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The University of Southampton
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English language support

The University offers a range of options for English language support. If you need to improve your language skills before you start your degree, in order to meet our English language requirements, we have courses available. Alternatively you can study English alongside your degree.

Language support before starting your degreeLanguage support during your degree

English language support before you start your degree

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to show that you can speak, write and understand English well enough to benefit from your university studies.

You will need to provide evidence that you have:

English language requirements vary for different degree courses. Check the details of the courses you are interested in for specific requirements. If you are still unsure, you can visit the country pages for more information or contact the International Office.

See a list of the qualifications and tests recognised by the University and a list of exempt countries.

For information about academic entry requirements, please see the details for your chosen course or visit the page for your country for general entry requirement information.

Studying English before starting your degree

Pre-sessional English courses

If you need to improve your English language skills before you start your degree, you can apply for one of our Pre-sessional English courses for undergraduate or postgraduate students. These take place during the summer, before the start of the academic year.

More about Pre-sessional English courses

English language support during your degree

Term-time English courses

The Language Resources Centre has a range of English language resources
Learn English during your degree

We also run an English for Academic Purposes support programme during term time, so you can improve your English while you study for your degree. The courses are free to international students, and cover topics such as

Find out more about the term time English for Academic Purposes programme.

Other English language resources

Other English language resources and services include:

English language support for visiting students

If you are visiting the University on an Erasmus exchange or other visiting programme, you can take English language degree unit courses. You can study these either as main or alternative subjects in your academic programme.

Students at a lecture

Find a course

Check the English language and academic entry requirements for your course

A student talks to the University's Meet and Greet representative

Arriving in the UK

Find out about the warm welcome you will receive, including our free Meet and Greet service

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