Why Brunel Language Centre?

Organisational Statement

Who we are

The Language Centre aims to support students in developing the language and communication skills they need to succeed at Brunel University and beyond. Our English and Modern Languages teams provide expert teaching, language assessment and practical academic support in a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.

Our vision

“To enhance academic readiness and employability of our students through improved language proficiency and communication competence. We strive to build collaborations internally and externally to foster intercultural understanding and promote the Language Centre as a vibrant hub of learning as well as key resource for the University through our range of services. We conduct our work with honesty and professionalism in line with university standards and British Council quality assurance for our English programmes.” -Brunel Language Centre

Our goals

  • Increase access to language learning and academic support across disciplines and help support international students at every stage of their academic journey with Brunel
  • Promote the development of our staff through training in the use of the latest pedagogical approaches and ICT use
  • Maintain quality assurance and standards demonstrated by internal review and accredited status
  • Grow a comprehensive portfolio of English language courses, from pre-sessional and academic English courses for degree students to bespoke short course language programmes aimed at learners with professional needs or those wishing to experience language learning in a UK university environment
  • Explore collaborative initiatives with academic departments and external partner
  • Provide high quality language assessments and provide advisory services to stakeholders on English qualifications and progression

We are accredited by the British Council, who recognise our high-quality tuition and excellent pastoral care. For reports, please see here:

We are also an EL Gazette Centre of Excellence.

We pride ourselves on the excellent teaching and support we offer and as a result have a near 100% retention rate and a 96% to 100% pass rate. Our students report that they really appreciate their experiences studying with us.

We have alumni across the world and welcome students from a wide variety of countries and backgrounds.

To learn more, please see our English Language courses

Our courses

  • Both online and on-campus courses are face-to-face, informative, fun and fully interactive
  • Maximum number of participants 16 (normally no more than 14)
  • 19 hours of study a week, plus individual/small group tutorial
  • Minimum age 17
  • Pass rate is 96% to 100%
  • Free digital course book
  • End-of-course test available online
  • Expert immigration and visa advice both before and during your studies

Location & Facilities 

Brunel Language Centre is part of Brunel University and our students have access to the university campus and its state-of-the-art facilities. These include 24-hour access to the library with communal area and help desk plus 24-hour computer labs.

You are never far away from a warm drink or a place to sit and catch-up with friends, and there are plenty of eateries to choose from when you get hungry.

Our sports facilities are open to all students for pay as you go activities. Our state-of-the-art facilities include a gym, running track, football pitches, basketball court, badminton, climbing wall and much more.

If you are interested in the Arts you can get involved in lots of courses and activities including drama, music, dance, recitals and concerts. 
Our Meeting House is open to all for religious and non-religious events and quiet reflection.

Quality & Accreditation

We pride ourselves in the quality service that we provide to our students both in teaching and administration. Brunel Language Centre is accredited by the British Council and has enjoyed 'Centre of Excellence' status* since 2012. 

As reported in our 2016 British Council inspection:

"Strengths were noted in the areas of student administration, quality assurance, premises and facilities, learning resources, academic staff profile, course design, learner management, teaching, care of students, and leisure opportunities."

Read the full report.

*English Language Gazette, based on the high number of strengths recognised by the British Council

Social Programme

Learning at Brunel Language Centre goes beyond tests and hard work. We appreciate the value that activities outside the classroom can bring. Both within the Language Centre and the University as a whole, we encourage our students to get involved with events and activities not directly related to their studies.

On campus, every week we hold at least one social event and one sports event. Each month we run two day trips off campus, heading to places like Windsor Castle and the beaches of Brighton. 

The Brunel Language Centre Social Programme is mostly free. We do not charge our students for tickets and refreshments we buy or fares of coach we arrange for. This is all free. However, when using public transport, for example, in the case of a London tour, students will pay their own fares to use the Tube (Underground) or bus. Additionally, students will be responsible for paying for any food and drinks or any extra activities or tickets they may wish to buy on the day of an event or trip. For costs of refreshments and optional extra activities see: Price Of Snack Foods in London From Convenience Stores 2017. For Travel costs to and from London, please see: Single fare finder - Transport for London and Caps and Travelcard prices - Transport for London. Please do check what we are offering for free before booking any optional extra activities.

Sometimes we collaborate with our colleagues in Brunel Pathway College or the main University and hold joint events, giving you the chance to meet new people.

 You can keep up with our events by liking our page on Facebook

Student Stories

Meet Our Staff

Oliver Tooth - Head of Brunel Language Centre

Olly 2(Compressed)Oliver graduated from Birmingham University in 2001 with a B.A. Degree in History, and has been teaching English as a second language since 2003 when he completed his first Cambridge teaching qualification. He completed his Cambridge DELTA with University College London (UCL) in 2010 and also holds an M.A. in English Language Teaching and Educational Technology with the University of Manchester, graduating with a distinction. Oliver has been teaching at Brunel University London since 2012 and took on the Head of Brunel Language Centre role in 2025.

Oliver says “It’s a fantastic experience to be a part of the English programmes at Brunel and have the opportunity to work with the international students here. I am particularly interested in academic theory relating to educational technology and its practical applications in the classroom. It’s really motivating as a teacher to see students come here and make such great progress towards their goals.”

David Jones - Programme Leader

David 2 (Compressed)David has a Business Studies degree as well as certificate, diploma and Master’s degree level qualifications in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. He has been working on English as a foreign language programmes for over 25 years. Past employers include the British Council, NCUK, and The University of Reading. Since 2001, David has worked on English for Academic Purposes programmes that prepare students for study at universities in England.

Besides being an EFL teacher, David has held management positions (Branch Manager, Academic Director, and Centre Principal), and taught Business Studies on university foundation programmes. Areas of particular interest are course design, assessment, and ways of displaying critical thinking in academic writing.

David says, “One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is seeing students make the most of their time at Brunel so that they achieve their academic, professional, and social goals.”

Andrew Harrison - Programme Leader (Pre-sessional and Short Courses)

Andrew graduated from University College London (UCL) with a B.A. in Russian Studies in 2006 before completing his initial teacher training and teaching overseas. He joined Brunel University London in 2013 and later completed the Cambridge DELTA qualification. As Programme Leader for Pre-sessional and Short Courses, he oversees curriculum design, assessment strategy and programme quality, supporting staff and ensuring a coherent learning experience for students.

Andrew says, “My goal is to ensure students feel fully prepared for their degree programmes by engaging them through clear course design and creative learning methods. Having studied abroad myself, I understand what it feels like to arrive somewhere new and need to adapt quickly. That experience shapes how I lead our programmes.”

Alan Comer - EAP Tutor

Alan Comer graduated from the University of Chichester with a B.A. (Hons) in History in 1998. After university he worked for a number of years in logistics before changing career. Alan gained his Trinity CertTESOL qualification and Cambridge DELTA. He has since worked in the UK and Russia, teaching General English, Business English, and IELTS and EAP programmes.

Alan says, "I love meeting students from different cultures and helping them reach their goals. I believe the best way to learn a language is by doing, so I create lessons that get people talking and thinking together. Nothing beats the feeling of watching a student grow from being hesitant to truly independent."

Anna Burke, EAP Tutor

Anna Burke graduated from the Catholic University of Lublin with an MA in English Language Teaching and English Literature in 2008. She taught in language centres, primary and middle schools in Poland and Germany before moving to the UK, where she obtained her Trinity Diploma TESOL. She has worked in higher education since 2009. Apart from teaching at Brunel, she delivers seminars as a Visiting Professor at ESCP Business School and works with international professionals as a High Stakes Presentations Coach. She speaks and studies several foreign languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian and Mandarin Chinese.

Anna says, “I am passionate about helping students develop as confident and competent communicators. I believe that even though nowadays we have great tools to help us produce content in many languages, ultimately the goal of language learning is to better communicate with other humans and be able to express ourselves effectively when talking to someone from a different culture and language background. My goal is to make learning interactive, collaborative and fun for the learners.”

Andy Navedo - EAP Tutor

Andy Navedo graduated from University of Arts London – Drama Centre with a Three-Year Professional Acting Diploma in 1999. He later completed his CELTA in 2004 and began his teaching career in London working for language schools and FE colleges where he taught general English, IELTS, FCE and CAE exam classes. He gained his Cambridge ESOL DELTA teaching qualification in 2010 and gained an MA in English Language Teaching & Applied Linguistics in 2014 from King’s College London. Since then, he has worked as an EAP tutor teaching on Pre-sessional programmes at several higher education institutions.

Andy says, “Working as an EAP tutor allows me to connect with students from a wide range of cultural and academic backgrounds and support them as they adapt to new educational contexts. I’m passionate about helping learners develop the academic language and study skills, as well as critical thinking and research skills they need to succeed at university and beyond. Seeing students gain confidence in their abilities and take ownership of their academic development is the most fulfilling aspect of my role.”

Beyza Ataci - EAP Tutor

Beyza Ataci holds a BA and MA in English Language and Literature and later specialised in Applied Linguistics. She obtained her DELTA qualification in 2018 and has been teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP) since then. She has extensive experience working with international university students, supporting them in developing advanced academic writing, critical reading, research, and presentation skills. Beyza is currently undertaking a PhD in Business and Management at Brunel University London, where her research explores psychology, storytelling, and organisational behaviour in the age of AI.

Beyza’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that academic language education should prepare students not only for academic success but also for professional life. Influenced by her research interests in psychology, narrative, and organisational dynamics, she encourages students to see language as a powerful tool for shaping ideas, constructing identity, and communicating effectively in rapidly evolving professional environments. She is particularly interested in helping learners develop critical thinking, rhetorical awareness, and confidence in expressing complex arguments. She enjoys designing structured yet interactive lessons that foster independence, reflective learning, and transferable communication skills for both academic and workplace contexts.

Marko Tauses Karba - EAP Tutor

Marko completed a B.A. in Elementary Education in 2014 and an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at Anglia Ruskin University in 2024. He completed his CELTA in 2016 and taught at various language schools across London before joining Brunel Language Centre in 2019. Since then, he has been dedicated to teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and exploring digital education methods. While at Brunel, he also completed the Distance DELTA course to deepen his understanding of teaching English at an academic level.

Marko says, “Having experienced learning English as a second language myself, I have gained valuable insight into the challenges learners face and how best to support them. Being an English teacher carries a great responsibility—not only in teaching the language but also in opening doors to opportunities and knowledge that were previously inaccessible.”

Nimisha Limbachia - EAP Tutor

Nimisha Limbachia graduated from the University of Central Lancashire in 2009 with a B.A. (Hons) in Spanish with TESOL, while also completing her Trinity CertTESOL. She initially taught General English and examination preparation courses at several language schools in Manchester before pursuing an MA in Translation Studies at Salford University. She has been teaching at Brunel University since 2013 and has recently completed her DELTA.

Nimisha says: "Having learnt a foreign language myself, I understand the challenges students may face when developing their English. I know what it feels like to search for the right words, to make mistakes, and to gradually build confidence through practice. This experience has allowed me to approach my lessons with patience, empathy, and realistic expectations. My aim is to create a supportive environment in which students can feel confident enough to take risks, ask questions, and make clear progress."

Olga Adamczyk - EAP Tutor

Olga Adamczyk graduated from the University of Opole, Poland with an M.A. in English Language Teaching in 2003 and moved to London to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL). She then specialised in teaching ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) in the Lifelong Learning Sector and delivered courses based on government-funded provision. More recently, she gained her Delta Diploma with the International House London and has since worked at the Brunel Language Centre teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP), General English and IELTS preparation.

Olga says, “There is nothing more motivating than seeing my students grow to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. Being able to work within intercultural and multilingual environment enriches me personally which helps maintain my passion for teaching. I believe meaningful communication and equipping my students with learning strategies are key to successful language learning.”

A Language centre with over a decade of experience delivering high-quality language teaching

"I am very lucky and happy to get the official results so quickly.  Thank you for so much help provided by the language class. After the language class, I really feel my improvement. This is a wonderful experience, I will always remember these times."


Gloria Wang