Undergraduate pre-sessional English  Frequently asked questions

We accept a range of English language certificates for entry to our pre-sessional courses. Find out more about which English language certificates we accept.  
  
Please carefully consider which test you take, as it may affect the type of visa you are eligible to apply for. The Language Centre normally recommends a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Read more about visas.  

Unfortunately, we cannot issue a combined CAS for applicants progressing to undergraduate courses or the International Foundation Year, 

No, the entry requirements must be met through your most recent English language qualification, or via your most recent IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test and One Skill Retake. 

No, you won’t need to retake another English language test if you successfully complete the pre-sessional.

Yes, you can apply without an English language qualification, but you’ll need to provide an eligible qualification before the relevant deadline.

Our pre-sessional course result is valid for two years from the date of completion. 
  
Please be aware that English language requirements for our courses are subject to a yearly review, and you may be asked to provide further English language qualifications to meet the requirements of your degree course.  

If you study the pre-sessional online, you don’t need a SELT. However, if you apply for a summer course and need a Student Visa, you’ll need to provide us with a SELT.

Yes, if your new English language qualification meets the entry requirements for the shorter duration pre-sessional and there are places on the course. You’ll need to meet the deadlines for any of the courses you apply for.     

Read about applying on our How to apply page.

To find out which course you need, use the entry requirements on our Undergraduate pre-sessional English page to find the right course option. Select your course to see course information, fees and to apply. 

Yes, you can study a pre-sessional course even if you meet the English language requirements of your degree.

A pre-sessional course will help you adapt to academic study in the UK, develop your English language skills, become familiar with the campus and city and build a network of friends – all before your academic course begins.

Read our deadlines for pre-sessional courses.

Yes, if you feel you would benefit from studying a longer duration course, you may be able to do this.

A pre-sessional course will help you adapt to academic study in the UK, improve your English language skills, become familiar with the campus and city and build a network of friends before your degree begins.

Yes, if your new English language qualification meets the entry requirements for the 6 week course and there are places on the course. You’ll need to meet the deadlines for both courses.    

Read about paying fees on our How to Pay page. 

If you hold an offer to join us, you cannot request a deferral of your offer, however, you can re-apply via your applicant portal for another start date. 

No, there will be no option to start online for any of the on-campus courses. If you cannot arrive in time for the on-campus pre-sessional, you should email the Language Centre’s programme support team at langc@leeds.ac.uk

Studying a pre-sessional offers many benefits, including improving your English language level and experiencing and adapting to studying in the UK before your degree begins. However, if you no longer plan to study on the pre-sessional course, please decline your offer in the portal so we can update our records. 

If you’ve already received your pre-sessional only CAS and you do not intend to study the pre-sessional course, please do not apply for your Student visa with that CAS.   

2024/25   

Spring semester  

• Teaching dates: 27 January – 28 March 2025 

• Break: 29 March – 27 April 2025 

• Teaching dates: 29 April – 9 May 2025  

• Assessment dates: 12 – 23 May 2025 

Summer courses  

• 10 week course teaching and assessment dates: 1 July – 5 September 2025  

• 6 week course teaching and assessment dates: 28 July – 5 September 2025  

• Summer 6 week online course teaching and assessment dates: 23 June – 1 August 2025 

If you’re studying an on-campus course, you’ll need to be on campus for all teaching and assessment dates.  

The University will be closed for public holidays – see a list of dates when the university will be closed.

For details about your right to refund and cancel, see our Language Centre refund policy.