“I used to be afraid to communicate with others in English, but after the pre-sessional course I could speak fluent English with my teachers and classmates. ”
Postgraduate pre-sessional English
You can improve your academic English level to the standard needed to study a postgraduate programme - either a Masters or a research degree.
Special features
- Study when it suits you best with start dates throughout the year
- Teaching is tailored to your subject area in the summer if you're preparing for a Masters
- The opportunity to study with other research students during the summer if you're preparing for a research degree.
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During this pre-sessional course, you'll develop skills in academic reading, writing, speaking and listening.
You'll use practical academic techniques, including:
- building your fluency, confidence and accuracy in academic English
- participating in lectures and seminars
- researching academic sources effectively
- analysing and summarising academic texts
- structuring academic writing and developing an argument
- using critical analysis
What you will study
If you are studying on the pre-sessional course for 30 or 40 weeks:
At the early stages of your course, you'll study core academic English and develop your ability to study at postgraduate level in the UK. You’ll learn alongside other students preparing for postgraduate study.
As you progress, or if you are studying the pre-sessional for 10 or 20 weeks only:
Your classes will focus more closely on the skills you’ll need for your postgraduate degree. If you study your pre-sessional course during terms 2 and 3, you’ll study with other students preparing for a taught Masters, or research degree, depending on which type of degree you intend to study.
In the summer term (term 4) you'll have the opportunity to study academic English in the context of your
Course modules
English for academic purposes
You can improve your English language to enable you to study at postgraduate level. This is the core module of our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
Academic skills and strategy development
This module develops your listening and speaking skills. You’ll learn how to use these skills in order to get the most out of your lectures and seminars, or meetings with your supervisor during your degree.
Language in context
You'll learn English through a topic related to your interests. Examples of previous topics include drama, music, engineering, history and literature.
If you are going onto study a postgraduate course in business, you'll take the Business Language in Context module.
As well as the above modules you'll have time with your tutor to address questions you may have about your language and learning. There'll also be time for you to continue with your studies independently.
Assessment
You'll be assessed in a variety of ways, including written assignments, speaking assignments, research projects and producing a piece of work to be presented online in an e-exhibition.
Accreditation
Our academic English for postgraduate studies course is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK and is taught by our team of English for Academic Purposes tutors.