Level Of Study
Pre-Sessional
Award
There are no academic entry requirements for this programme
Fees
5 week: £1,500, 10 week: £3,000, 15 week: £4,500
Entry Requirements
There are no academic entry requirements for this programme
English Language Requirements
From IELTS 4.0 with no component below 4.0
Mode Of Study
Full-Time Online
Duration
5, 10 or 15 week
Assessment Methods
Written assignments, presentations and exams
Start Date
Multiple start dates throughout the year for degrees starting in May, September, January/ February
Locations
Online
99% of students progressed onto their desired degree after successfully passing the course in 2022/23*
The QA Higher Education Pre-Sessional English (PSE) programme is designed to develop your English skills to meet the English language entry requirements of a QA partner university programme, at the foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate level. The course duration options are setup with your destination course English language requirements in mind to help you to progress.
The programme combines English language skills development with academic study skills required for you to successfully study at a UK university. It also allows you to develop social English language skills, both in class and outside class (online: though social activities and tasks).
The programme is for those who would like to progress to a university-level programme with one of QA Higher Education’s partner universities and need to develop their English language skills to meet the required entry-level. It is suitable for both international learners and some home students whose first language is not English.
In addition, the PSE is suitable for those of you who would like to improve your English and experience and understand how academic English is learnt and applied in a university context. It is a good way to experience what it is like to study academic English. Pre-Sessional English (PSE) can be studied in conjunction with an IELTS prep course to help get ready for an IELTS exam.
Pre-Sessional English is suitable for students who wish to study at
The 15-week programme will focus on the development of your language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening; systems: vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. You will also develop your confidence in everyday social English and, to help prepare for life here in the UK at a university, you will explore and learn more about British culture and history.
The 10 and 5-week programme teaches you the language and academic skills necessary for you to gain the maximum benefit from your future academic course. You will develop these skills in a content-based approach to learning involving critical thinking, questioning, discussion, reflection and analysis.
By the end of the course, you will feel confident to research your subject, deal with a range of academic texts, attend lectures, take part in seminars and tutorials, and produce extended written academic assignments.
When you study online, in advance of each class you will be provided with guidance notes and lecture materials. Before each class, you will be expected to engage with this learning to help you prepare for the class. To support this approach, before each class you can join a session with your lecturer to ask them to explain anything you don’t understand or simply want to know more about. These drop-in sessions make sure that you are well prepared for when the actual lesson starts.
Typically if you are learning online you would receive:
The maximum class size is 18 students.
As Pre-Sessional English is open to students from across the world the classes will be scheduled to meet the requirements for different time zones.
Below is an example timetable; times may slightly vary depending on the country of origin/time size of the majority of students.
| Approximate difference | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| British Summer Time | Asia (+7) | Middle East (+3) | Latin America (-4) |
| 9am – 1pm | 4pm – 8pm | 12noon – 4pm | n/a |
| 2pm – 6pm | n/a | 5pm – 9pm | 10am – 2pm |
Example timetable
This programme is delivered by QA Higher Education
*Progression is not guaranteed and the course requires the full commitment of each student to successfully complete the course. The pass rate is based on 59 out of 60 students passing.
Successful completion of the Pre-Sessional English will prepare you for UK University study. You will be required to meet the academic and English requirements of your destination courses, as outlined in your offer letter (if applicable).
Universities you can progress onto:
All modules are core and are 0 credits.
This unit is designed to develop your reading and writing skills. Reading sessions will include key reading techniques such as skimming, scanning.
The grammar and vocabulary of academic writing will be reviewed in-depth to support your writing and understanding of texts.
This unit will develop your listening and speaking skills. Listening sessions will include listening techniques such as listening for gist, listening for specific information and listening for detail. Speaking sessions will include giving presentations and discussions in seminars.
Grammar and vocabulary of spoken English will be reviewed in-depth to support your understanding of listening to texts and speaking.
This module aims to help you with developing your social English and strategies of using English inside and outside the classroom.
There will be some pronunciation exercises on individual sounds and areas of connected speech.
This unit is designed to develop your reading and writing skills. Reading sessions will include reading techniques such as skimming, scanning and extensive reading, strategies for dealing with an unknown language, and predicting content.
Writing sessions will include structuring essays at sentence and paragraph levels, understanding thesis statements, and referencing.
The grammar and vocabulary of academic writing will be reviewed in-depth to support your writing and understanding of texts.
This unit will develop your listening and speaking skills. Listening sessions will include listening techniques such as listening for gist, listening for specific information and listening for detail. It will also cover areas such as note-taking.
Speaking sessions will include giving presentations and discussions in seminars.
Grammar and vocabulary of spoken English will be reviewed in-depth to support your understanding of listening to texts and speaking.
This module is designed to help international students understand the conventions of conducting research, which is an important component of UK university study.
You will explore UK life and attempt to apply your research skills in a UK project.
The module develops your acculturation and will allow you to identify and explain the differences between your own culture and British culture.
You will be required to prepare and present on your research topic and write a report.
There are no academic entry requirements for this programme.
You will be required to meet the academic conditions of offer for any course you plan to study after your Pre-Sessional English course.
There is no minimum age requirement for this programme. Parental/Guardian consent will be required for those under 18s.
| Destination Course | 7.0 Destination | 6.5 Destination | 6.0 Destination | 5.5 Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target entry requirements (IELTS equivalent) | 7.0 overall with a min of 7.0 in all components | 6.5 overall with a min of 6.0 in all components | 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 | 5.5 overall with no component below 5.5 |
| 5 weeks | 6.5 overall with a min of 6.0 in all components | 6.0 overall with no component below 5.0 | 5.5 overall with no component below 5.0 | 5.5 overall with no component below 5.0 |
| 10 weeks | 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 | 5.5 overall with no component below 5.0 | 5.0 overall with no component below 4.5 | 5.0 overall with no component below 4.5 |
| 15 week | 5.5 overall with no component below 5.0 | 5.0 overall with no component below 4.5 | 4.5 overall with no component below 4.0 | 4.0 overall with no component below 4.0 |
Applicants can use the following to meet the English language requirement:
Your tuition fees cover the cost of teaching, access to resources, registration costs, and Student Support Services. They do not include the cost of course books, stationery and photocopying/printing costs, accommodation, living costs, travel, hobbies, sports or other leisure activities.
For students studying online, access to a laptop/PC with a microphone, speakers and a webcam is required.
Note: students without access to a PC/laptop will be unable to attempt the final assessments. Students cannot complete this course with a smartphone only.
Students in China may require access to a VPN to utilise all learning and assessment software.
Pay your tuition fees quickly and easily with Flywire, an online payment platform available in over 240 countries and more than 140 currencies. Payments can be made using a variety of methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and more.
Pay with Flywire here
Did you know that if you arrange a local currency bank transfer with Flywire and discover a better exchange rate at your bank within two hours, you can send them a quote from your bank, and they’ll match it?*
Next application deadline: See dates and fees here.
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
| IELTS Destinations | 5 week | 10 week |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS 5.5 | Apply for February | Apply for January |
| IELTS 6.0 | Apply for February | Apply for January |
| IELTS 6.5 | Apply for February | Apply for January |
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
| IELTS Destinations | 5 week | 10 week | 15 week |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS 5.5 | Apply for July | Apply for June | Apply for May |
| IELTS 6.0 | Apply for July | Apply for June | Apply for May |
| IELTS 6.5 | Apply for July | Apply for June | Apply for May |
Level Of Study
Pre-Sessional
Award
There are no academic entry requirements for this programme
Fees
5 week: £1,500, 10 week: £3,000, 15 week: £4,500
Entry Requirements
There are no academic entry requirements for this programme
English Language Requirements
From IELTS 4.0 with no component below 4.0
Mode Of Study
Full-Time Online
Duration
5, 10 or 15 week
Assessment Methods
Written assignments, presentations and exams
Start Date
Multiple start dates throughout the year for degrees starting in May, September, January/ February
Locations
Online
99% of students progressed onto their desired degree after successfully passing the course in 2022/23*
The QA Higher Education Pre-Sessional English (PSE) programme is designed to develop your English skills to meet the English language entry requirements of a QA partner university programme, at the foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate level. The course duration options are setup with your destination course English language requirements in mind to help you to progress.
The programme combines English language skills development with academic study skills required for you to successfully study at a UK university. It also allows you to develop social English language skills, both in class and outside class (online: though social activities and tasks).
The programme is for those who would like to progress to a university-level programme with one of QA Higher Education’s partner universities and need to develop their English language skills to meet the required entry-level. It is suitable for both international learners and some home students whose first language is not English.
In addition, the PSE is suitable for those of you who would like to improve your English and experience and understand how academic English is learnt and applied in a university context. It is a good way to experience what it is like to study academic English. Pre-Sessional English (PSE) can be studied in conjunction with an IELTS prep course to help get ready for an IELTS exam.
Pre-Sessional English is suitable for students who wish to study at
The 15-week programme will focus on the development of your language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening; systems: vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. You will also develop your confidence in everyday social English and, to help prepare for life here in the UK at a university, you will explore and learn more about British culture and history.
The 10 and 5-week programme teaches you the language and academic skills necessary for you to gain the maximum benefit from your future academic course. You will develop these skills in a content-based approach to learning involving critical thinking, questioning, discussion, reflection and analysis.
By the end of the course, you will feel confident to research your subject, deal with a range of academic texts, attend lectures, take part in seminars and tutorials, and produce extended written academic assignments.
When you study online, in advance of each class you will be provided with guidance notes and lecture materials. Before each class, you will be expected to engage with this learning to help you prepare for the class. To support this approach, before each class you can join a session with your lecturer to ask them to explain anything you don’t understand or simply want to know more about. These drop-in sessions make sure that you are well prepared for when the actual lesson starts.
Typically if you are learning online you would receive:
The maximum class size is 18 students.
As Pre-Sessional English is open to students from across the world the classes will be scheduled to meet the requirements for different time zones.
Below is an example timetable; times may slightly vary depending on the country of origin/time size of the majority of students.
| Approximate difference | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| British Summer Time | Asia (+7) | Middle East (+3) | Latin America (-4) |
| 9am – 1pm | 4pm – 8pm | 12noon – 4pm | n/a |
| 2pm – 6pm | n/a | 5pm – 9pm | 10am – 2pm |
Example timetable
This programme is delivered by QA Higher Education
*Progression is not guaranteed and the course requires the full commitment of each student to successfully complete the course. The pass rate is based on 59 out of 60 students passing.
Successful completion of the Pre-Sessional English will prepare you for UK University study. You will be required to meet the academic and English requirements of your destination courses, as outlined in your offer letter (if applicable).
Universities you can progress onto:
All modules are core and are 0 credits.
This unit is designed to develop your reading and writing skills. Reading sessions will include key reading techniques such as skimming, scanning.
The grammar and vocabulary of academic writing will be reviewed in-depth to support your writing and understanding of texts.
This unit will develop your listening and speaking skills. Listening sessions will include listening techniques such as listening for gist, listening for specific information and listening for detail. Speaking sessions will include giving presentations and discussions in seminars.
Grammar and vocabulary of spoken English will be reviewed in-depth to support your understanding of listening to texts and speaking.
This module aims to help you with developing your social English and strategies of using English inside and outside the classroom.
There will be some pronunciation exercises on individual sounds and areas of connected speech.
This unit is designed to develop your reading and writing skills. Reading sessions will include reading techniques such as skimming, scanning and extensive reading, strategies for dealing with an unknown language, and predicting content.
Writing sessions will include structuring essays at sentence and paragraph levels, understanding thesis statements, and referencing.
The grammar and vocabulary of academic writing will be reviewed in-depth to support your writing and understanding of texts.
This unit will develop your listening and speaking skills. Listening sessions will include listening techniques such as listening for gist, listening for specific information and listening for detail. It will also cover areas such as note-taking.
Speaking sessions will include giving presentations and discussions in seminars.
Grammar and vocabulary of spoken English will be reviewed in-depth to support your understanding of listening to texts and speaking.
This module is designed to help international students understand the conventions of conducting research, which is an important component of UK university study.
You will explore UK life and attempt to apply your research skills in a UK project.
The module develops your acculturation and will allow you to identify and explain the differences between your own culture and British culture.
You will be required to prepare and present on your research topic and write a report.
There are no academic entry requirements for this programme.
You will be required to meet the academic conditions of offer for any course you plan to study after your Pre-Sessional English course.
There is no minimum age requirement for this programme. Parental/Guardian consent will be required for those under 18s.
| Destination Course | 7.0 Destination | 6.5 Destination | 6.0 Destination | 5.5 Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target entry requirements (IELTS equivalent) | 7.0 overall with a min of 7.0 in all components | 6.5 overall with a min of 6.0 in all components | 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 | 5.5 overall with no component below 5.5 |
| 5 weeks | 6.5 overall with a min of 6.0 in all components | 6.0 overall with no component below 5.0 | 5.5 overall with no component below 5.0 | 5.5 overall with no component below 5.0 |
| 10 weeks | 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 | 5.5 overall with no component below 5.0 | 5.0 overall with no component below 4.5 | 5.0 overall with no component below 4.5 |
| 15 week | 5.5 overall with no component below 5.0 | 5.0 overall with no component below 4.5 | 4.5 overall with no component below 4.0 | 4.0 overall with no component below 4.0 |
Applicants can use the following to meet the English language requirement:
Your tuition fees cover the cost of teaching, access to resources, registration costs, and Student Support Services. They do not include the cost of course books, stationery and photocopying/printing costs, accommodation, living costs, travel, hobbies, sports or other leisure activities.
For students studying online, access to a laptop/PC with a microphone, speakers and a webcam is required.
Note: students without access to a PC/laptop will be unable to attempt the final assessments. Students cannot complete this course with a smartphone only.
Students in China may require access to a VPN to utilise all learning and assessment software.
Pay your tuition fees quickly and easily with Flywire, an online payment platform available in over 240 countries and more than 140 currencies. Payments can be made using a variety of methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and more.
Pay with Flywire here
Did you know that if you arrange a local currency bank transfer with Flywire and discover a better exchange rate at your bank within two hours, you can send them a quote from your bank, and they’ll match it?*
Next application deadline: See dates and fees here.
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
| IELTS Destinations | 5 week | 10 week |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS 5.5 | Apply for February | Apply for January |
| IELTS 6.0 | Apply for February | Apply for January |
| IELTS 6.5 | Apply for February | Apply for January |
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
| IELTS Destinations | 5 week | 10 week | 15 week |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS 5.5 | Apply for July | Apply for June | Apply for May |
| IELTS 6.0 | Apply for July | Apply for June | Apply for May |
| IELTS 6.5 | Apply for July | Apply for June | Apply for May |