Postgraduate pre-sessional English  Masters applicants – entry requirements and applying

Preparation and arrival

Read our preparation and arrival information for Language Centre courses.

English language certificates

We accept a range of English language certificates. Check which qualifications we accept, and find out equivalencies for other certificates.

Improve your academic English level to the standard needed to study your Masters degree.

Studying a pre-sessional course 

Special features of this course:

  • Start dates throughout the year – study when it suits you best
  • Teaching tailored to your subject area in the summer
  • Study with other students also preparing for a Masters

How long you need to study for depends on your current English language level and the level required for your degree. 

How to apply

  1. Choose your year of entry 
  2. Use the table to see how long you should study for
  3. Select your preferred start month for detailed course information, fees and to apply

2023/24 entry

If you plan to start your pre-sessional course in July or August (summer), find out more about entry requirements for our six and 10 week summer pre-sessional English courses.

If you're starting your pre-sessional course in September 2023 or January 2024, use the following list to check your eligibility.

Our academic year is made up of two semesters (autumn and spring) plus the summer. 

You can study a pre-sessional for different lengths of time depending on your requirements. Select the start month to see course information and how to apply.

If your postgraduate degree requires an overall IELTS score of 6.5

  • Your current score: 5.0 with no components below 4.5. You need: Two semesters plus summer starting in September
  • Your current score: 5.5 with no components below 5.0. You need: Two semesters starting in September or one semester plus summer starting in January
  • Your current score: 6.0 with no components below 5.5. You need: One semester starting in January.

If your postgraduate degree requires an overall IELTS score of 7.0

  • Your current score: 5.5 with no components below 5.0. You need: Two semesters plus summer starting in September 
  • Your current score: 6.0 with no components below 5.5. You need: Two semesters starting in September or one semester plus summer starting in January
  • Your current score: 6.5 with no components below 6.0. You need: One semester starting in January

Further information 

For other English qualifications, read the English language equivalent qualifications page

The minimum age to study on this course is 18.  

If you have any questions, please email the Language Centre: langc@leeds.ac.uk.