- Course Description
- Programme Focus
- What will I achieve at the end of the programme?
- Entry Requirements
Course Description
The IELTS exam is one of the most widely recognized language qualifications accepted by universities in English-speaking countries. Most institutions require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or 6.5. At IBAT, our IELTS Preparation Course is designed to help you achieve the necessary standards by developing your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, as well as familiarizing you with the exam’s format and structure.
We offer two pathways based on your current English proficiency: Path 1: (5.5 to 6.5 Preparation Course) and Path 2: (6.5 to 7.5 Preparation Course).
Both course paths include weekly progress tests aligned with the core textbook, supplemented by additional materials as needed. These assessments help track progress and identify areas for improvement. There are also regularly scheduled exam practice sessions, followed by detailed, personalized feedback to enhance your skills and build confidence.
Course Placement and Structure:
- Entrance Test: All students must take a placement test to determine their starting level in the IELTS preparation program and course path taken before the course commences.
Path 1: 5.5 to 6.5 Preparation Course
This academic course is tailored for students aiming to achieve an IELTS score between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Course Duration: 21 weeks.
- Who Should Enrol: Ideal for students starting at the B2 level who have been in Upper-Intermediate (B2) for six weeks.
- Progression: Upon successfully completing this course, B1 students may continue to the higher-level IELTS course after an additional six-week program. B2-level students can advance to the next level as soon as they are ready.
- Visa Requirement: For visa-required students, the formal Cambridge exam serves as the exit test.
Path 2: 6.5 to 7.5 Preparation Course
This academic course is designed for students aiming to achieve an IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Course Duration: 20 weeks.
- Who Should Enrol: Ideal for students with a C1 level after a period of six weeks in Advanced (C1) or C2 proficiency
- Progression: Students aim to achieve a higher band on Mock exams and Level Tests throughout the course.
- Visa Requirement: For visa-required students, the formal Cambridge exam serves as the exit test.
Our IELTS preparation courses at IBAT are structured to not only elevate your language proficiency but also to provide you with the necessary techniques to excel in the IELTS exam, ensuring you reach your academic or professional goals.
Programme Focus
Our programmes focus on all four skills:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
The courses begin with a general introduction to the overall structure of the examination, followed by a gradual development of the sub-skills:
Reading
- Reading for detailed and specific information
- Deducing unknown vocabulary from context
- Justifying an answer
- Interpreting an author’s overall opinion of a given topic
Writing
- Exam task 1: Description of visual information – interpreting and comparing data in the form of graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, process diagrams, maps, cycles, e.g. water cycle, carbon cycle, etc.
- Exam task 2: Essay writing – structuring an argument while providing evidence, presenting and supporting points, comparing and contrasting, showing cause and effect, outlining advantages and disadvantages, and justifying an opinion.
- Text organisation (introduction and conclusion)
- General coherence – linking ideas and sentences appropriately
Listening
- Listening for gist and specific information – dates, times, prices, etc.
- Repeated exposure to exam-style recordings, e.g. monologues, two-way conversations, group discussions, lecture-style tutorials, etc.
- Emphasis is placed on the different native English-speaking accents
- Recording scripts are subsequently analysed for vocabulary content
Speaking
- Examination of academic vocabulary and expressions for recurring discussion topics
- Particular focus is placed on language accuracy and fluency
- Regular simulations of the complete speaking exam in student pairs
- Students will be carefully trained to complete each exam task in the specific allotted time and will practice transferring answers from exam booklets to the official exam answer sheet.
All our exam programmes are structured in a way that builds students’ confidence through continual practice of exam-specific tasks, combined with regular designated exam practice days followed by detailed feedback provided to each student.
Individual logs are kept of each student’s scores to highlight stronger skills and pinpoint weaker areas for further development. The aim of this is to show progression and to form the basis for assigning supplementary work to improve on these areas.
What Will You Achieve?
By the end of the IBAT Dublin IELTS preparation programme, you’ll receive:
- An internationally recognized IELTS Certificate, valid for two years, accepted by employers and educational institutions worldwide as proof of your English proficiency
- An IBAT Certificate of Achievement, detailing your course level, attendance, and teacher’s feedback on your progress
Entry Requirements
International Student Applications
We’re excited to welcome international students to IBAT College Dublin. To apply, contact our International Admissions Team with your nationality, current location, name, and phone number.
For entry requirements, please check the individual course information pages on this site or contact a member of our Admissions Team.
- Calling us at: +353 1 8075 055
- Email us at: international@ibat.ie
Why Study at IBAT Dublin?
We are Ireland’s leading enterprise-focused third level institution with a special focus on how we guide, support, and mentor our students throughout their college experience and into their working lives.
We know that employers need graduates that can hit the ground running, so we’ve tailored our courses to prepare you to do just that. And if you need an extra hand, our Academic team equipped with years of lecturing and industry experience are ready to support you both in your professional and personal development.
Diverse Programmes
Take your pick of our wide range of courses, each designed with your future in mind.
Expert Tutors
Learn from industry professionals at the very top of their game.
Flexible Learning
Life happens. We get it. Study and achieve your goals on your schedule.
Central Location
Study at one of our two campuses placed in the heart of central Dublin.
Small Class Sizes
Get one-to-one, personalised support from our tutors.
Meet Our Students
Hear from our students as they share why they chose IBAT Dublin and the invaluable benefits they’ve gained from their journey with us.
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