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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-05-19 | - |
| 2025-06-16 | - |
| 2025-07-07 | - |
Program Overview
Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes
Online course details
Next course date
- 19th May 2025
- 16th June 2025
- 7th July 2025
Duration
- 5 weeks
- 8 weeks
- 12 weeks
Delivery
- Tutored online learning
Location
- Online
Online course description
This course is designed for students who already have an offer to start a degree at the University of Derby. It will provide an IELTS equivalent, allowing students to progress to University of Derby programmes.
The course aims to help students:
- Achieve the entry level for their degree course (undergraduate or postgraduate)
- Develop academic skills to successfully complete assignments on their degree
- Improve confidence before starting their degree
- Make friends and learn with fellow students who will be studying at Derby
The course covers the following areas:
- Academic speaking, including presentations and seminar skills
- Academic listening and note-taking
- Academic reading, including research and referencing skills
- Academic writing
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Critical thinking skills
- Using AI tools ethically to enhance learning
- Understanding of British university culture
Structure, certificates and assessment
The course will enable students to improve their skills and knowledge in the following areas:
- Academic speaking, including presentations and seminar skills
- Academic listening and note-taking
- Academic reading, including research and referencing skills
- Academic writing
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Critical thinking skills
- Understanding of British university culture
Please note that modules are subject to change.
How you will learn
This is a full-time course with 20 hours of study per week, including 12-15 hours of attendance at online classes and self-study. The course is highly interactive, with small group work and discussion.
Entry requirements
| Minimum starting English level (IELTS or equivalent) | Required English level for degree | Length of course | Start date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 (minimum 4.0 in all skills) | 6.0 | 12 weeks | 19 May 2025 | 8 August 2025 |
| 5.0 (minimum 4.5 in all skills) | 6.5 | 12 weeks | 19 May 2025 | 8 August 2025 |
| 5.0 (minimum 4.5 in all skills) | 6.0 | 8 weeks | 16 June 2025 | 8 August 2025 |
| 5.5 (minimum 5.0 in all skills) | 6.5 | 8 weeks | 16 June 2025 | 8 August 2025 |
| 5.5 (minimum 5.0 in all skills) | 6.0 | 5 weeks | 7 July 2025 | 8 August 2025 |
| 6.0 (minimum 5.0 in all skills) | 6.5 | 5 weeks | 7 July 2025 | 8 August 2025 |
If the required English level is 7, please contact the university for advice on the length of the program.
Fees and funding
2024/25 Fees for new entrants
- 5 weeks: £1,260
- 8 weeks: £2,310
- 12 weeks: £3,360
2025/26 Fees for new entrants
- 5 weeks: £1,300
- 8 weeks: £2,380
- 12 weeks: £3,600
Students must pay the full fee before starting the course.
How to apply
Apply directly to the University of Derby.
Documents to support your application
- Photo ID (passport or driving license)
- Copies of current IELTS results
Course policies
- Learner charter
- Cancellation policy
- Code of conduct for learner discipline
- Terms and conditions
