Program Overview

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Professional Course: Pre-Sessional English Programme

The Pre-Sessional English course (PSE) is designed for international students who need to acquire the level of English language skills required to study at UWE Bristol. Our on-campus Pre-sessional English language courses are delivered by expert teachers at UWE Bristol's International College, a Kaplan International Pathways partner.

About the Course

The course will help you prepare for studying and living in the UK, including understanding lectures and academic texts, writing assignments, speaking in seminars, and giving presentations. At the end of the course, you'll take Kaplan's own English language test.

Entry Requirements

The length of the PSE you require will depend on your current IELTS score and the score you require to progress to your main programme of study. Entry to undergraduate (UG) degrees usually requires IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. Entry to postgraduate (PG) degrees and direct entry onto year three of an undergraduate degree normally requires IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Some courses may require a higher level of English, so please check individual degree programmes for entry scores required.

The table below gives information about which PSE you'll need to complete in order to proceed to your chosen degree course.

• Current IELTS score | Duration of PSE
  • UG applicants | PG and year 3 UG applicants
  • 4.5 | 5.0 | 15 weeks
  • 5.0 | 5.5 | 10 weeks
  • 5.5 | 6.0 | 5 weeks

UWE Bristol only accepts UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) as evidence of English language ability.

Structure

The Pre-sessional English course will provide integrated training in the academic use of English, as well as important study skills to prepare for degree-level study.

Content

In this course, you'll work to develop your skills in grammar and vocabulary, reading and writing, and speaking and listening. You'll equip yourself with key language for studying at university level, so you feel ready for your degree.

Learning and Teaching

You'll be taught by highly qualified and experienced Kaplan language teachers. They'll have regular meetings with you to discuss your work and progress. Classes are small and will be delivered face-to-face on Frenchay Campus. You'll also be expected to study independently.

Assessment

At the end of the course, you'll be assessed in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). Students who successfully pass the course will be able to progress to their main course without having to take IELTS.

Prices and Dates

Supplementary Fee Information

Pre-sessional Courses for Degrees Starting January 2026

• Current IELTS score | Duration | Enrollment date | Start date | End date | Mode of delivery | Price
  • UG 5.0 | PG 5.5 | 10 weeks | 2 October 2025 | 6 October 2025 | 19 December 2025 | Face-to-face Frenchay campus | Ł3,600
  • UG 5.5 | PG 6.0 | 5 weeks | 6 November 2025 | 10 November 2025 | 19 December 2025 | Face-to-face Frenchay campus | Ł1,800

Pre-sessional Courses for Degrees Starting September 2026

• Current IELTS score | Duration | Enrollment date | Start date | End date | Mode of delivery | Price
  • UG 4.5 | PG 5.0 | 15 weeks | 30 April 2026 | 4 May 2026 | 28 August 2026 | Face-to-face Frenchay campus | Ł5,400
  • UG 5.0 | PG 5.5 | 10 weeks | 11 June 2026 | 15 June 2026 | 28 August 2026 | Face-to-face Frenchay campus | Ł3,600
  • UG 5.5 | PG 6.0 | 5 weeks | 16 July 2026 | 20 July 2026 | 28 August 2026 | Face-to-face Frenchay campus | Ł1,800

Features

Study Facilities

You'll be able to take advantage of our excellent study facilities. These include a modern Library open 24/7, with its wide choice of course books and internet access.

Study in Bristol

You'll be studying in Bristol, the largest city in the South West of England and home to international companies such as Hewlett-Packard, BBC, Aardman Animations, Atkins, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce. Bristol has excellent transport links with regular buses and trains to London, Scotland, Wales, and the South Coast. London is only a 90-minute train journey away, and Bristol International Airport offers regular weekend flights to various European destinations. Bristol is located near historic towns such as Bath and Oxford, and within reach of the Devon and Cornwall coastlines.

Accommodation

As a pre-sessional student, you can apply for UWE Bristol accommodation. However, we cannot guarantee that there'll be availability. We can provide assistance in finding private accommodation if needed.