Online Academic English Presessional (10 weeks)

Course overview

This course is an online-only academic English language pre-sessional course which allows you to study remotely from anywhere in the world.

If English isn’t your first language, this full-time online course will prepare you for study in the UK, and help you improve your academic English level to the standard required to study one of the following postgraduate or undergraduate courses:

• a Masters degree

• a postgraduate research degree

• an undergraduate degree

• the International Foundation Year

• modules on the Exchange and Study Abroad Programme.

You’ll learn practical techniques which you can apply to your university studies. You’ll use learning resources, including academic articles, online talks and lectures to enhance your development.

On this online pre-sessional course, you'll not be eligible for a combined Confirmation for Acceptance of Studies. If you haven’t already met the English language requirements of your postgraduate or undergraduate course, you’ll need to pass the pre-sessional course to meet the English language condition of your degree offer.

This course starts on 19 May 2025 and ends on 29 July 2025.

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Course details

In this online pre-sessional course, you’ll learn how to use language appropriate for your academic course to express your thoughts and ideas effectively. You’ll develop the academic English language you need, alongside the knowledge and skills to prepare you for your ongoing studies at the University of Leeds.

You’ll learn about studying at a UK university in your classes and lectures and work on understanding the content and language used through a series of online language classes and seminars. In your assignments, you’ll have the opportunity to practise the academic and communication skills that you’ve gained throughout the course.

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 Online Academic English Presessional (10 weeks) in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

To prepare you for study at the University of Leeds you’ll be taught in online classes, lectures and group seminar discussions, working individually and with others.

Independent study is an important element of this course as it allows you to practise your skills, improve your digital literacy, deepen your knowledge, and prepare for your degree. Throughout the course you’ll be encouraged to think critically.

You’ll interact with tutors and other students on the course in live online sessions each week. You’ll also have dedicated time with your tutor to address any language or learning questions you may have, and you’ll get feedback about your work. Additionally, you’ll have access to digital resources and support to get the most out of studying online.

You’ll have online access to all the software and University systems you’ll need to study this course. You’ll study using Microsoft Teams, PebblePad and the University’s virtual learning environment, Minerva. You’ll get an introduction to these platforms before your course starts.

Live online classes normally take place between 10am – 12pm UK time (BST) Find out when the University will be closed.

Teaching staff at the Language Centre contribute to ongoing academic language research. Their research informs our course content, ensuring that you’ll receive the highest quality teaching that's 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 online assessment methods, which are likely to include written assignments and speaking assignments.

Applying

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for our online summer pre-sessionals are the same as our on-campus summer pre-sessionals.

If your academic programme requires an overall IELTS score of 5.5

To apply for this pre-sessional course you'll need:

• 5.0 overall with no components below 5.0

If your academic programme requires an overall IELTS score of 6.0

To apply for this pre-sessional course you'll need:

• 5.0 overall with no components below 5.0

If your academic programme requires an overall IELTS score of 6.5

To apply for this pre-sessional course you'll need:

• 5.5 overall with no components below 5.5

If your academic programme requires an overall IELTS score of 7.0

To apply for this pre-sessional course you'll need:

• 6.0 overall with 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 pre-sessional@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

If you have an English qualification that isn’t IELTS, read about other English qualifications we accept.

How to apply

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

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.

On this online pre-sessional course, you will not be eligible for a combined CAS. If you haven’t already met the English language requirements of your postgraduate or undergraduate course, you’ll need to pass the pre-sessional course to meet the English language condition of your degree offer.

If you need a visa to study your degree course, you’ll need to apply for a visa and arrive in the UK by the start of your degree. Read more about visas.

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 more about how to pay.

Access to all online learning materials and software needed for the course is included in the tuition fee.

Additional cost information

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.