Language for Postgraduate Research
Year of entry 2023
- Start dates
- July 2023
- Exact start date: 31 July 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 6 weeks full time
- Entry requirements
- Full entry requirements
- UK fees
- £3,275 (total)
- International fees
- £3,275 (total)
- Accredited
- Yes
- Contact
- langc@leeds.ac.uk
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 a research degree 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 research.
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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Accreditation
Course details
You'll focus closely on the skills you'll need to be successful in your research degree. You'll study core content relating to research in the UK higher education system to help you prepare for your degree. You'll study with others also preparing for a research degree, using material from your own research interests.
You'll become familiar with postgraduate academic life in the UK and develop your skills in researching and analysing texts, planning and organising your work and communicating with others in an academic context.
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
Entry requirements
If your research degree requires an overall IELTS score of 6.0
To apply for this pre-sessional course you'll need:
- A minimum overall IELTS score of 5.5
- No components below 5.5
If your research degree 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 research degree 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
If your research degree offer is from one of the following Schools, please email your offer letter and most recent English language qualification to langc@leeds.ac.uk so that we can advise you on your eligibility for a pre-sessional course:
- School of Computing
- School of Media and Communication
- School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies
- Leeds University Business School
The minimum age for students studying on this course is 18 years old.
For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
How to apply
Deadline to apply: 25 June 2023
Deadline to send your English language certificate: 5 July 2023
Read frequently asked questions about applying for this course.
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
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
This course is taught by
Contact us
The Language Centre
Email: langc@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £3,275 (total)
International: £3,275 (total)
Read 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.
Scholarships and financial support
For further information on University of Leeds funding for degree courses, please visit our fees and funding for international students page.
Student profile: Abdullah Soliman Nouraldeen
My pre-sessional course helps me to be well acquainted with all academic skills related to being a PhD researcher such as critical thinking, reading and writing, being an independent learner...Find out more about Abdullah Soliman Nouraldeen's time at Leeds