Coronavirus (COVID-19) update 

Online delivery

In Term 2 (January to March 2021) and Term 3 (March to June 2021) this course will be taught online in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. You'll be able to study your pre-sessional course from home, you won't be expected to study live online sessions at night and you won't need a visa.

We'll continue to review our courses for Term 4 (July to August 2021), with the possibility of on-campus teaching.

If you have applied for a pre-sessional English course, please read our pre-sessional English FAQs.

Visit our coronavirus website for all other updates and information.

Page updated: 14 January 2021

Undergraduate pre-sessional English

2020 - 2021 course information

If English isn't your first language, improve your academic English level with our academic English for undergraduate studies course. How will I be taught undergraduate pre-sessional English?

Special feature: We'll help you transition successfully from high school to studying at a UK university as well as improving your academic English.

Viewing from China? Watch the undergraduate pre-sessional English video on YouKu.

You’ll develop your skills to the standard needed to study on one of the following programmes:

  • an undergraduate degree
  • the International Foundation Year
  • modules on the Exchange and Study Abroad programme
  • the Leeds International Summer School

This course is also suitable if you need to complete an academic English course as part of your undergraduate degree from your home university. 

What you will learn

You will learn using practical techniques which you can apply in your degree. You’ll use learning resources including academic articles, talks and lectures to enhance your development.

You’ll focus on improving your academic English skills in the following areas:

English language skills

  • using English for everyday communication
  • vocabulary development and grammar accuracy
  • pronunciation and spelling

Academic reading and writing

  • structuring ideas for essays and assignments
  • essay writing style
  • using academic language in writing
  • using academic references in your work
  • reading academic resources
  • using these skills to enhance your speaking and writing

Academic listening and speaking

  • getting the most out of lectures and seminars
  • practise listening to talks, lectures and other authentic materials in English
  • participating in seminars and discussions
  • practising your speaking skills with presentations

Academic skills projects

  • You’ll work on assignments which give you the opportunity to practise all the academic and communication skills you learn.
  • For example, you might be asked to conduct surveys or specific internet research which are assessed through presentations, class discussions or writing activities.

Language learning activities

We run informal group sessions like Conversation Club and Book Chat. Join these sessions to practise your English language skills.

Assessment

Throughout the course you will work through a number of assessed assignments linked to your project work. This will allow you to monitor your progress and receive feedback from your tutor. At the end of term you will sit exams to test your academic writing, reading, listening and speaking skills.

Accreditation 

Our undergraduate pre-sessional English 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. See contact details for our Academic Purposes tutors.

Applying  

Find out how to apply for the pre-sessional undergraduate English course.