Summer 2021

Masters applicants

If you'll be studying a taught postgraduate degree, our postgraduate summer pre-sessional course is tailored to your subject area, so you'll learn academic English that specifically prepares you for your degree. 

Course content in July and August is developed by teaching staff from the Language Centre and from your academic department. These courses can help if you don't meet the English language requirement for your degree, or if you want to gain a better understanding of using academic language in your subject area before your degree starts. You can see the list of our tailored pre-sessional courses at the end of this page.

Research applicants

If you'll be studying a research degree, during the summer you'll have the opportunity to study with other postgraduate researchers. If you apply to study for 10 weeks, the first four weeks of your course will be tailored to postgraduate study within the broader context of your research subject area and you'll study with other postgraduate students.

For the remaining six weeks, or if you apply for our six week pre-sessional course, you'll study with other researchers preparing for a research degree. You'll learn how to use academic English that specifically prepares you for research using material from your degree subject area.

Frequently asked questions

Which English language certificates do we accept?

We accept the following certificates:

  • Academic IELTS
  • Pearson PTE Academic
  • TOEFL iBT
  • Cambridge Advanced English
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency
  • iGCSE English as a first or second language

Check IELTS equivalencies for TOEFL iBT and Pearson tests

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements vary depending on which degree you'll be studying after your pre-sessional English course.

Masters applicants
If you'll be studying a taught postgraduate degree, entry requirements for summer pre-sessional courses can be found from the 'Applying, fees and funding' section on your Masters course page.

Research applicants
If you'll be studying a research degree, you can find the entry requirements on our pre-sessional course page.

How do I apply?

Apply via the application portal. Choose either:

  • Summer pre-sessional (10 weeks) English for Postgraduate Studies, or 
  • Summer pre-sessional (6 weeks) English for Postgraduate Studies 

If you experience any difficulties, please email the Admissions Enquiries team.

My postgraduate course offer is unconditional. Can I apply for this pre-sessional course?

Yes.

I'm eligible for the six week pre-sessional course. Can I apply for the 10 week course?

Yes.

When will I receive a response to my application?  

During peak times, it may take us longer to respond to your application. 

Masters applicants
We'll review your pre-sessional English application after you've received a decision on your Masters application.

Research applicants
We'll respond to your pre-sessional application after we receive it.

What's included in the tuition fees?

Do I need to pay a tuition fee deposit?

We are accepting deposit payments to secure your place on your pre-sessional course. 

The full tuition fee for your pre-sessional English course needs to be paid before you register. We therefore encourage you to pay your tuition fee in full at this stage, rather than paying the deposit only. Your course fee is in your pre-sessional English offer letter.

If you don't attend your pre-sessional English course, any payments you've made will automatically be allocated to your Masters course instead. If you also decline your Masters course offer, your right to a refund of your deposit is limited.

How long will this pre-sessional course be valid for?

This pre-sessional course is valid for two years from the date of completion.

Read more about our discipline-specific pre-sessional English courses, including entry requirements, start dates and how to apply below:

Pre-sessional English for your Masters course

Pre-sessional English for your research degree 

10 week courses:

Six week course: