Pre-sessional English Language Tuition for research students

Students who do not meet the University's English language requirements may, at the discretion of academic schools/departments, be admitted onto a pre-sessional English language programme as an alternative way to satisfy the requirements.

Details of the IELTS requirements for pre-sessional programmes can be found below. Students who are planning to study one of the online Pre-sessional programmes in 2024 may also use the following English language tests:

  • TOEFL iBT (centre-based and Home edition)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic)
  • LanguageCert Academic (centre-based)
  • LanguageCert ESOL (centre-based and online)
  • Duolingo English Test (DET)

Students who are planning on studying the campus-based Pre-sessional programme in 2024 may only use the following English language tests:

  • IELTS UKVI SELT
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic)
  • LanguageCert ESOL (centre-based test only)
  • LanguageCert Academic (centre-based test only)

For guidance on specific requirements for the 11 and 6 week pre-sessional programme for these tests, please email us.

IELTS Test Scores

Overall averageMinimum score in all elementsPre-sessional programme length
6.5 or above



6.0 Direct entry
5.5 Pre-sessional programme D (6 weeks)
5.0 Pre-sessional programme D (6 weeks)
6.0



6.0 Pre-sessional programme D (6 weeks)
5.5 Pre-sessional programme D (6 weeks)
5.0 Pre-sessional programme C (11 weeks)
5.5


5.5 Pre-sessional programme C (11 weeks)
5.0 Pre-sessional programme C (11 weeks)

Schools may sometimes require English language qualifications at a level above the University's minimum requirements. If accepted, this will be explained in your offer letter.

Applicants attending the pre-sessional courses will be given an English test at the end of their course. Information about assessment and progression can be found here.