Year-Round Pre-sessional

... I found that I have made a great improvement in English especially writing academic essays and speaking, which gives me confidence to solve any problems. …  (Read more)

This course runs from October to June and is for students with an English language level from IELTS 4.5 to 5.5 (or equivalent). It provides a step-by-step programme to gradually build up both your language and your academic study skills. 

You should join at the stage that fits your starting level. The last five weeks of this course are the same as Pre-sessional Summer A. At the end of this, students then move on to take Summer B.

How long should I study for?

This depends on your starting level. For students aiming for the standard requirements of IELTS 6.5 and starting a degree programme in September we recommend:

IELTS (Academic) at entry

TOEFL at entry

length start date end of term feesapplication deadline
overall 4.5, minimum 4.5 in Writing 49, with 14 in writing 40 weeks 30 September 2013

(Reading Week: 4 -8 Nov)

 £8,755 13th September 2013
4.5 in all skills 59 with no skill less than 14 35 weeks 11 November 2013 13 December
(Vacation: 14 Dec-5 Jan)
 £7,830 25th October 2013
overall 5.0, with 5.0 in Writing 63, with 16 in Writing 30 weeks 6 January 2014 14 March  £6,950 6th December 2013
5.0 in all skills 68 with no skill less than 16 25 weeks 10 February 2014

14 March
(Vacation: 15 Mar-30 Mar)

 £5,950 TBC
overall 5.5, with 5.5 in Writing 72 with 18 in Writing 20 weeks 31 March 2014

6 June

 £4,930 TBC
5.5 in all skills
(this is the same as Pre-sessional Summer A)
76, with no skill less than 18 15 weeks 6 May 2014 6 June
(Vacation: 7 -22 Jun)
 £3,790 TBC
 
IMPORTANT NOTES 
  • Other tests: we also accept other internationally recognised English tests such as the Pearson Test of English (Academic test). .
  • Different start dates or need a higher level?If your academic programme begins at a different time or you need to achieve a higher score, you should adjust the timing of your English course; please contact us for advice.
  • If your scores are slightly below the recommended level: please send us any other previous test scores you have to help us make a decision

Content

15 hours per week academic skills with weekly one-to-one tutorials, and 3 hours per week of structured independent study.

The course aims to develop

  • general & academic listening and reading skills
  • seminar discussion and presentation skills on academic related topics
  • your ability to write well-organised essays on a range of topics
  • an appropriate academic style
  • strategies for independent study
  • academic vocabulary & grammar

 At the end of this, students then move on to take Summer B.

Sample Timetable (actual topics and times may change)

Theme: Adapting to a New Culture

 

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

9.30-11.00   Reading: article extracts Reading: information on web pages Listening: mini-lecture Writing: Timed Writing
11.30-1.00 Intro. to Topic: reading sample articles Listening: interview Writing: summarising & note-taking Speaking: discussion on effects of culture shock Speaking:presentation practice
2.00-3.30 Writing: use of sources by summarising, paraphrasing & quoting Tutorials Tutorials  

Tutorials

3.40-4.40   Supported Independent Study Supported Independent Study: Group Project session

Supported Independent Study