Program Overview

Course Overview

The Presessional English programme at the University of Birmingham is designed for international students who require additional English language support before commencing their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The programme offers flexible entry and exit points throughout the year, providing an alternative route into Birmingham undergraduate and postgraduate study where English is a requirement of the offer.

Course Highlights

• Gain confidence and communicative competence on a Presessional English course
• Become immersed in the language
• Get acclimatised to studying at a UK university before the main programme
• Make friends with people on the future course
• Start getting used to British culture in a safe and friendly international environment
• Communicate in English outside of the classroom by participating in social activities

Course Delivery

Learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the course and mostly consist of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and workshops.

• Taught content – these include lectures, small group settings, and workshops.
• Research-based tasks – working on your own and in groups, enjoy regular supervision and directed project work.
• Assessments – these include tests, essays, and portfolio assessments.

Module Information

Over the duration of the course, students will study three modules. Each module assesses language skills.

• Reading and Writing
• Speaking and Listening
• Academic Orientation/English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP).

Teaching Staff

The programme is led by experienced staff, including:

• Hayley Maxwell, Director of English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
• Richard Gidwaney, Presessional Programme Manager
• Veronica Raffin, Presessional Programme Manager

Entry Requirements

To gain a place on the Presessional English programme, students must be University of Birmingham offer holders.

• The minimum English language score required for the Presessional English programme depends on the required English language score for the degree the student wishes to study next.
• Students must be at least 16 years old to apply for one of the Presessional English courses.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees vary by course length.

• Fees by course length:
  • 32 week: £18,240
  • 22 week: £12,540
  • 11 week: £6,270
  • 6 week: £3,420
  • 31 week: £17,670
  • 21 week: £11,970
  • 11 week: £6,270
  • 20 week: £11,400
  • 15 week: £8,550
  • 10 week: £5,700
  • 6 week: £3,420
  • 4 week: £2,280

Application Process

To apply for a Presessional English programme, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online. The application link will take students to an application portal where they will create an account with the University application system.

Related Courses

• Intensive Academic English Skills Course (4 Week)

Student Experience

At Birmingham, the university experience isn’t just about studying. Students will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life.

• Accommodation: Student accommodation allows students to enjoy their independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
• Living in Birmingham: Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry.
• Student Support: The university is committed to providing the best possible support to all students so that they can get the most out of their university experience.
• Campus Life: The green and spacious campus is the place where the community comes together to learn, relax, and socialise.