Pre-sessional Programmes: Introduction and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We are conscious that there may still some ongoing challenges with global travel.  We very much hope this won’t be a problem for you, but if it is, and you wish to consider switching to the online Pre-sessional Programme, please note the following:

If you wish to switch to the online Pre-sessional Programme, please let us know.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to switch between programmes so think carefully about which would suit you best. Please note, if you register for the campus-based programme and are then unable to attend we are not able to offer an online alternative.

Good question! Not all programmes have the same requirements and in some schools they ask for higher scores. If you want to join a programme in any of the following schools or departments, please check their requirements: Design, Communication and Media; Social Sciences and Humanities; Sport; Exercise and Health Science. Further information can be found on the Pre-sessional course entry requirement page. Please select your suitable level of study for specific school requirements.

If you wish to study online you will need to be based in your home country. The University is unable to provide sponsorship for a visa to study in the UK on our online programmes. If you wish to study in the UK, our campus-based programmes might be a suitable option please check entry requirements.

Yes, accommodation is available on the Loughborough University campus in one of the student halls. Please see the Accommodation webpage.

If you book accommodation via a private provider, remember to check availability for the full duration of your programme.

If you are studying a campus-based programme, your CAS will be issued to you by the relevant Admissions Office handling your application in plenty of time for you to obtain a visa and travel to the UK.  You must have paid your CAS or commitment deposit first. 

If you are studying an online programme, a CAS for your degree will be issued when you have successfully passed the programme and your grades have been approved by a Programme Board. You must also have met all other conditions of your offer and provided evidence of this to the Admissions Office handling your application.  CAS will be issued to students from 1 September. This should allow enough time for you to obtain your visa and travel to the UK for the start of term. We cannot issue a CAS earlier than 1 September 2023 for online programmes.

If you are studying a campus-based pre-sessional programme and are issued with a CAS to cover your pre-sessional studies only, a CAS for your degree will be issued to you once you have successfully completed your pre-sessional programme.

For campus-based programmes, your CAS will be issued once you have paid your CAS deposit and the payment has been confirmed by Flywire. If the start date of the Pre-sessional Programme is more than three months away, your CAS will be issued to you nearer the start date.

There are no restrictions in place within the UK relating to the spread of Covid 19.  The UK population are largely vaccinated against the effects of Covid 19 and this limits both the ability of the virus to spread and the impact of the virus on individuals.

However, the University has retains some of the precautions which were  introduced to reduce the potential spread of Covid 19.  For example the ventilation rates in many rooms were boosted during the pandemic and Carbon Dioxide levels are measured in a number of rooms to ensure the effectiveness of the ventilation arrangements.

We continue to monitor the Covid situation and remain ready to reintroduce controls should they become necessary.

No, if you take a Pre-sessional Programme this year but defer to October 2024, we will ask you to re-take the Pre-sessional Programme next year, or obtain another acceptable English language qualification.