Pre-Sessional English Courses: Make Your Study Abroad Journey Smoother | UP-STUDY Educational Center

After going through a series of application processes, I finally received the admission letter from the school. Just as I was about to cheer with joy, I saw a small line on the notice: Conditional Offer and Pre-Sessional. Does this mean I can report to the school? What is Pre-Sessional? Don’t worry, receiving the offer means admission. The school has arranged a Pre-Sessional course to help you complete your studies more smoothly. Once you finish the course, you can still happily go abroad to study. While celebrating the admission, let's get to know Pre-Sessional.

What is Pre-Sessional?

Pre-Sessional, commonly known as the "Pre-Sessional English Course" in Chinese, is a preparatory program offered by many universities in the UK for international students whose first language is not English and whose English proficiency does not meet the required standard, but whose other qualifications are acceptable. The course helps students improve their English skills before starting their studies to reach the required level for admission.

Students who need to take Pre-Sessional are usually those who have received a "Conditional Offer," which means the student has been admitted, but there are some requirements to be fulfilled, such as having an IELTS score that is 0.5 to 1.5 points lower than the requirement. In such cases, students can either submit a passing IELTS score or complete the Pre-Sessional course, after which the school will provide an unconditional offer. Alternatively, students can join the Pre-Sessional program to improve their English for academic purposes, familiarize themselves with the campus, and be better prepared for academic challenges upon official enrollment.

What is taught in Pre-Sessional?

The main purpose of Pre-Sessional is to improve international students' "English skills required for study and life abroad." The course is usually taught by staff from the university’s language center, focusing on listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills, as well as how to write essays, engage in class discussions, and teach academic research methods.

Pre-Sessional courses are usually taught in small classes, allowing students to seek timely assistance when encountering learning difficulties. This is not only helpful for students whose English proficiency does not meet the standard, but also for students who have no experience writing English essays. They can use Pre-Sessional to familiarize themselves with the teaching methods used in most UK postgraduate programs, ensuring they don’t find themselves struggling in class or overwhelmed by assignments while trying to keep up with the latest course material, which could negatively affect their performance.

Additionally, Pre-Sessional provides international students with a great opportunity to get familiar with their new environment and make new friends. It also allows students from different countries to share their experiences, such as finding affordable supermarkets near the school, how to use UK electrical appliances, and how to open a bank account. Some students may form tight-knit communities, and before returning home, they can even exchange or sell second-hand items to lighten their luggage and save a lot of money.

Pre-Sessional Duration?

The duration of Pre-Sessional programs usually depends on the difference between the student's IELTS score and the required score set by the university. If the difference is 0.5 points, the course is usually around 4-6 weeks; if the difference is 1.0 point, the course may be extended to 6-12 weeks; if the difference is above 1.5 points, the course may last 12 weeks or more.

Schools offering Pre-Sessional programs usually organize courses based on the students' IELTS scores and their academic level. The duration of the program is set during the placement process. For example, King's College London, a prestigious university in the UK, offers Pre-Sessional programs of 6, 11, and 16 weeks; Durham University, a member of the Russell Group, offers 6, 10, and 20-week programs, and doctoral students can choose a specialized 10-week or 20-week program designed for them.

How much does Pre-Sessional cost?

Pre-Sessional is not a formal course, so the associated costs may not be included in the tuition fees, and there may be additional charges. The possible types of fees are as follows:

• Deducted from tuition fees

Some schools include Pre-Sessional as part of the tuition fees, so students can apply for the Pre-Sessional program without additional payment.

• Additional fee

Depending on the scale of the Pre-Sessional course, there may be an additional fee. The exact amount is set by the school, and it can range from £1500 to several thousand pounds. It is recommended that students check the international student section on the official website of the school for specific details.

In addition to tuition fees, Pre-Sessional programs will increase the living expenses for international students. However, since Pre-Sessional programs are organized by the school, although it is not yet the official semester start, most schools offer dormitories at lower rates than renting privately. If you are currently tight on money, don't forget to inquire about the dormitory accommodation details from the school.

Do I have to attend Pre-Sessional?

For students whose English proficiency does not meet the required standard, Pre-Sessional is mandatory. If you do not take Pre-Sessional, you will have to retake the IELTS to obtain the official admission offer from the university. For students who have already met the required English proficiency, you can consider the following points to decide whether to join Pre-Sessional, which can improve the English skills required for studying abroad, and also help you build networks and learn essential living information.

• I can understand the professor's lectures
• I can write essays and academic papers entirely in English
• I can engage in academic discussions with classmates in English
• I can live independently in the UK
• I do / do not have sufficient budget to pay for additional Pre-Sessional courses

Pre-Sessional is a program designed by UK universities to help international students better integrate into life abroad and obtain their degrees. Prospective students should not be discouraged by receiving conditional offers; the experience of Pre-Sessional may turn out to be one of the best chapters of your study abroad life.

After reading the above explanation, do you feel more reassured about studying in the UK? If you want to learn more about study abroad details, feel free to visit UP-STUDY Educational Center for the latest study abroad information!