Pre-Sessional English and Study Skills
6, 12 or 22 weeks Full-time classroom
Download PDF Enquire now
Choose a section
This full-time programme is ideal if your academic qualifications meet the requirements for your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate course, but your English language level falls below the entry requirements of the academic course you wish to join.
The programme teaches you the language and other 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. You will also develop the ideas and concepts necessary to participate in the global academic community.
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.
We offer two courses depending on your current language level and your proposed course of study (undergraduate or postgraduate). You will study for 6 weeks, 12 weeks or 22 weeks.
You can check important dates including teaching, assessment and public holidays on our dates and fees page. Please note there will be no teaching on public holidays.
You can view more information about the mix of students who study at the Campus with our infographic here.
Progression on to your chosen academic course depends on a mix of continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations (not IELTS).
This module will help you develop your listening skills so that you can understand real-time interaction and complex spoken content in lectures and conversations.
You’ll learn to express yourself confidently in academic conversations, whether you are presenting ideas or participating in group discussions. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to engage in lectures and seminars, including discussions, debates, and presentations, preparing you for success in your academic journey at a UK university.
This module will help you to improve your English language and academic literacy skills. You’ll learn to identify main ideas and details in complex written texts, develop critical thinking, and write coherent essays using evidence-based arguments.
Through interactive activities, workshops, and discussions, you’ll improve your reading and writing skills, receiving personalized feedback and one-to-one tutoring to enhance your language proficiency.
This module helps you develop effective communication skills in intercultural contexts, essential for success at a UK university. You’ll apply skills learned in other modules, reflect on your progress, and work on a collaborative project to research and present findings.
Through continuous reflection, you’ll gain independence and prepare for learning in a diverse community. The module also introduces key concepts and vocabulary for project work at a UK university.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
This module will prepare you for the next stage of your studies where you will develop your listening and speaking skills through conversations, lectures, and multimedia, giving you an introduction to university study.
You’ll learn to extract key information, express yourself clearly on familiar topics, and understand relationships between arguments and topics. Interactive exercises, real-life scenarios, and pronunciation refinement will enhance your communication skills, vocabulary, and confidence.
This module will develop your reading and writing skills so that your linguistic ability is at a high level to cope with the demands of your further studies. You’ll learn to analyze and understand various types of texts, and write in an organized manner.
You’ll also improve your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and ability to write effectively. Through a range of topics, you’ll develop your language accuracy and range, enabling you to communicate simply and clearly in writing.
This module introduces you to intercultural communication, helping you understand how culture affects effective communication. You’ll gain cultural insights, develop self-awareness of your own communication style, and learn to navigate group work.
By learning key vocabulary and concepts, you’ll become more aware of how culture impacts communication, preparing you for successful collaboration in diverse study settings.
This module will help you develop your listening skills so that you can understand real-time interaction and complex spoken content in lectures and conversations.
You’ll learn to express yourself confidently in academic conversations, whether you are presenting ideas or participating in group discussions. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to engage in lectures and seminars, including discussions, debates, and presentations, preparing you for success in your academic journey at a UK university.
This module will help you to improve your English language and academic literacy skills. You’ll learn to identify main ideas and details in complex written texts, develop critical thinking, and write coherent essays using evidence-based arguments.
Through interactive activities, workshops, and discussions, you’ll improve your reading and writing skills, receiving personalized feedback and one-to-one tutoring to enhance your language proficiency.
This module helps you develop effective communication skills in intercultural contexts, essential for success at a UK university. You’ll apply skills learned in other modules, reflect on your progress, and work on a collaborative project to research and present findings.
Through continuous reflection, you’ll gain independence and prepare for learning in a diverse community. The module also introduces key concepts and vocabulary for project work at a UK university.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2024/25. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
All modules on this course are core and 0 credits unless otherwise stated.
Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.
The learning materials will be supplied via loan; however, you are expected to buy a paper-based dictionary as you are allowed to use this during your exam.
Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.
In addition to your tuition fees, you will need to consider how you are going to meet your living costs whilst living in London. You will need to budget for things such as rent, food, travel, clothing and socialising. The UKVI recommend allowing a minimum of £1,334 to cover living costs in London.
To help you understand what kind of costs you can expect, below give you an approximate monthly cost, the actual cost depends on lifestyle and will vary for each individual.
For further information regarding living costs and living in London, we recommend visiting studylondon.ac.uk for further information.
You can also find out more information about accommodation here.
Enquire now to find out more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.
Once you’re ready to apply, you should submit an enquiry and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your options and what you need to do.
Please note: For 2025 applications you will be redirected to the Northumbria website to select which intake you would like to apply for.
| Course Duration | Apply for 2025 |
|---|---|
| 6 week | Apply for the 6-week PSE |
| 12 week | Apply for the 12-week PSE |
| 22 week | Apply for the 22-week PSE |
We strongly recommend that you submit your enquiry as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your course. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa (if required) and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol onto your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.
Supporting documents
For us to assess your application in a timely manner, it is important that you provide us with the following documents:
You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.
At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.
Pre-Sessional
UK/Home Fee: N/A
International Fee: £1,950, £3,900 or £7,800 (24/25)
Relevant progression degree admissions requirements and you must be over 18 years old
0.5 to 2.0 below your progression degree’s English language requirements overall, and/or in one or more bands.
Full-time classroom
6, 12 or 22 weeks
Coursework and exams
Not available
Not available
Not available
January, March, June, July, September, November