York IPC Pre-sessional English

Pre-Sessional English for a University of York degree  

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

Why might you need
Pre-Sessional English?

There are a number of different Pre-Sessional English (PSE) courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students with a conditional offer to study at the University of York.   

  • A Pre-Sessional English course will focus on developing your English language level and academic writing skills, helping you prepare for degree-level study.   
  • You’ll get to experience being on campus before you start your degree, helping you transition to life as a university student.  
  • You can also take a Pre-Sessional English course if you have an unconditional offer at a UK university, to help you start a degree with confidence.   
  • All of our Pre-Sessional courses are taught at the University of York International Pathway College, located on the University campus 

Improve your English language level

to prepare for university 

Experience being on campus before your degree

and ease the transition to UK student life

Meet the conditions of your offer 

to study at the University of York 

Choose from undergraduate and postgraduate 

Pre-Sessional English courses 

Boost your confidence 

even if you have an unconditional offer 

Enjoy the international environment 

at the Pathway College 

Pre-Sessional English course options

Arts, Humanities and Education 

  • Course duration: 6, 12 or 16 weeks 
  • English requirements: UKVI IELTS 5.0 to 6.5 or accepted equivalent (depending on course duration) 
  • Studied on campus 

Sciences, Engineering and Maths 

  • Course duration: 6, 12 or 16 weeks  
  • English requirements: UKVI IELTS 5.0 to 6.5 or accepted equivalent (depending on course duration) 
  • Studied on campus  

Social Sciences 

  • Course duration: 6, 12 or 16 weeks 
  • English requirements: UKVI IELTS 5.0 to 6.5 or accepted equivalent (depending on course duration) 
  • Studied on campus

Postgraduate Management

  • Postgraduate only  
  • Course duration: 6, 12 or 16 weeks
  • English requirements: UKVI IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 or accepted equivalent (depending on course duration) 
  • Studied on campus

Apply now for Pre-Sessional English

Download and complete the form below to apply. For assistance or to submit your form, please just contact us.

How to work on your English

As well as your course, there are other things you can do to help develop your English. 

Gray, Cutlery

9 tips to help you improve your English

Read our handy guide for improving your English, with useful tips that are easy to put into practice. 

5 min read 


Any other questions?

What if I hold a conditional or unconditional offer for another university?  

Students who hold a conditional or unconditional degree offer from another university may apply to study a Pre-Sessional English course at the University of York International Pathway College. If you are a conditional offer holder, you must ensure that you meet the conditions of your offer by successfully completing the course. 


What happens when I complete my course? 

When you successfully complete your programme, providing you meet the entry requirements for your degree, you’re guaranteed progression to the University of York. When the time comes, we’ll help you prepare for the transition to studying a degree.