English Classes for Dependants

The classes are taught at three basic levels: Elementary (A1/A2), Intermediate (B1/B2) and Advanced (C1/C2) and will focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Throughout the spring term, you will also have the opportunity to practice your English pronunciation and conversation skills during our weekly sessions.

To enable us to assess your English language proficiency level, placement tests will be conducted upon arrival.

Right to study in the UK

To register and attend these classes we will need to check your UK immigration status allows you to study this course with us. We will check your passport and valid visa at registration.

Please be aware that if you enter the UK as a visitor your conditions should allow you to study for up to 30 days during your visit. Please read the Home Office guidance for more information about the study restrictions for visitors and seek advice from our International Services Team if you need to.

Who is a dependant?

Your partner, meeting the criteria below, would be classed as a dependant:

• Your husband or wife

• Your civil partner. This means you are a couple who have registered your partnership to gain formal legal recognition of your relationship. For information about partnerships in countries outside the UK that are treated as civil partnerships, see the UKLGIG website.

• Your unmarried partner or same-sex partner. You need to have been living together in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for a period of at least two years. You need to be able to provide evidence of this.

Other close family members, for example a brother or sister, are also welcome to join the programme provided that their UK Visa status permits this.

In all cases, you must both be at least 18 years old when you arrive in the UK.

You must intend to live together throughout your partner/close relative's stay in the UK.

Your partner/close relative must not intend to stay in the UK longer than the period you are given.

Further information can be obtained via https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Visas-and-Immigration/Dependants.

How to apply

Download the application form: ECDIS Application Form (.pdf)

Complete and send the form to ecdis@essex.ac.uk together with documents needed as evidence that you are permitted to study in the UK (scanned copies of passport, UK visa, leave to remain).

Please note: “dependant” on the application form includes other “close family members”. 

For more information, email ECDIS at the Department of Language and Linguistics (ecdis@essex.ac.uk).