A guide to English Courses and Programmes

English Language Courses

Galway Cultural Institute (GCI) provides a range of English language education programmes designed to meet the needs of adult international learners. All courses are delivered in accordance with GCI’s academic quality assurance procedures and are aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 (Beginner) to C1/C2 (Advanced), depending on the programme. 

All of our English programmes follow structured syllabi. Each level has a course syllabus with a plan for each week. English levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). This a system devised by the Council of Europe to standardise language learning across the European Union so that speakers of a range of languages could measure their level of language competence. Each week has specific learning outcomes clearly stated and in line with the CEFR level A1 Elementary – C1 Advanced. This means students’ learning journey is logical in its progression with an excellent balance of skills and language work. Our experienced teachers supplement lessons with materials of local interest and extra materials to support and meet the students’ needs.

Courses are available throughout the year and are designed to support learners in developing their English language proficiency for general communication, academic progression, professional purposes, or internationally recognised examinations. Clear information on course content, level, duration, intensity, assessment and attendance requirements is provided to learners prior to enrolment.

Course Levels and Progression

Before starting your course, you will complete a placement test to ensure you are placed at the correct CEFR level. Your progress is monitored throughout your programme through continuous assessment, tutorials and end-of-level testing. Learners can progress from one level to the next based on attendance, participation and achievement, ensuring clear academic progression during their time at GCI.

Successful completion of certain courses, particularly exam preparation programmes, may support progression to higher education or professional opportunities, depending on individual learner goals and entry requirements.

We offer a range of English language programmes to cater for learners of all levels. There are courses which focus solely on English in its general applications; there are Business English programmes, Cambridge Exam Preparation courses and IELTS exam preparation programmes, individual lessons and various combined courses which allow you to get the best of two programmes at the same time. For those seeking qualifications, there are a wide range of courses for exam preparation. 

Progression within GCI is structured around CEFR-aligned curricula, enabling learners to advance from one level to the next based on demonstrated achievement of learning outcomes. When deciding whether a student should change level, we consider the result of their level test as well as their teacher’s’ ongoing assessment of the four skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing and the student’s language use.

Weekly Assessment & Success Criteria

Over the 12-week General English syllabus, there are twelve tests. Six are Written Production and Oral Comprehension and six are Spoken Production and Reading Comprehension. The two test types alternate each week.

In the case of written production assessment and spoken production assessment, there are CEFR-aligned success criteria to support teachers in effectively and fairly assessing learners. They are also available to learners on Moodle. Our success criteria are based on CEFR competence descriptors for that specific level e.g. what a learner at B2 can do in terms of spoken production in terms of fluency or interaction.

Course Types

GCI offers General English programmes focused on developing core language skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, with an emphasis on communicative competence and learner participation. These programmes are available at different levels and intensities and are suitable for short-term and long-term study.

Examination preparation courses are available for learners preparing for internationally recognised English language examinations, including Cambridge English qualifications and IELTS. As an authorised Cambridge examination centre, GCI facilitates both preparation and examination administration on site, where applicable.

Business and Professional English programmes support learners who wish to develop English language skills for professional, workplace or career-related contexts. These courses may focus on communication skills such as presentations, meetings, professional writing and intercultural communication.

One-to-one and tailored programmes are available for learners with specific academic, professional or personal objectives. Course content, duration and focus are agreed in advance and are appropriate to the learner’s stated goals.

Galway Business and English School is a Cambridge Test centre  - this means that not only do we prepare our learners for their upcoming exams, but we also offer the convenience of sitting the exam in our school. Below is a list of some of our programmes – all of which can be taken for varying durations e.g. weeks or months; with different levels of intensity e.g. 20 hours a week or 30 or 34 and in summer with the option of morning or afternoon study.

Exams are an important aspect of any language learning journey and we advise our students to consider taking one of the exam options available. To help you decide which exam option is the best for you, read our blog section where you'll find expert advice from our teachers. 

Here is a guide to the best exam option for your level. You can test your English level here. 

Course Recognition, Quality and Immigration Requirements

Galway Cultural Institute is a long-established English language education provider and is accredited by national and international quality bodies. GCI operates in accordance with Irish quality assurance requirements for English language education and is actively engaged with the International Education Mark (IEM) framework overseen by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).

For learners who require immigration permission to study in Ireland, enrolment must be on an eligible full-time programme that meets Irish immigration and quality criteria. GCI provides clear pre-arrival information and guidance to support learners in understanding attendance requirements, course duration, assessment obligations and student responsibilities under Irish immigration rules.

Read more about immigration and visa requirements here.

What to Expect as a GCI Student

As a GCI student, you can expect structured academic programmes, experienced teachers, ongoing academic support and access to learner services throughout your stay. Course information, timetables, attendance records and key documents are available through the GCI student portal, ensuring transparency and easy access to information.

If you are unsure which course is right for you, the GCI admissions and academic teams are available to advise you before arrival and during your studies.

Nationality Mix

The school welcomes learners from over 50 countries annually, maintaining a diverse international environment. Current nationality statistics are published on the website and updated regularly. In 2024/2025, the largest nationality groups represented were German (18%), Brazil (14%), Swiss (11%) and French (11%).