Pre-Sessional English Course
Course Highlights
- 6, 12 or 16 weeks available
- Daily live sessions and lectures
- Assessments and comprehensive feedback
- Option for one to one tutorials
Course Description
Planning to apply to University in the UK? Boost your English skills and language confidence with our online pre-sessional courses delivered by our friendly and qualified English Language Schools. Choose a length to suit your language needs and start your studies with success.
Course Structure
Our Online Pre-Sessional English course aims to improve your Academic English language level to the standard you require for your chosen degree programme. You can study this over 6, 12 or 16 weeks. The length of the course is designed to match with your current English language level – and help take you to the next step.

Recognised by the following universities
• Bangor University
• Coventry University
• De Montfort University International College
• Nottingham Trent University
• The University of Central Lancashire
• University of Birmingham
• University of Dundee
• University of Greenwich
• University of Hertfordshire
• University of Leeds
• University of Roehampton
• University of Strathclyde
• University of Sunderland
Do I need Pre-sessional English?
If after taking IELTS or the English Language Level Test you score below the entry criteria for your chosen course, a member of our Admissions Team will advise you to enrol on a 6-week, 12-week or 16-week Pre-Sessional English course. This will allow you to improve your English language skills and better prepare you to begin your academic studies at a higher education institution.
The length of the Pre-Sessional course recommended by our Admissions Team acts only as a suggestion. You are free to take whichever course you feel most comfortable, meaning that you could enrol on the 12 or 16 week Pre-Sessional English course despite only being advised to take the 6-week course


What does the online course involve?
Our Online Pre-Sessional English courses provide students with all the tools they need to achieve their English language goals. Our fully online classes are based on our successful classroom model. Students attend bite-sized, easy to follow teacher-led sessions, supplemented by self-study and engaging assignments that enable you to fully immerse yourself in the learning experience.
In addition, we offer private tuition options with one-on-one tutorials to help you focus on additional language skills.
Course Details
To apply for our Online Pre-Sessional English course, you must show proof of your English language level. You can take this test online with our English Language Level Test, or by providing your results from an equivalent English language test (eg. IELTS). If your level of English language level is lower than required, please still contact us, as we may be able to offer you a combination of a Pre-Sessional programme with extra tutorial sessions. The table below illustrates the available course duration and corresponding fees.
6 weeks
12 weeks
16 weeks
Entry level IELTS 5.0-5.5
Entry level IELTS 4.5-5.0
Entry level IELTS 4.0-4.5
£1,400
£2,400
£3,200
Course Dates
All Online Pre-Sessional English courses have set starting dates throughout the year and are inclusive of all time zones – sessions happen three times a day to cater to our students from across the globe.
6 Weeks
8th March – 16th April
29th March – 7th May
19th April – 28th May
10th May – 18th June
31st May – 9th July
21st June – 30th July
12th July – 20th August
2nd August – 10th September
12 Weeks
8th March – 16th April
15th March – 4th June
12th April – 2nd July
24th May – 13th August
21st June – 10th September
Sample Timetable
Week 1
Time GMT
08:30-09:30
Monday
Induction
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
10:00-11:30
Live Class
Live Class
Live Class
Live Class
Live Class
Weeks 2-6
Time GMT
10:00-11:30
Monday
Live Class
Tuesday
Live Class
Wednesday
Live Class
Thursday
Live Class
Friday
Live Class
Course Outcomes
Our online Pre-Sessional English course will improve your understanding and use of the English language and academic skills for university-level study. At the end of your course you will have improved in the following areas:
Writing
Write opinion essays on a variety of topics and develop writing process strategies to produce coherent texts.
Reading
Demonstrate a thorough reading comprehension using a variety of reading subskills and the ability to think critically when responding to a variety of texts.
Speaking
Express oneself effectively and improve presentation skills.
Listening
Have a greater understanding of vocabulary and to be able to actively following listening input and take notes.
Digital Literacy
Know how to navigate digital tools such as a VLE and communicate with peers and teachers online.
Academic Practice
Gain the ability to work collaboratively with peers, evaluate one’s work critically and engage actively in academic settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the questions we get asked the most about applying for and studying the online Pre-Sessional English course.
What happens when I apply for the course?
You will receive a welcome letter telling you we have received your application. Closer to your course start date, you will be sent a welcome pack containing details of your course, class times, assessment criteria and clear technical instructions for joining your class.
How does the course work?
The course has three key components: Live lessons with a qualified English language teacher. Extended study which is an opportunity to work with your classmates on homework or collaborative tasks in a virtual environment. You will also need to spend some time studying independently and preparing for your lessons.
How many people will be in my live lessons?
You will study in groups of approximately 10-12 students.
Which online platform will I need?
You will need to download Zoom and Teams. You will also get access to Oxford International online platforms with additional learning resources.
How many hours a week will I need to study for?
You will have one 90 minute live lesson per day from Monday to Friday. However, you will be assigned additional tasks and study projects so you will also need to spend about 2 hours on extended study and self-study.
Will there be many tests?
There will be a marked assignment every week. There will also be final assessment at the end of the course. For 12 and 16 week courses regular progress tests are conducted to monitor student progress.

Ready to take your English skills to the next level?
Apply to our Online Pre-Sessional English course today by simply using the application link below.
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