5 St Andrews Crescent,Cardiff,Wales, CF10 3DA,UK
Tel: (+44) (0) 29 2034 1212
email: applications@alphaomegacollege.co.uk
www.alphaomegacollege.co.uk
ALPHA & OMEGA COLLEGE
CARDIFF
UK
PROSPECTUS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Our English as a Foreign Language
Courses are accredited by the British
Council. (www.britishcouncil.org)
1
Our awarding body is
The Independent
Schools Inspectorate
(www.isi.net)
Welcome to Alpha & Omega College
Alpha & Omega College is a small, private college located in the
heart of Cardiff, the Welsh capital. It is within easy reach of the
main railway station and bus services to and from most parts of
the city and the surrounding areas.
The college is well equipped with the latest technology such as
DVD players, TVs, projectors, laptops and computers with
internet access. Our teaching staff use this technology alongside
the course books to ensure students get the best learning
experience.
Most groups range in size from 3 to 12 and we also provide oneto-one classes. In addition, we are able to provide intensive
courses, home tuition or distance learning for some courses. Our
General English courses are tailored to suit all needs.
All of our English Language teachers are qualified with a minimum of a CELTA or
equivalent English teaching qualification. A number have also taught outside the UK and
so have a good understanding and knowledge of issues facing students of English.
The college was founded with the support of a number of organisations including the
Welsh Assembly Government, the Welsh Development Agency, Cardiff County Council,
Venture Wales, Business Eye and International Business Wales.
Mission Statement
Alpha and Omega College aims to cater for our students’ needs by offering them high
quality teaching, while at the same time looking after their welfare. We are able to do
this with our strong and dedicated team working together for our mutual advancement.
From the Director's Desk
“At Alpha Omega College, we strive to provide excellent education,
valued around the globe. As our name suggests, we are the beginning
and the end to diverse education. We provide a variety of options to
choose from in education, to develop and nurture your skills in the
field you aspire. At our institute, we encourage ambition and provide
opportunities to fulfil them. We wish to thank our partners, awarding
bodies and stake holders for their continued support, trust, and
encouragement to make Alpha Omega College a leading institution
globally.” Mary Matti
2
Cardiff
Cardiff, the youngest capital city in
Europe, is a lively and very friendly city
surrounded by spectacular countryside. It
has a rich history as well as a thriving
social and cultural scene. It also has great
facilities. In the middle of the city is the
Millennium Stadium (which was built to
host the 1999 Rugby World Cup), a modern
city-centre shopping area and modern
offices for many local and international
businesses.
South of the city centre, and built on the old Docks, is Cardiff Bay, which is home to the
National Assembly of Wales (Welsh Government), Techniquest (an interactive science
and discovery centre), the Millennium Centre and a number of other attractions such as
restaurants and shops. It has also been the background for a number of well-known TV
programmes, such as the BBC’s Doctor Who and Torchwood series.
Cardiff is a well-connected city that provides easy access to the rest of the UK as well as
continental Europe. The city has excellent rail and bus links as well as an international
airport just 10 miles outside the city centre and London is only 2 ½ hours away by car.
Courses Available
AOC Level
Common European Framework
IELTS Equivalent
Beginner
A1
1.0-2.0
Elementary
A2
2.0-3.0
Pre-Intermediate
A2-B1
3.0-4.5
Intermediate
B1
4.5-5.5
Upper-Intermediate
B2
5.5-6.5
Advanced
C1
6.5-7.5
IETLS exam preparation
Cambridge exams
PET, FCE, CAE, CPE exam
preparation (on demand)
ESOL
Entry 1, 2, 3
3
Why Choose Alpha & Omega
More than just learning
Alpha & Omega College is about more than just studying for your
course. We want you to enjoy your time in Cardiff as well as
improving your education. Many of our students socialise with each
other outside of the school and relax during the day in one of our
student rooms, playing pool or watching television.
Method of Tuition
Our teaching methods are based on the latest developments in second language
teaching. Classes are tailored to suit the students’ individual learning styles and as such
materials are adapted to improve our learners’ language proficiency as effectively as
possible. Our classes are not typically quiet places – students are encouraged to
communicate with each other and their teacher in classroom activities (for example,
conversations, role-plays and discussions) to increase confidence in spoken English.
Classes receive tuition from two different teachers a week. All our courses are based on
widely-recognised and modern course books at different levels. Students work through
the levels and cover important grammar and vocabulary, as well as improve their skills
in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Our teachers also make use of our computer
rooms to conduct lessons using the internet as a further resource. The college possesses
a wide range of technologies such as DVD players, TVs, projectors and laptops that are
used alongside the course books to make sure students get the best learning experience.
Students are regularly tested to assess their progress and they move to higher levels as
their skills improve.
Meet Our Teachers
“I really enjoy working in the college and meeting students from all corners of the
globe. Our IELTS classes focus closely on the language and techniques students need
to improve their scores as effectively as possible. Although the target is academic
English, our classes are warm and friendly and our students enjoy the learning
process.”
David Chichester EFL Tutor
“Since I started working at Alpha & Omega I have had the opportunity to meet
students from different countries and cultures. The courses at the college are wellorganised and keep the students motivated and engaged. We have a great team here
and we work very hard to ensure our students achieve their targets” Trefor Jones
EFL Tutor.
4
Great Reasons for Choosing Alpha Omega

We accept all levels, including Beginner level.

Small classes. A maximum of 12 students, with an
average of 5 per class.

Free placement test to ensure you are placed at the
correct level for your ability.

Free personal and friendly service from one of our
staff members with any welfare problems you might
have.

Free Sky TV access in the student common.

Free end-of-course certificate.

Free computer use.

Free coffee and tea.

Free one-to-one meetings with your own personal tutor.

Free internet access for students.

Free help with applications to academic institutions. Our team can help you with your
application through one of our partnered universities or help you to apply to somewhere
else in the country.

Free social talks from teachers and outside guests.

Free monthly testing, online Oxford testing and Cambridge IELTS pre-testing.

Monthly excursions (for an additional charge) allow students to see all parts of Cardiff
and the surrounding area, while using English outside of the classroom setting. We
conduct trips to the beach, historical places such as castles and museums, and the
attractive local parks in the company of a College tutor.

Through our social programme we aim to educate students about Welsh and British
culture. This will help them enjoy their stay in Wales and the UK. We do this through
cultural talks and class discussions about British culture.

Women-only classes (subject to availability).

We are an approved ESOL exam centre.

NUS card access (NUS Charges apply).
5
Post-Study . . . What Next?
After you finish your course with us there are many
options available to you as a student. We can help
you decide how you want to continue your studies,
either with us or at other educational institutions.
We have contacts with a number of local colleges
and universities. Our staff can help you complete
application forms and make sure that you have all
the correct documentation to allow you to start
your studies. We will also help you contact your
university’s International Office.
“I am amazed by Alpha
Omega College, I started
studying beginner’s level at
Alpha Omega College. In less
than one year I was able to
progress and complete my
first year Degree in
Hospitality Management
Course achieving Distinction
and Merit result. Omar
Calim- Turkey
We are currently agents for the following universities, so we can help you to contact and
apply to any of these universities.
● University of South Wales
● Cardiff Metropolitan University
● Hertfordshire University
● Aberystwyth University
● Buckingham University
● Newport University
● Bath Spa University
Please note Alpha & Omega College is not responsible for any offers given by these
universities.
We are a third party in all discussions.
University of Cambridge
"All people who work in
Alpha and Omega are very
friendly and nice, they
are very helpful,
especially the teachers."
Laila Gurgi from Libya,
who attended our General
English Course
6
General English
Our General English courses are designed to improve your level of English in a relaxing
atmosphere. The course lasts for about 10 weeks, thus providing about 200 hours’
teaching time per level (dependent on the number of hours per week). All our courses
are taught by qualified teachers. Certificates can only be awarded if students have a
very good attendance record, have completed all necessary homework assignments
and achieved a minimum passing grade in all tests and passed the end of course test.
Students who attend for 24 hours a week will study five days a
week. Students on 20 hours a week will study from 9 am to
2.40 pm Monday to Thursday. Students who attend for 16 hours
a week will study from Monday to Thursday 9am to 1.40pm .
When you first come to Alpha and Omega we will give you a
placement test to make sure that you are at the correct level.
Aims and objectives

Improve your English language
proficiency

Upgrade your level of English

Enable you to express yourself in
both spoken and written English

Enhance your fluency and accuracy in English

Improve your English communication skills in your personal and professional life
Outline
A typical General English class might follow a schedule similar to that given below.
Please note that this is not an exact timetable, just an example of how a course may
run.
9.00-10.00 10.00-10.30
10.3010.40
11.0012.00
10.40-11.00
MONDAY
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading
Listening &
Speaking
TUESDAY
Grammar
Listening &
Speaking
Reading
Writing
Skills
WEDNESDAY Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading &
Writing
Pronunciati
on
Vocabulary
Reading
skills
Writing &
Reading
Listening
THURSDAY
Grammar
FRIDAY
Grammar
24 Hour
Review
students only
Listening
Writing
B
R
E
A
K
7
12.00-12.30
12.30-1.30
Pronunciation
L
U
N
C
H
12.00—1.10
Speaking &
Pronunciation
1.40-2.40
20 &24 students
Extension
Speaking
Speaking
Extension
Reading
Reading &
Listening
Extension Writing
Writing &
Speaking
Extension
Listening
IELTS preparation course
Our IELTS preparation course is designed to give the students the language skills needed
to gain high scores in IELTS tests. IELTS is taught by qualified and experienced teachers.
The IELTS exam preparation course is normally run at
intermediate level and above, so students will need to
“I am Najem
demonstrate their linguistic ability in their placement
Adeen M.
Saeed from
test for entry to this course; alternatively, we are offer a
Kurdistanpre-IELTS course for those who do not have the English
Iraq. I studied
level required
English in
Alpha Omega
College for 6
months. I progressed very
quickly from lower level to
advanced in English Language
and I got score 6 in IELTS. The
staff at Alpha Omega are very
friendly & helpful and they
always treat us like a family. If
you want to learn English in
Cardiff-UK, I recommend you to
contact Alpha Omega College.”
Mr Saeed Najmadeen
Aims & Objectives

Provide the linguistic support and training that
students need in order to make rapid progress

Improve students’ IELTS scores

Practise the different tasks required for each part
of the exam

Teach personal strategies to do the tasks more
effectively

Teach the large amount of new vocabulary required for the exam

To enhance students’ English fluency and accuracy.

To improve students’ academic skills
PLEASE NOTE: Course fees do NOT include IELTS examination fees and students need to book directly.
Examination fees (currently about £140.00) will need to be paid directly by students to the
examination centre where they choose to sit the exam. For further information on IELTS, log onto
www.ielts.org
Outline
9.00-10.00 10.00-10.30
10.3010.40
10.40-11.00
11.00-12.00
MONDAY
Grammar
Vocabulary
Pronunciation Speaking
Skills
TUESDAY
Grammar
Vocabulary
Listening
WEDNESDAY Grammar
Vocabulary
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
24 Hour
students
only.
Grammar
Vocabulary
B
R
E
A
K
Listening
Reading
Reading skills
Vocabulary
Writing skills
IELTS test
8
12.00-12.30
L
U
N
C
H
12.30-1.40
1.40-2.40
20 and 24 hour
students.
Speaking Tasks
Extension
Speaking
Listening Tasks
Extension
Listening
Reading Tasks
Extension
Reading
Writing Tasks
Extension
writing
Teachers’ Refresher Course
The Refresher Course is suitable for school teachers, from both the private and state
sectors from all over the world. It provides a balance of English language development
and training in teaching skills and methodology. The teacher training component aims to
raise an awareness of techniques and skills in the classroom in line with the
Communicative Approach methodology and current EFL thinking.
It is a two week course that is taught from Monday to Friday 9am -3pm.
Course Topics
Examples of topics that will be covered in the methodology part of the course:

Learning styles, role of Communicative Language Teaching in current teaching

Classroom management issues, especially including error correction

Planning and staging lessons using different lesson structures

Production of spoken language; planning and carrying out genuinely communicative
activities, resources, trouble-shooting

Skills development, listening & reading sub-skills, lesson, staging, delivery and
materials

Writing sub-skills, the writing process, motivation and materials

Using music, songs, AV and drama in class, materials and activities

Teaching
phonology,
especially
phonemic
discrimination,
word/sentence stress and intonation which non-native teachers
invariably find challenging

E-learning: advantages and disadvantages, online resources

ESP including, children, teenagers, business classes and one-to-one
teaching

Insight into the Welsh culture and language
Achievement
Upon successful completion of the course you will receive an in-house certificate
including description of training and time input.
9
English for Academic Purposes/English for Specific Purposes:
Our courses are designed to build and strengthen the English language skills that students need in order to
perform in an English academic and professional context. The courses focus narrowly on the specific
linguistic demands of a particular area as in the following:
The courses are taught by experienced and qualified teachers and are generally for students who are at
intermediate or advanced level.
Aims and objectives
1- Students to learn all the relevant language and functions to allow them to communicate
effectively in English in an academic and professional environment.
2- To provide specific language tools students need to use in a professional work situation and to
promote their use.
3- To prepare students for higher education studies in the UK.
EFL - Price list 2013/2014
General English
16 hrs - £120
20 hrs - £170
24 hrs - £210
Selective
1 hr - £8
Pre-sessional/pre-masters
24 hrs - £230
Summer General English
15 hrs - £150
20 hrs - £190
24 hrs - £220
English for Academic/
Specific Purposes
15 hours - £160
20 hrs - £200
24 hrs - £230
Exam Preparation
16 hrs - £150
20 hrs – £180
24 hrs - £220
One to one
1 hr - £35
General English academic
year
September –June/
January- August - £5,500
2 Weeks (25 hours/week)
- £780 (£250 Cancellation
fee) VAT included
Foundation Programme
All year - £8,900
Teacher Refresher course
10
Admission Requirements
We recommend that students have completed Secondary School Education (usually at the age of
16+), however we take each student on their own merit.
There are a number of ways of applying to Alpha & Omega College

The best way is on our website www.alphaomegacollge.co.uk Here you can find more specific
details about your course and can email any enquiries you might have.

You can phone us on +442920341212 and we will be happy to talk to you over the phone about
any details you might require.

You can email us on alphaomegacollege@yahoo.co.uk.

You can apply directly to the centre and have a friendly chat with one of our members of
staff.

You can also contact us in person or by post: 21 Windsor Place, Cardiff ,CF10 3BY Wales, UK.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about applying for any of our courses.
If you are applying from outside the EEA, Alpha & Omega College will need to write you an offer
letter. We will need some information from you in order to give you the correct letter to present to
the British Embassy in your country.
Applying for a Visa
EEA Nationals do not need to gain entry clearance to the UK. However, people from this area wishing
to gain entrance to the UK will need to show their passport or identity card on arrival.
Nationals of countries outside the EEA need to gain a student visa (sometimes known as student
entry clearance). To gain this visa a student should contact the British Embassy, High Commission or
Consulate in their own country. See www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Non EEA nationals will need to apply under the Tier 4 points-based system. This is a new system
introduced by the Home Office in 2009. Each applicant is given a points score, which depends on the
financial situation of the student, the course being applied for and the offer from the educational
institution. You will not be able to apply for a visa without a certificate of sponsorship number.
Check www.ukvisas.gov.uk for more information.
You may need the following to apply for a visa:
 A completed visa application form (available from the British Embassy in your own country).

Your passport.

Two recent passport-sized photos.

The visa fee, which is non-refundable and must usually be in the local currency of the country
where you are applying (the fee varies).

A letter from Alpha & Omega College confirming your offer.

Proof of financial security to meet the full cost of your fees and maintenance, such as bank
statements or proof from a sponsor that they will pay your fees.
It may also be helpful to have the following:
 Birth Certificate

Marriage Certificate

Previous academic certificates

Identity Card

Health certificate
11
Method of payment
We accept payments for course fees and/or deposit(s) in the following ways:
 International Bank Transfer (the college will not take responsibility for any bank charges or
foreign exchange rate).
 Cheque(please allow 5-10 working days for clearance)
 Cash in the centre only
Student Information
Finances and the Cost of Living
Budgeting for your finances is an important part of overseas study. In addition to course fees, the
Home Office suggests that a single person will require approximately £800.00 per month to live
outside London.
This is just a breakdown of what we recommend:
Travel: In addition to travelling to the UK you will also need to travel to and from college. On public
transport, this will cost approximately £15.00 per week. See http://www.cardiffbus.com/ for more
details.
Accommodation: We can organise accommodation for you before you arrive. We offer home-stay
accommodation, where you will live with a family in Cardiff (all home-stay accommodation is
inspected regularly by college representatives) or self-catering accommodation where you will live
independently. If you require accommodation please make sure you fill in the appropriate
information on your application. The cost of accommodation will vary depending on whether you
would like shared accommodation or a private residence. There is a good variety of accommodation
in Cardiff, which will cost:
From £90 per week for room only
From £110 per week for half-board
An arrangement fee of £50 is payable in order to secure accommodation (non-refundable). It is also
necessary to pay a £200 deposit prior to arrival.
Insurance: Students are not insured by Alpha Omega College or by home-stay providers against
emergency expenses, personal accident or illness, theft or other loss of personal effects, and
personal liability.
Medical insurance: If you are not entitled to free treatment from the NHS (National Health Service),
you will need medical insurance to cover your medical costs. You will need to check your own status
with your sponsor or embassy. EU students are entitled to care from the NHS.
Motor insurance: If you drive a vehicle in the UK, you must be insured. If you are renting a car, this
insurance will be included in the rental agreement, but if you plan to drive a private vehicle, you
must arrange insurance before you use it.
Travel insurance: If you plan to travel abroad a lot, you should take out travel insurance. However,
in the first six months of your stay in the UK it may be difficult to get travel insurance from a UK
provider. After you have been resident in the UK for six months, you can get different types of travel
insurance, including single trip and annual multi-trip policies, from a wide variety of UK providers.
Personal property insurance: This covers your property from damage or theft.
For more information on insurance see:
http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/products/insurance/insurance.html
Work: Non EU students are not entitled to work. This regulation is subject to change by UKBA
Home Office. You must always check your visa to make sure you are allowed to work. For more
information please visit home office
12
Terms and Conditions
Enrolment and Payment Policy

All course fees must paid in full before any visa or CAS letter can be issued.

There is a non-refundable administration booking fee of £100 to be paid before you get the
acceptance letter.

The course fees do not include course books, supplementary materials, exam fees,
registration fees or awarding bodies.

The average price of a course book is £30.

If language skills are insufficient for the course on which a student is enrolled, they will be
placed on an alternative course. If qualifications or skills claimed on an application are found
to be false, course places may be cancelled and fees not refunded.

Airport pickup costs are as follows; Heathrow from £250 one way/£350 return, Cardiff from
£40 one way. Please contact us for prices for pickups from other airports.

Accommodation can be organised by the college for you before you arrive. We offer homestay accommodation where you will live with a family in Cardiff (all home–stay
accommodation is inspected by college representatives) or self-catering accommodation. If
you require accommodation please make sure you fill in the appropriate information on your
application. The cost of accommodation will vary depending on whether you would like
shared accommodation or a private residence.

For students requiring home-stay accommodation, a deposit must be paid. This deposit will
be returned when leaving the accommodation, providing there are no outstanding payments
to be made, or problems such as damage to the property.

The College is not responsible for information or arrangements made by third parties, except
for accredited agents.

Certificates on completion of their course, students will be presented with a certificate. If
the student loses or damages their certificate, they will be liable for a fee of £10 before a
replacement can be issued.

There will be no classes on Public Holidays, such as Christmas and Bank Holidays. There will
be no discount or refund for courses that take part on these days.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
 There will be no refunds given after a course has started, unless the college is responsible for
cancelling the course.

There will be no refunds for late arrival, early departure, time off or non-attendance.

Course fee deposits will not be refunded except in the event a student visa application is
declined. In the event a student visa is denied, 50% of the course fee deposit will be
refunded, providing evidence of refusal (refusal notice from British Embassy or Home Office)
is supplied. Alpha Omega College will not be responsible for any bank transfer charges
resulting from a visa refusal.

The college has the right to cancel or discontinue any course. In these circumstances every
effort will be made to place students on a suitable alternative course. If no suitable
alternative can be found course fees will be refunded.

Alpha Omega College cannot accept responsibility or liability for changes or cancellations
caused by circumstances beyond our control – such as war, extreme weather conditions, civil
unrest, or ‘acts of God’.
13
Attendance and Punctuality Policy
All students are expected to attend every lesson required by their course as well as any
other social activities/educational trips organised by the college as part of the course.

If a student misses 2 days without notification to college staff, a verbal warning will
be given.

If poor attendance continues for 2 more days after this the student will be given a
second verbal warning.

If attendance still doesn’t improve after the second verbal warning and the student
misses 2 more days then a first written warning will be given.

If this warning is not listened to and the student misses 2 more days then the student
will be given a second written warning. These written warnings are kept in the
student’s file.

If attendance has not improved after these warnings and if the student has missed 10
expected contacts consecutively, the college has the right to dismiss the student from
the course and inform the UKBA and student’s sponsor.

If this dismissal occurs no refund of any course fees paid in advance will be given.
Home Office Visa Regulations
Alpha Omega College will contact the UKBA or relevant sponsor in the following cases:

Students that accept an offer, but do not enrol, and students who enrol on a course
but do not attend.
 Students who attend initially but then drop out of their course, students who fail to
pay their fees and then are excluded. The College will notify the Home Office if
students have been removed from their course, stop attending or transfer college.
According to the UKBA (Home Office) visa regulations, students who have missed 10
expected contacts consecutively will be dismissed from the course. Please be aware that 10
is the maximum limit before reporting. However, the college reserves the right to inform
the UKBA and the student’s sponsor sooner if we consider that a student is no longer
participating in their study.
Alpha Omega College has made every effort to ensure all information in this brochure is
complete and accurate. However, we maintain the right to change published information if
circumstances outside our control require it. Alpha & Omega College is not responsible for
the content on any website external to our own.
14
Contact us
Please visit the AOC website at www.alphaomegacollege.co.uk for full course details and additional information about the college
You can contact AOC in a number of ways:
By Phone
By Post
5 St Andrews Crescent
Cardiff
UK
CF10 3DA
+44 (0)2920 341212
By email
alphaomegacollege@yahoo.co.uk
applications@alphaomegacollege.co.uk
External Links
The following websites can give some information to students wishing to stay in Cardiff and the U.K.
International Student Advice
Transportation links
Other useful links
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk
www.cardiffbus.com
www.cardiff.gov.uk
wwww.ukvisas.gov.uk
www.thetrainline.com
www.tvlicencing.co.uk
www.ukcosa.org.uk
www.megabus.com
www.hmrc.gov.uk
www.statravel.co.uk
www.dvla.gov.uk
Directions
You can find us by taking the train to Cardiff central train station. Cardiff is also well-served by a good bus service. Cardiff
international Airport is reachable within about half an hour of the city centre.
By Foot
(Time: 15 minutes)
From Cardiff Central train station you need to head south on Great Western Lane and turn left onto Central Square. Turn right
onto Great Western Lane. Turn left at Saunders Road. Continue on Mill Lane and continue straight onto Caroline Street. Turn
right onto The Hayes and left at Bridge Street. Turn Left at Charles Street. Turn right at Heol y Frenhines. Turn left at
Dumfries Place. Continue on Windsor Place. Alpha and Omega College will be on the left.
Coach
There are a number of Coach Operators that connect the UK, including Gatwick and Heathrow airports, to Cardiff.
National Express
Website - http://www.nationalexpress.com
Telephone - 08705 80 80 80.
Megabus
Website - http://www.megabus.com
Telephone - 08705 50 50 50
Train
National Rail provides train routes from all areas of the UK to Cardiff.
National Rail
Website - http://www.nationalrail.co.uk
Telephone - 08457 48 49 50
Car
You can route a car journey from any location in the UK to Alpha and Omega College through the AA route planner. Put Alpha
and Omega’s postcode (CF10 3BY) into the ‘To’ field on the AA Route Planner website and the location you are traveling from
on the ‘From Field’.
AA Route Planner
Website - http://www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp
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