Course
English: Cambridge English Exam Preparation Courses
If you are interested in improving your English to a high level and gaining a Cambridge certificate, send an e-mail to languages-intake-eng@maastrichtuniversity.nl with the subject Cambridge course
New Cambridge Exam preparation courses will start again in February 2024.
Fast facts
- B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency level
- can be used for college admissions
- courses run from Feb - Nov 2024 (no classes in July and August)
- 24 sessions of 2 hours per week
- at least 2 hours preparation time per lesson
Courses
Maastricht University's Language Centre has successfully taught Cambridge English courses at three different attainment levels for over 20 years. In that time, we have prepared over a thousand candidates including students, members of UM staff, and people living and working across Maastricht and the Province of Limburg.
The Cambridge English Qualification courses focus on improving your speaking, reading, listening and writing skills in English as well as expanding your vocabulary and knowledge of grammatical structures.:
- Cambridge B2 First
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency
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Target audience
The Cambridge courses are open to everyone who wishes to improve their level of English by full one level on the CEFR scale. Past participants include:
- Teachers and lecturers required to teach in English
- Administrative staff both within the University and externally e.g. banks, businesses, local government workers
- Medical staff, Master’s and PhD candidates
- Support officers, policy makers, etc. required to deal with external agencies in relation to education and international administration
- Support officers, policy makers, etc. required to work with non-Dutch speaking students or staff
- Students wishing to study outside the EU or in other universities where proof of English language ability is required
- Employees who would like to improve their qualifications
- People who need an internationally recognized certificate for visas for the UK, Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand etc.
Further details of where Cambridge English qualifications are accepted can be found at: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/why-choose-us/global-recognition/
Costs (excl. exam fees)
UM students € 975
UM employees, UM Alumni, and other participants:
- B2 First: € 1250
- C1 Advanced: € 1350
- C2 Proficiency: € 1450
The course material is not included in the course fee.
Cambridge B2: First (E-FCE)
This qualification proves you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or take courses taught in English. You’ll be able to understand the main ideas in a complex text, you can produce clear and detailed prose and you’ll be able to interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity.
Required materials
- Gold 6e B2 First Student's book with Interactive eBook, Online Practice, Digital Resources and App: ISBN 9781292394473
- Maximiser with key (Optional), ISBN 9781292202242
A description of the Cambridge B2 First qualification can be found here.
Other English courses we offer
If you looking for a shorter course to become more confident and fluent in English, for example in the PBL classroom or meetings, the 'Effective Communication' courses focus on improving your general communication ability. For more information go to ‘Effective Communication’.
Cambridge C1: Advanced (E-CAE)
The C1 Advanced course is at a higher level than the English B2 First. Successful completion of this course means the student can demonstrate they have a rich vocabulary, a good command of grammar and syntax, and a higher level of accuracy and fluency. You will be able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning. Ideas will be expressed fluently and language used flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes.
Required materials
- Gold C1 Advanced New Edition Coursebook and MyEnglishLab Pack, ISBN 9781292394480
- Maximiser with key (Optional), ISBN 9781292202181
A description of the Cambridge C1 Advanced qualification can be found here.
Cambridge C2: Proficiency (E-CPE)
The Certificate of C2 Proficiency in English shows a person has an exceptional level of English. It demonstrates the user has the fluency and sophistication of a near-native speaker and is in fact the highest-level qualification for non-native speakers of English. Successful completion of this course and the final examination provides proof to employers and educational establishments that you are highly competent in using all aspects of the English language.
Required materials
- Expert Proficiency (Cambridge Proficiency Exam) C2, students’ book with audio CD-ROM, ISBN 9781447937593
- Students’ Resources book (with key), ISBN 9781408299005
A description of the Cambridge C2 Proficiency qualification can be found here.
Admission requirements
Before starting a Cambridge course, all participants need to complete an online test and short interview with one of our English teachers to ensure we place everyone in the correct course for their current level. Please send an e-mail to languages-intake-eng@maastrichtuniversity.nl expressing your interest in a Cambridge course.
Certificate
The courses prepare you for the following Cambridge English Qualifications :
Depending on Faculty policies the following credits may be awarded
- Cambridge English: B2 First 3,5 ECTS.
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced 4 ECTS.
- Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency 4,5 ECTS.
Please note that primarily the Language Centre Cambridge courses aim to improve the participants’ level of English to enable them to pass the optional examination at the end of the course. We encourage everyone to take the exam in order to gain an internationally recognized certificate from Cambridge English. However, as the exam is optional the Cambridge examination fees are not included in the price of the course.
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