Pre-Sessional English for a University of Essex degree

Improve your English language level and gain valuable skills and knowledge ahead of your degree at the University of Essex, with a Pre-Sessional English course.

All of our Pre-Sessional courses are taught at the University of Essex International College, located on the University campus.

Important notice: Pre-Sessional courses are temporarily being delivered online. You can learn more about how this will affect your course on our dedicated FAQs page.
If you’re interested in studying here, you can find out more about digital learning and how you can apply with confidence.

What is a Pre-Sessional English course?

Why might I need a PSE course?

The University of Essex International College offers a number of Pre-Sessional English (PSE) and Pre-Sessional courses for students with an offer to study a degree.

If you have received a conditional offer where you meet the academic entry requirements but need to raise your English language level, a PSE course will help you reach the required standard. If you have an unconditional offer, a Pre-Sessional course will allow you to build on your research and study skills, and adapt to life in the UK.

There are 3 types of Pre-Sessional courses available depending on whether you have received a conditional or unconditional offer to study at the University of Essex.

Find out more about each of the courses available:

Available courses for conditional offer holders

Pre-Sessional English Language with Study Skills
This course will provide you with training in the academic use of English, as well as important study skills to prepare you for degree-level study. The course will cover reading, writing, listening and speaking, empowering you to fully engage with university life and academic study.
- Course duration: 10, 15 or 20 weeks
- Course fees: £3,580 to £7,160
- IELTS improvement: 0.5 to 1.5
All students study the following modules:
- English for Academic Purposes
- Independent Project
Students on the 15 and 20-week courses also study the following modules:
- English for Academic Study: Grammar and Vocabulary 3
- English for Academic Study: Speaking and Listening 3
- English for Academic Study: Reading and Writing 3
Find out more about the modules you’ll study
Pre-Sessional English Language
This course will focus on enhancing your English language level, preparing you for undergraduate and postgraduate degree studies. You will develop your English grammar and vocabulary, and gain further reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
- Course duration: 5 or 10 weeks
- Course fees: £1,935 to £3,860
- IELTS improvement: 0.5 to 1.0
This course consists of the following comprehensive module:
- English for Academic Purposes
Find out more about the modules you’ll study
Online Pre-Sessional English Language
This fully online programme will focus on enhancing your English language level to prepare you for a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex starting in January 2021. You will develop your English grammar and vocabulary, and gain further reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
- Course duration: 5 or 10 weeks
- Course fees: £1,995 to £3,980
- IELTS improvement: 0.5 to 1.0
This course consists of the following comprehensive module:
- English for Academic Purposes
Find out more about the modules you’ll study

Please visit the University of Essex website to find available progression degrees and other relevant information:

January 2021 progression information

Available courses for unconditional offer holders

Academic Skills Preparation Programme
If you hold an unconditional offer from the University of Essex, you can take the Academic Preparation Programme. This course will introduce you to the study and research skills common in UK universities. It will also help familiarise you with the University campus, and to adjust more easily to student life and the academic culture in the UK.
- Course duration: 4 weeks
- Course fees: £660
All students will take the following modules:
- Research Project and Study Skills
- Introduction to British Culture and Society
- Personal Development and Employability
Find out more about the modules you’ll study

Reasons to study Pre-Sessional English

Experience student life in a beautiful part of England

while studying in either Colchester or Southend

Access to the University of Essex facilities

including a 6-floor library and over 150 student clubs

Guaranteed accommodation on or close to campus

for the duration of your course

Progressing to the University of Essex

When you successfully complete your programme, providing you meet the entry requirements for your degree, you’re guaranteed progression to the University of Essex.