide range of topics and understand native-speakers easily.  You will develop your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary so that you can express yourself more precisely.

Topics you will study include:

• Relationships, customs and behavio
• Science and technology
• Hopes and ambitions
• The news and current affairs
• Art and creativity

Level 6 – Advanced | CEFR C1 | IELTS 6/6.5

You have a high level of English. Now, you will practise discussing complex issues and using the language confidently with few mistakes.

Topics you will study include:

• Issues around jobs
• Innovation and digital media
• Travel and health
• Society and current affairs
• Reason and emotion

Course dates

Course fees:

• Global English Skills Full Time Program AED 11,760.  (12 weeks)
• Global English Skills (Modular Program) AED 8,000 (8 weeks) AED 4,000 (4 weeks)

Fees must be paid in full as per the Student Offer letter. Fees can be paid in cash, cheque or credit card at the Fees Counter (UOWD, first floor as per office times). You must ensure all fees are paid in full before the start of the Global English Skills semester.

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Refund Policy Global English Skill Program:

Note: Students on the Global English Skills Modular Program (4 weeks):

• 100% Course Fees Refund or 100% Fees Transfer prior to the start of the Module.
• 75% Course Fees Refund or 100% Fees transfer until the end of week 1 of the start of the Module.  
• After week 1, No Refund or Transfer Permitted. 

English language teaching

Students improving their English on our courses at UOWD have access to a wide range of university facilities, activities and events.  English language students can spend time in our library where there is a large selection of English language related books to help you with everything from grammar and writing skills, to pronunciation and exam practice. You can take part in many of the student activities and celebrations that take place throughout the year. You can also join student clubs such as the Music Club, the Business Club or the Media Team club.

We integrate individual language work in our computer labs with time in the classroom.  All of our classrooms are equipped with the latest teaching technology and provide a modern and comfortable environment to maximise your learning. You will have access to our Learning Management System (Moodle) and university communication systems.  Your teacher will introduce you to many online tools to help you learn.

Our Teachers

All of our teachers are highly qualified native speakers and are able to use a variety of teaching techniques to meet the individual needs of their students. Some of them are bilingual and bring special insight into learning English up to the highest level. Our classes are highly interactive with practice in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) but with the emphasis on speaking. The course book that we use is up-to-date and uses a range of media to make the classes interesting, engaging and relevant to your life.

We believe strongly that the best way to learn a communication skill (English language) is by communicating.  Therefore, our teaching approach is highly collaborative and a lot of the work that you will do in classes will be in groups.  However, we also offer one-on-one sessions, free of charge, to students who would like some extra individual attention.  These sessions are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Have a look at this video to see our English language classes in action.

How to join:

Session Information:

For the Global English Skills Program, we offer 12 sessions annually. You have the option to study for 12 weeks, 8 weeks or 4 weeks based on your schedule and study goals. The Winter, Spring and Autumn cycles offers the 12, 8 and 4 week option.