Pre-sessional English Courses

In-Person English Courses

Join us in Glasgow, the UK’s friendliest city (Condé Nast, 2025) and one of the world’s top five student cities (QS Best Student Cities, 2025), before your degree starts.

Develop the English language and academic skills you need before starting your degree, experience student life first-hand through daily study on campus, make new friends, and explore the city through a dedicated social programme.

Last year, 98% of students on our Pre-sessional English course successfully progressed into full-time study at the University of Glasgow.

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"The in-person Pre-sessional English programme has been a valuable and enjoyable experience for me. It has improved my academic writing, presentation and discussion skills, and helped me become more confident using English in an academic environment. I also made friends from different backgrounds and really enjoyed living and studying in Glasgow. The programme has helped me understand the expectations of UK university study and made me feel much better prepared for my degree." 

– Xinyao, from China: MSc Data Analytics for Economics & Finance (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2026)

"The education system in China and the UK is different, and the in-person Pre-sessional English course helped me to prepare for this difference. We’re encouraged to express our own ideas and develop our own critical thinking skills, which has really helped me. My classmates are really friendly – our tutors encourage us all to speak English which has really helped me to practice."

– Yanfei, from China: MSc Information Technology (In-Personal Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2025)

"My speaking skills have improved since being in Glasgow, but the most important thing is that I have overcome my anxiety. People here are friendly – it’s a great place to learn English. I feel like I’m prepared and ready to face whatever comes. I know the city, I know where to shop, and where to go if something happens."

– Onur, from Turkey: MSc Music Industries (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2025)

"Coming to Glasgow for the in-person Pre-sessional English programme has been a rewarding experience. The programme has helped me improve my academic writing, presentations, and communication; but most importantly, it has given me greater confidence in using English in an academic environment. The team are supportive and helpful, and my tutor was friendly, approachable, and encouraging throughout the course. Beyond the classroom, living in Glasgow has allowed me to meet people from different backgrounds, make great friends, and enjoy everything the city has to offer. I now feel more confident and prepared to begin my Masters journey at the University of Glasgow."

– Faroq, from Iraq: MSc Advanced Practice in Health Care (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2026)

"The in-person Pre-sessional English course has given me a really good start. I know the school’s system, how to use facilities, where to go, and where the supermarket and everything is. I would really recommend it, even if you already have a high enough IELTS score."

– Wei Tsung, from China: MSc Software Development (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2025)

"During the in-person Pre-sessional English course, I gained a lot academically and personally. I learned how to organise an extended essay, use academic structures and cite references. I also made great friends in my study group, and we still keep in close touch after the course. My teachers were very patient and gave me so much encouragement and support. At first, I lacked confidence in English, but by Week 6, I became much more confident in expressing my ideas. The programme helped me gradually adapt to an English-speaking academic environment and prepared me for my degree study."

– Yijie, from China: MSc Media, Culture and Society (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2026)

“The in-person Pre-sessional English course is a good opportunity to meet a lot of multicultural students, even the tutors – people from all over the world. You meet friends from the same field or the same major, so you won’t be struggling in the future. The environment here is a good and positive one.”

– Mohammed, from Saudi Arabia: MSc Data Science (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2025)

“After five weeks, I feel more confident at speaking in English, giving my opinion and sharing my professional practice with others. Now, I’m really looking forward to starting my Master’s programme. I feel ready.”

– Patricia, from Mexico: MSc Education, Public Policy & Equity (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2025)

“The in-person Pre-sessional English course made me more confident. The teaching mode at Glasgow is innovative and different from my previous university in China; it’s more interactive. At first, I found it challenging to express my ideas, but because of this course, I’ve made great progress with my communication and confidence, especially in academic English skills.”

– Kexiang, from China: MSc Management with Enterprise & Business Growth (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2025)

"When I first came to Glasgow, everything was new and unfamiliar to me. The teachers on the Pre-sessional English course gave me so much warmth and support. They helped me build my confidence and improve my academic English. Life, thinking, and study here are very different from China, but don’t worry too much. There are always people around you who are willing to help, and you will slowly feel more comfortable and at home."

– Delphira, from China: Investment Banking & Finance (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2026)

“The in-person Pre-sessional English course not only helped me enrich my academic skills but helped me to adapt to university life; it made me feel more at home. At the beginning of classes, I felt lonely, because I was afraid I wouldn’t make any friends. But I found so many friends with common interests, who will be on similar Masters programmes to me.”

– Zhengli, from China: MAcc International Accounting & Financial Management (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2025)

"For those who already have an unconditional offer, it’s still worth coming to Glasgow to do the in-person Pre-sessional course. It’s not only about learning English; the course helps you develop your personal skills too.”

– Chenrui, from China: MSc Financial Engineering (In-Person Pre-Sessional English, Class of 2025)

Course Overview

Discover what you’ll study, how the course is taught, and how it’s designed to meet your academic and language needs. Our programme goes beyond traditional English language teaching, giving you the skills and confidence to succeed at university.

How to Apply

Ready to join us? Getting started is easy. Find out what you need to prepare before applying and follow simple steps to submit your application online.

Key Dates

You can join us on campus in May, June or July 2027, depending on the level of academic English preparation you need.

Our May course runs from 1 May to 28 August 2026. The application deadline is 3 April 2026.

Our June course runs from 15 June to 28 August 2026. The application deadline is 15 May 2026.

Our July course runs from 27 July to 28 August 2026. The application deadline is 26 June 2026.

Accommodation

Pre-sessional English students can choose to stay in University accommodation for the duration of their in-person course, with fees covering utilities, Wi-Fi, personal contents insurance, and support from on-site and campus teams.

You may also be eligible for a guaranteed offer of accommodation when your degree begins.

Entry Requirements & Fees

Our June course requires a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 in all skills, and costs £5,500. Our July course requires a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no skill below 5.5, and costs £2,750.

However, the required IELTS (or equivalent) score you need will depend on the level of English you want to attain.

All fees include full-time, in-person teaching and comprehensive student support. 

Which Course Should I Take?

Start dates, course length, and content are designed around you and your chosen subject. Use our course calculator to discover the Pre-sessional course that’s right for you.

What Our Students Say

Students like you share how our in-person courses helped them improve their English, build confidence, make friends, and prepare for life and study at the University of Glasgow.

Help & Support

We’re here for you every step of the way. Get guidance on applications, visas, fees, accomodation, IT, and making the most of life in Glasgow – before and after your degree starts.

Online English Course

Can't make it to Glasgow before September? Study from anywhere in the world while gaining the same expert teaching and academic focus. Our interactive, flexible course helps you build confidence and skills before your degree begins.