Pre-sessional Language for Research: Postgraduate Research

Course overview

Improve your academic English language skills to the level needed to study a research degree on this pre-sessional course, whilst adapting to life in the UK and at the University of Leeds.

You’ll have the chance to:

• study academic English directly relevant to studying a research degree

• experience and adapt to study in the UK ahead of your degree

• become familiar with the University facilities such as libraries, study spaces and learning platforms

• settle into Leeds before your degree begins

• meet other students and build a community of peers

If English isn’t your first language, this course will help you develop your academic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills using practical techniques designed to enhance your development. These include:

• building your fluency, confidence and accuracy in English

• participating in lectures and seminars

• researching academic sources

• analysing and summarising academic texts

• structuring academic writing and developing an argument

• using critical analysis

Dedicated facilities

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 accredited by BALEAP

Course details

During this pre-sessional course 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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Pre-sessional Language for Research: Postgraduate Research in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

During this course 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 pre-sessional 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 may include written assignments, speaking assignments, presentations and research projects.

Applying

Entry requirements

The entry requirement for this pre-sessional English course depends on the IELTS requirement of your research degree. Please check the requirements of your research degree alongside the requirements below:

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
• One component below 5.5 allowed (not writing)
• No components below 5.0

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
• Two components 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
• Two components 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

If you have an English qualification that isn’t IELTS, see our entry requirements page for other English qualifications we accept.

The minimum age for students studying on this course is 18 years old.

How to apply

For application deadlines and important dates, please see our deadlines for pre-sessional courses page.

You may not need to hold an offer for a research degree when you take this pre-sessional course - our admissions team will contact you when you apply.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

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 Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

The Language Centre

Contact us

The Language Centre

Email: pre-sessional@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: n/a

International: £5,733 (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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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.