(Full time) 2022 start
Language for Politics and Society

Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Course overview
If English is not your first language, this course will help you to improve your academic English language skills to the level needed to study one of our Masters degrees in sociology, social policy, politics and international studies and prepare you for life and study in the UK.
In this specialised pre-sessional English course, you’ll learn how to use academic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the context of your subject area, preparing you for postgraduate study in the fields of sociology, social policy, politics and international studies.
To support your learning, you’ll have access to our Language Zone – a study and resource centre for independent language learning equipped with a computer cluster for personal study, books and magazines, audio and video resources. You’ll also be able to take part in workshops, language groups and language advice drop-ins to get the most out of your studies.
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Course content
The curriculum for this course is developed in collaboration with your academic faculty and is informed by research in English language teaching.
You’ll focus closely on the skills you’ll need for your subject area, studying with students progressing to sociology, social policy, politics and international studies degrees. You’ll have the chance to listen to introductory academic lectures, exploring different themes over six weeks. You’ll work on understanding this content and the language used, along with core texts, through a series of language classes and seminars.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Learning and teaching
You’ll learn how to use language appropriate for your degree to express your thoughts and ideas effectively.
To prepare you for study at a UK university, you’ll be taught in classes, lectures or practical sessions and group seminars. You’ll work individually and with others. Independent study is an important element of this course, allowing you to practise your skills, deepen your knowledge and prepare for your degree. Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to think critically.
You’ll also have dedicated time with your tutor to address questions you may have about your language and learning.
Classes normally take place between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday (find out when the University will be closed). Teaching will take place on the University of Leeds campus.
Teaching staff at the Language Centre contribute to academic research in language teaching. This research informs our course content, which means you’ll receive high quality teaching designed to help you get the most out of your studies.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods, which are likely to include written assignments, speaking assignments, presentations and research projects.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
The entry requirement for this pre-sessional English course depends on the IELTS requirement of your Masters course. Please check your Masters course page alongside the requirements below:
If your Masters requires an overall IELTS score of 6.5
To apply for this pre-sessional course you'll need:
A minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0
One component below 6.0 allowed
No components below 5.5
If your Masters requires an overall IELTS score of 7.0
To apply for this pre-sessional course you'll need:
A minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5
One component below 6.5 allowed
No components below 6.0
For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
The minimum age for students studying on this course is 18 years old.
How to apply
Deadline to apply: 12 June 2022
Deadline to send your English language certificate: 27 June 2022.
If you experience any difficulties when applying, please contact the admissions enquiries team.
If you need a Student visa to study in the UK and have met the academic conditions of your Masters course, we may issue one Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which will cover your pre-sessional and your Masters course so that you only need to apply for one visa. Find out more.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Language Centre Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
- UK: £3,180 (total)
- International: £3,180 (total)
Read more about how to pay.
Additional cost information
All learning materials are included in the tuition fee. The Language Centre provides a weekly programme of optional social activities during this course. Some of these are free, and some have a cost, normally no more than £30.
Accommodation is not included in the tuition fee.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.