Build the skills, strategies and confidence you need to succeed in the IELTS Academic examination. Our 25-week afternoon course is designed to complement your General English programme and help you achieve your target band score.
Systematic preparation across all four IELTS papers, focused on achieving a competitive band score for university admission or professional registration.
Two complete mock exams under authentic conditions (Weeks 12 & 24) with detailed per-skill band scores and personalised feedback.
Learn exam techniques and strategies from teachers with proven experience in preparing students for the IELTS Academic examination.
Regular diagnostic assessments, writing portfolios and speaking recordings so you can see your improvement from week to week.
This course is designed for students already enrolled on a General English programme at Dorset College who wish to prepare for the IELTS Academic examination. It runs as a weekly Friday afternoon add-on module, giving you dedicated time to focus on exam skills, strategies and timed practice.
Over 25 weeks, you will work through every task type in the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking papers. The course is CEFR-aligned and structured around B2+ and C1 can-do statements, ensuring your preparation is mapped to internationally recognised competence standards.
Unlike a general English class, this module focuses entirely on exam technique and academic task performance. You will learn how to analyse questions, manage time under pressure, avoid common traps, and produce responses that score well against the published IELTS band descriptors.
The 25-week programme is divided into two phases. In the first half (Weeks 1–12), you build familiarity with each paper and every task type, culminating in a full mock exam in Week 12. In the second half (Weeks 13–25), you deepen your technique, refine your performance, and complete a second full mock exam in Week 24. Week 25 is dedicated to feedback, exam-day preparation and individual action planning.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Day | Friday |
| Afternoon Class | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Break: 2:15–2:30) |
| Hours per Week | 3 hours |
| Total Programme | 25 weeks / 75 hours |
| Class Size | Maximum 15 students |
| Availability | Rolling enrolment — primary start Week 1, secondary entry Week 13 |
Your progress is tracked through diagnostic testing, a writing portfolio, recorded speaking assessments, and two full mock examinations. You receive estimated band scores for each skill, detailed written feedback on your writing and speaking, and a personalised action plan after each major assessment point.
The course covers all four IELTS papers in depth, with a focus on the exam strategies and language skills that make the difference between a Band 5.5 and a Band 6.5.
You will learn from experienced IELTS teachers who understand exactly what the exam requires at each band level. The course focuses on specific exam tasks with strategies and techniques for every question type. You will complete two full mock examinations under authentic conditions and receive detailed, personalised feedback on your performance. By the end of the course, you will have a clear understanding of your current band level, a proven set of exam strategies, and a personalised plan for continued improvement.
This module is open to students enrolled on a General English programme at Dorset College who meet the minimum entry level below. The course is designed to accommodate a range from B1+ to B2+, with differentiated tasks and individual target-setting.
CEFR B1+ (Intermediate Plus) or IELTS Band 5.0–5.5, or an equivalent result from a recognised English language examination:
The programme operates on a continuous-enrolment basis with two recommended entry points:
Week 1 (primary entry) — Begin with a full IELTS exam overview and diagnostic assessment.
Week 13 (secondary entry) — Join after the mid-course mock exam, with a comprehensive exam structure review and individual diagnostic.
Students joining at other points will receive an individual orientation briefing. Regular exam-structure recaps are built into the syllabus to support rolling enrolment.
Join our next intake and take the first step towards your target IELTS band score. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Book Your Place →Dorset College is recognised by ACELS, a service of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) for English Language Teaching (ELT). Member of ELE Ireland and registered Trinity College London Examination Centre.
