Kent University's English Preparatory Program prepares students for their main faculty courses. The program covers levels from A1 to C1, and each student begins at their appropriate level. However, many students waste time by not knowing simple rules — they repeat modules or get barred from exams unnecessarily.
In this article, we explain the 7 most critical rules in detail — each with practical tips and real-world scenarios. Understanding these rules will help you complete the preparatory program faster and without issues.
1) 85% Attendance Is Mandatory: Over 15% Absences = No MET
In each module, you must attend at least 85% of class hours. If your absences exceed 15%, you cannot take the MET exam and must repeat the module from scratch.
This rule is strictly enforced — medical reports, family emergencies, or other excuses do not change your absence percentage. The only exception is official university holidays.
Absence calculation example
If a module has 80 class hours in total:
- Maximum allowed absences: 80 x 15% = 12 hours
- 13 hours or more = no MET entry
- Late arrivals count too — being 15+ minutes late = 1 hour absence
Tip: Set phone reminders for every class day. Keep 2-3 days as a "buffer" for unexpected situations — you might get sick unexpectedly.
2) MET Grading System: Average + Letter Grade
A MET (Module Exit Test) is administered at the end of each module. Your final module grade is calculated as the average of two scores:
- Module coursework score — homework, class participation, quizzes (out of 100)
- MET exam score — the official end-of-module test (out of 100)
The average score determines your letter grade:
| Letter Grade | Score Range | Result |
|---|---|---|
| A | 85–100 | Excellent — advance to next level |
| B | 75–84 | Good — advance to next level |
| C | 60–74 | Satisfactory — advance to next level |
| F | 0–59 | Fail — repeat the module |
Tip: Do not rely solely on the MET exam. The module coursework score matters too — completing homework consistently will raise your overall average.
3) Level System and Progression Rules
The Kent Preparatory Program consists of the following levels:
| Level | CEFR Level | Duration | Progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | A1 | 8 weeks | MET C or above |
| Elementary | A2 | 8 weeks | MET C or above |
| Pre-Intermediate | B1 | 8 weeks | MET C or above |
| Intermediate | B1+ | 8 weeks | MET C or above |
| Upper-Intermediate | B2 | 8 weeks | KELT proficiency test |
To advance to the next level, you must score A, B, or C. If you get F, you repeat the level with different materials. If you score well on the DBS, you can skip intermediate levels — for example, starting at B1 instead of A2.
4) DBS — Placement Test
The DBS (Duzey Belirleme Sinavi) is a placement test given at the start of the semester. This test determines your English level and places you into the appropriate module.
The test lasts 50 minutes and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions. Students who do not take the DBS are automatically placed into A1 — even if they already have good English skills.
DBS structure
| Section | Questions | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar | 30 | Tenses, prepositions, conditionals |
| Vocabulary | 30 | Word meanings, collocations |
| Reading | 20 | Reading comprehension, main ideas |
| Listening | 20 | Audio recordings, answer selection |
Tip: Prepare for the DBS at least one week in advance. Free Cambridge English practice tests on YouTube are excellent preparation resources.
5) KELT Proficiency Test — Two Sessions
The KELT (Kent English Language Test) is the final exam you must pass to complete the preparatory program and enter your main faculty courses. KELT is conducted in two sessions:
Session 1: Written Exam (~3 hours)
- Reading: read passages and answer comprehension questions
- Listening: listen to audio recordings and answer questions
- Writing: compose an essay or formal letter
Session 2: Speaking Exam (~15 minutes)
- Face-to-face interview with two examiners
- 2-3 minute presentation on a given topic
- Follow-up questions and answers
Speaking exam times and locations are announced via posted lists. Students must be in the waiting area 30 minutes before their scheduled time. Once lists are posted, times do not change.
Important: If you do not pass KELT, you continue in the preparatory program. You can take KELT a maximum of 2 times per year.
6) No Make-Up Policy and ID Requirements
If you miss any session of KELT or MET, regardless of your excuse, no make-up exam is provided. This rule applies without exception.
On exam day, you must bring:
- Photo student ID card (issued by Kent University)
- Valid photo official ID (passport, national ID card, or driver's licence)
If you cannot present both IDs, you will not be allowed to enter the exam room.
7) Practical Tips for Success During the Preparatory Period
- Memorise your class schedule — classes do not always start at the same time each day. Save the schedule on your phone.
- Listen to English for at least 30 minutes daily — podcasts, YouTube, Netflix. Practice listening without subtitles.
- Speak English with classmates — resist switching back to your native language. Keep speaking English even when you make mistakes.
- Do not postpone homework — your module coursework score depends on homework. Late submissions mean lower grades.
- Ask your teacher for feedback — identify your weak areas each week and focus on improving them.
- Use a flashcard app — Anki or Quizlet for vocabulary memorisation. 15-20 new words per day is sufficient.
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60-Second Checklist
- My absences are under 15% — I check every week.
- MET target: at least C (60+).
- I took the DBS (otherwise I am placed in A1).
- I checked the KELT speaking schedule; I will arrive 30 minutes early.
- I have two photo IDs; I understand there is no make-up.
- I submit homework on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Kent Preparatory Program last?
Up to one year, depending on your DBS result. If you score high on the DBS, you start at a higher level and can finish sooner. Starting from A1, the program typically takes 8-10 months.
How many hours of absence are allowed?
At least 85% attendance is required per module. In an 80-hour module, you can miss a maximum of 12 hours. Exceeding 15% absences means you cannot take MET and must repeat the level.
What happens if I do not take the DBS?
Students who do not take the DBS are automatically placed into A1 (the lowest level), even if they already have good English skills. Always take the DBS.
Can I retake the KELT exam?
Yes, but only at the next scheduled KELT date. There is no make-up for missed sessions. You can take KELT a maximum of 2 times per academic year.
I have a TOEFL or IELTS certificate — am I exempt from the preparatory program?
Yes. If you have TOEFL iBT 72+ or IELTS 5.5+, you may be exempted from the preparatory program and proceed directly to your faculty courses.
Conclusion
Kent University's English Preparatory Program has a strict but fair system. The 85% attendance rule, MET exams, DBS placement, and KELT proficiency test — if you prepare for all of these in advance, you will complete the program smoothly and start your main faculty courses sooner.
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