As Mandella once said, “If you talk to a man in his own language, that goes to his heart.” Learning a language will help you integrate more in the culture of the country you are staying in. Don't study the language for your academic life only! Widen your perspective beyond your academics and try to connect with the people, culture, and traditions. 

IELTS preparation centres are spread across the UK with many offering both the academic and general area exams. There are 5 IELTS qualifications: academic, general, life skills B1, life skills A1, and life skills A2. The academic and general are the highest.

What is the Difference Between IELTS and UKVI?

Almost all the institutions in the UK and the USA need you to acquire either the academic IELTS test or UKVI, here are the main differences between both.

1. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular English language test in the world and UKVI is a version of it. 

2. The UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) is also called SELT (The Secure English language test), and it is more secure than IELTS; there is a 0% chance of cheating at the specified test centres.UKVI is monitored via CCTVs and microphones with limited numbers of candidates and more examiners and moderators than in the normal IELTS test. 

3. UKVI is rarely required by British institutions. So usually most students only take the IELTS general exam unless stated otherwise. 

What to Expect From the IELTS Test?

The test is generally a reflection of your level of English and to make sure you got the required score for the course you are joining whether it’s undergraduate or postgraduate. You’ll be assessed in  4 skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Your score will be graded on a scale from 0 to 9.9. IELTS credentials expire after 2 years, so you have to take the test again if you are applying after the expiration date for studying abroad. 

After finishing the course, you need to meet the admissions’ requirements and get the score required to enter the university you want. For example, The IELTS requirement for the University of Liverpool is between 6.5 and 7 minimum while the University of Manchester requires 6.0 as a minimum score.

Why Should You Take the IELTS? 

Providing you with a reliable way of learning that will enhance your language skills as well as your interpersonal skills, and confidence, IELTS is incredibly useful for you to fill your language learning jar with real knowledge and practice. The ability to finish the entire course in one go with an accurate follow-up system is a powerful tool to constantly track your progress, especially, if you are not a very organised person. 

Top IELTS Preparation Centres in Liverpool

To undergo the IELTS preparation course, you have to demonstrate at least an intermediate level of English. Here is a list of the best IELTS preparation centres in Liverpool. 

1. Imagine English Language Academy 

A centre that is popular for having qualified and carefully selected teachers. Their IELTS course includes vocabulary, pronunciation and topical communication skills, grammar, and past exam practice exams. 

2.  Hil Liverpool 

This is a great language centre as they offer special courses for different groups of students that cater to a variety of requirements, ages, and needs. 

3. Learndirect

This place is perfect if English is not your mother tongue, and you’re targeting a specific score. Lessons are divided into 37 online lessons with 10 tutor-marked assignments and an IELTS mock exam at the end of the course to make sure you get the max benefit you really need. 

4.  Kaplan International Languages

This is one of the best places to gain the strategies and tricks you need to pass the test with the required score. They focus strongly during this preparation phase and teach you about all  4 sections in a way that maximizes the benefits and enhances your language level. 

5. Liverpool School of English

A school that is very selective in designing its courses and materials. The centre’s qualified teachers will help you practice all the time to gain the required techniques and the score you need. 

6.  Liverpool English Institute

This institute provides IELTS preparation courses as well as general courses for all levels. The institute is located in the heart of Liverpool keeping you connected to the city and exploring the lifestyle and the culture, which enhances your language. 

Now it is time to prepare yourself for the test and the admission stage. Study, read and participate!! When you are ready to take the test, you can register here at the University of Liverpool and best of luck! Don't forget to book your Liverpool student accommodation with Casita. Find student accommodation near the University of Liverpool here.