GBP 8,325
Preparation for Academic Studies in Higher Education (PASHE)
University College London (UCL)London, United Kingdom
Not Available
Fully Online
11 weeks
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Program Details
- Degree
- Courses
- Major
- Education Science
- Area of study
- Langauges | Education
- Timing
- Full time
- Course Language
- English
Program Overview
Preparation for Academic Studies in Higher Education (PASHE)
The summer course Preparation for Academic Studies in Higher Education (PASHE) is designed for IOE students intending to take undergraduate or postgraduate courses in Education or related disciplines.
Course Overview
This is a full-time English for Academic Purposes course designed for international students who need to improve their academic English for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Education and related disciplines. Students with unconditional offers for any undergraduate and postgraduate programme at the UCL Institute of Education are also welcome to apply.
Course Details
- The 2026 PASHE course will be delivered online.
- The course is not suitable for PGCE applicants.
- There are two course options: an 11-week course and an 8-week course.
Application and Fees
Application for 2026 PASHE Courses
- Application is now open.
- Applications may close earlier than the deadlines if all places on the course are filled.
Course Fees and Dates
- 11-week PASHE course:
- Deadline for applications: 12pm UK time 8 May 2026.
- Course dates: 8 June–21 August 2026.
- Course fees: £8,325.
- 8-week PASHE course:
- Deadline for applications: 12pm UK time on 29 May 2026.
- Course dates: 29 June–21 August 2026.
- Course fees: £7,700.
Entry Requirements
Which PASHE course you can apply for depends on both your current level of English and the English level required for your future UCL Institute of Education degree programme.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS (UKVI/Academic).
- PTE (UKVI/Academic/Academic Online).
- TOEFL (iBT/Home Edition).
- Your test must be taken within two years of the Preparation for Academic Studies in Higher Education (PASHE) course start date.
Minimum English Language Test Scores Required
IELTS
- 11-week PASHE:
- UCL Level 2: 5.5 IELTS overall (No less than 5.5 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 3: 6 IELTS overall (No less than 5.5 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 4: 6.0 IELTS overall (No less than 6.0 in any sub-skill).
- UCL Level 5: 7.0 IELTS Overall (No less than 7.0 in any subskill).
- 8-week PASHE:
- UCL Level 2: 6.0 IELTS overall (No less than 6.0 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 3: 6.5 IELTS overall (No less than 6.0 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 4: 6.5 IELTS overall (No less than 6.5 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 5: 7.5 IELTS overall (No less than 7.0 in any subskill).
TOEFL iBT
Tests taken before 21 January 2026
- 11-week PASHE:
- UCL Level 2: 82 overall (22/30 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 3: 87 overall (No less than 22/30 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 4: 87 overall (No less than 24/30 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 5: 100 overall (No less than 25/30 in any subskill).
- 8-week PASHE:
- UCL Level 2: 87 overall (No less than 22/30 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 3: 92 overall (No less than 24/30 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 4: 92 overall (No less than 24/30 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 5: 109 overall (No less than 27/30 in any subskill).
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 11-week PASHE:
- UCL Level 2: 4.0 overall (no less than 4.0 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 3: 4.5 overall (no less than 4.5 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 4: 5.0 overall (no less than 4.5 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 5: 5.0 overall (no less than 5.0 in reading, writing and listening; no less than 5.5 in speaking).
- 8-week PASHE:
- UCL Level 2: 4.5 overall (no less than 4.0 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 3: 5.0 overall (no less than 4.5 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 4: 5.0 overall (no less than 5.0 in any subskill).
- UCL Level 5: 5.5 overall (no less than 5.0 in reading, writing and listening; no less than 5.5 in speaking).
Pearson
- 11-week PASHE:
- UCL Level 2: 59 overall (No less than 59 in each subskill).
- UCL Level 3: 67 overall (No less than 59 in each subskill).
- UCL Level 4: 67 overall (No less than 67 in each subskill).
- UCL Level 5: 76 overall (No less than 76 in each subskill).
- 8-week PASHE:
- UCL Level 2: 67 overall (No less than 67 in each subskill).
- UCL Level 3: 75 overall (No less than 67 in each subskill).
- UCL Level 4: 75 overall (No less than 75 in each subskill).
- UCL Level 5: 80 overall (No less than 76 in each subskill).
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the PASHE course, students should be able to:
- operate at a linguistic level required for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate level study as stipulated by UCL English language requirements
- identify line of argument in and critically review a range of academic texts at a level appropriate for the commencement of undergraduate or postgraduate level study in education and/or social sciences
- recognise features of a range of academic texts and use this knowledge to plan, draft, and review and edit written assignments at a level appropriate for the commencement of undergraduate or postgraduate level in education and/or social sciences
- read widely, engaging with depth, volume and complexity of text appropriate at undergraduate or postgraduate level in education and/or social sciences
- select and use appropriate source materials, employing in-text citation and a corresponding list of references
- recognise key points of lectures and take notes
- participate in seminars and other classroom discussions
- plan, draft, review and edit a presentation at a level appropriate for the commencement of undergraduate or postgraduate level study
- reflect upon and respond to formative feedback in written and oral tasks
- apply independent learning and study strategies for research and writing in undergraduate or postgraduate education studies.
Course Outline
The course will focus on academic texts and communication in the field of Education and related disciplines, and include:
- English for academic purposes (EAP) and language development
- critical reading, writing, speaking and listening
- structure, argument and coherence in academic writing
- extensive and close reading, note-taking, summarising and referencing
- presentation practice
- seminar and classroom discussion
- lectures by IOE academics.
Teaching and Learning
The 2026 PASHE course will be delivered online and provide a balance of tutor-led teaching and self-study. Students will be expected to spend a significant number of hours working on assignments and self-study tasks using the PASHE Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
- online group workshops and self-study facilitated by course tutors
- lectures delivered by IOE academics
- tutorials – all students will have either an individual or group tutorial each week
- regular online group discussions
- formative feedback throughout the course
- peer evaluation and feedback throughout the course.
Technical Requirements
Please note the following technical requirements for the online PASHE course:
- Access to a laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection; mobile devices are not appropriate.
- A headset/headphones or speakers and a microphone.
- A webcam.
- Edge, Safari, Chrome or Firefox installed.
- A fast internet connection.
Feedback and Assessment
Your PASHE tutors will provide ongoing formative feedback during the course.
- You will be assessed summatively (receiving a grade aligned to UCL language requirements) in each of the four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
- There will be a combination of graded course assignments and examinations.
- If you are a PASHE conditional offer holder, you will need to meet the English language requirement stated in your degree offer letter in order to progress to your chosen UCL programme.
Preparation
Before starting the PASHE course, we recommend that you explore the Academic Writing Centre's resources for academic reading and writing.
About University
UCL is a top-ranked university with life-changing research and a_x000D_
progressive approach to academia, making it different from the rest. At UCL,_x000D_
postgraduate students learn by doing—shaping the world around them with a_x000D_
hands-on approach.
Services
Student services
UCL is committed to providing an inclusive learning and working environment where students and staff of all religions, and none, can thrive.
- Their Student Support and Wellbeing team of expert wellbeing, disability and mental health staff provide a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space, in which you can discuss any issues that may be affecting your ability to study.
- UCL's Student Centre houses a large prayer room and a small room for silent prayer and meditation.
- UCL has schemes to help students who are facing financial difficulties The university provides support to international students, such as assistance with visas
- A Personal Tutor is on hand to help you settle into UCL through practical guidance and support.
Housing services
UCL provides a range of accommodation for graduate students. Our halls vary in size, facilities and history. Whatever stage you are at and whatever questions you have, the UCL Accommodation team is there to help and get you settled in quickly
Library services
You can access a number of library and information services to help you get the most out of your time with us. Your UCL user ID means that email, wifi, library and print facilities will be available to you whenever you need them.
The libraries are an invaluable resource, find out about the services they provide, when they are open and search the catalogue.ICT services
Support is available from IT services 24 hours a day, ensuring that you have 24/7 cover for all IT queries.
IT Services is your point of contact for supported computer hardware, software, IT account or other IT related issues; including telephone, audio visual and printing queries.