Brighton - Pathways to Higher Education16-20 years
Pathways To Higher Education is an intensive programme with 25 hours of study per week, specially designed for young adults who are preparing for future academic study or for the start of their professional life. Based at the University of Sussex - the only university campus in England that is surrounded by a National Park, the centre is just 10 minutes away by train from the cosmopolitan city of Brighton. This University campus, with many modern buildings and its award-winning architecture, can be described as a self-contained village.
The Programme
The morning Academic English develop the students’ English language proficiency across the four skills with a particular focus on the forms of English which are used and encountered in university settings. These include essay writing, note-taking, lectures, seminars and presentations.
Communication Skills sessions prepare students for life in Higher Education through highly practical workshops that enable more effective methods for high-level oral and written communication. This will be delivered through a wide range of professional and academic contexts, and can involve debating, problem-solving, presenting, essay writing, critical thinking and negotiating.
he English for Specific Pathways lessons are themed according to the specific pathway that the student has chosen, and provide both an introduction to their chosen discipline as well as the language skills necessary to develop their understanding of it. The classes develop students’ abilities to work confidently in English-medium academic environments and improve their style, technique and accuracy when producing written and spoken work, as well as broaden their vocabulary in the chosen area.
English for specific Pathways offered:
- English for Business & Economics
- English for Humanities
- English for Law
- English for STEM
Social events, organised for Pathways to Higher Education every evening Monday to Friday, enable students to participate in the vibrant student life of the University of Sussex campus and in the cosmopolitan city of Brighton, whilst forging new friendships and having fun.
Students will make the most of the culturally vibrant and dynamic city of Brighton by taking part in the great range of entertainment and events at their disposal. The social programme will see studends visit the famous beach and pier, as well as many attractions and shop in the unique and quirky 'North Laine district' during their stay.
In any one week, students might visit the Royal Pavilion in Brighton followed by some shopping time in the boutiques of the Laines or entertaining themselves in the amusements on the Brighton Pier. They will take part in social events in the city such as Lazer Tag, Bowling, Escape Rooms, Boat Party, cycling hire bikes on the seafront, playing crazy golf or going to the cinema.
Social Events will give the students an opportunity to explore Brighton and its vibrant social scene in a safe and nurturing environment supervised by Bede's Staff.
Free Time
However, if students choose to opt out of any social event organised by Bede's, they can spend their free time as they wish by engaging in additional study, relaxing on campus or venturing into Brighton in small groups by themselves. Free time rules vary dependant on age according to Bede's Supervision Policy.
Excursions provide students with the opportunity to visit popular tourist attractions and places of cultural interested in Brighton, London and the South East. There are two full-day excursions at the weekend, apart from social events in Brighton every afternoon/evening from Monday to Friday.
Saturdays
Saturday excursions are a full day trip and include a cultural, touristic or recreational visit to London or another place of interest such as the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, London Dungeons, London Eye, London Zoo, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey.
Sundays
Sunday excursions are often more relaxing trips to a local attraction, such as Thorpe Park Theme Park, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard & Gunwharf Quays, Port Lympne Safari Park, Windsor, where students can have fun or do some shopping.
The IELTS is an essential qualification for students seeking a place at University abroad, whether in the UK or another country, or looking to work in certain professions such as law or medicine in the UK or abroad.
IELTS is designed to test the language ability of students who want to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is the world's most popular English test for higher education with over 2.5 million tests taken each year, therefore, it is widely accepted as part of university recruitment or admission procedures. IELTS candidates receive a test report with a score on a scale of 4.0 to 9.0, equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference levels B1, B2, C1 or even C2. IELTS band scores can provide a reliable comparison between Cambridge English Scale scores. There is no pass or fail result. IELTS certificates are valid for two years. Bede’s Brighton students will sit a paper-based version of the IELTS Academic exam. The exam takes places in an authorised IELTS exam centre in Brighton. Please note that the exam is on Saturday, therefore students depart on Sunday. A complimentary night is included in the course fees.
Overall IELTS Course Goals
- To familiarise students with IELTS test format & tasks
- To develop exam strategies to manage time effectively
- To improve all four IELTS skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) for higher band scores
- To simulate IELTS practice tests under timed conditions
- To increase test-taking confidence through practice, feedback and mock exams
Deadline for enrollments: 5 June 2026
All special arrangements requests must be requested in writing with a minimum of 8 weeks advance notice and supported by relevant medical certificates in English.
Course 1: 5-19 July 2026 - Exam 18 July 2026
Course 2: 19 July-2 Aug 2026 - Exam 1 August 2026
Dates & Fees
The centre is open for 6 weeks in total, from 28 June to 08 August 2026. Students can arrive on any Sunday and depart on any Saturday.
The recommended minimum stay is two weeks. To maximize the benefit of your experience, you should consider a 3 or 4 week course.
The fully-inclusive course fee is £1,995 per week for a residential course. This includes a return transfer from selected airports (see Terms & Conditions) and travel insurance. Day course is also available for £1,295 per week.
The Course
Age range 16 to 20 yrs from different countries. Maximum 80 students per week from different countries.Limits for each nationality to ensure a good mix.
Lessons take place in the mornings and afternoons and there is a full programme of evening Social Events and weekend Excursions designed in consultation with the students and tailored to their age and interests. There is a minimum number of Social Events and Excursions that students are required to attend depending on their age. All recreational activities organised by Bede's are included in the course fee.
25 hours of lessons per week including Academic English, Communication Skills and English for Specific Pathways. Maximum 14 students per class. Weekly progress checks to monitor performance.
4 levels are available from B1 (Intermediate) to C2 (Proficiency). Placement test on Monday with a multiple choice, writing and speaking components.
The IELTS exam is available for students aged between 16-20 years. 15 hours per week of dedicated exam preparation instead of Academic English and Communication Skills. We run two 2-week programmes - supplements are payable. IELTS students must stay 1 extra night (no extra charge) and depart on Sunday. Please visit the Exam Tab for more information.
Pathways to Higher Education is available as a day course and runs from 08.30 to 16.00 Monday to Friday (21.00 on Tuesday and Thursday). Students may add evening social events in Brighton and the Saturday and Sunday excursions if they wish (supplements payable).
The centre
Library, restaurants and cafes, supermarket, pharmacy, bar, post office, cashpoint, student centre, IT stations, tennis courts, fitness rooms, squash courts, football pitches, gym. Use of the sports facilities and gym on campus during students' free time is not included in the course fees and students need to pay for themselves.
Bede's staff provide excellent care for students 24 hours a day and live in the same residential areas as the students. Excellent staff:student ratios (typically 1:5). Individual attention provided.
For residential students, all meals are included in the weekly package price and students can expect a healthy and wholesome breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, served in the Dining Hall. A morning and evening snack is also offered (fruit, cake, mini sandwich, juice, milk). Day students enjoy a morning snack and lunch on campus. Meals are a mix of English and international dishes and vegetarian option is always available. Special dietary requirements are accommodated.
Wi-fi is available in most communal and accommodation areas. Students can make and receive telephone calls. Laundry facilities are available for students on campus and included in the course fees. Supermarket is open daily for refreshments and snacks. 24 hour emergency contact service for Parents.
Transfers from/to Heathrow, Gatwick and London City Airports and St Pancras International Train Station are included in the fees between 09.00 and 18.00 (10.00-17.00 for St Pancras). Students are met by Bede's Staff and Bede's Airport Coordinators provide extra care.
Course Aims
- Improve English Language proficiency, with a focus on Academic English.
- Experience life as a student in Britain at a modern university campus.
- Increase knowledge in a chosen academic subject.
- Have a better understanding of the British way of life.
- Learn about people from other cultures.
- Develop personal and social skills.
- Motivate students to continue learning English after they leave Bede's.
