Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes
For students with an minimum IELTS of 5.5 who need to improve their English in order to meet the English language requirement for their degree programme at the University of Southampton.
About our pre-sessional English Language Courses
Our Pre-sessional English language courses are the best way to prepare for study at the University of Southampton. The courses will improve your capability and confidence in using English language in your studies.
The programmes are designed for international and EU students wishing to progress to any of our undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. If you successfully pass the assessment on your course with the required grade, you will have met the English language requirements of your conditional offer to study at the University of Southampton.
The University of Southampton Pre-sessional programmes are full-time, intensive academic programmes designed to prepare students in all aspects of academic study. At the start of the programme you will be placed in appropriate subject-specific study groups so that you meet students who will be on a similar degree programme to you. The Pre-sessional programmes will prepare you in language (academic English: reading, writing, speaking and listening) and study skills, so that you are ready to join your substantive degree programme.
Our approach is to make the Pre-sessional programmes as bespoke as possible to your individual needs. In order to achieve this our dedicated team of tutors and advisors will guide you through a series of academic tasks and assessments tailored to your particular academic subject choice.
Dates for the 2021 Pre-sessional courses
| Course | Start date | End Date | IELTS required * | Fee | Application deadline | Deposit deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 weeks (online) | 20 May | 9 September | 5.0 | £6,720 | 29 April | 6 May |
| 11 weeks (online) | 24 June | 9 September | 5.5 | £4,620 | 3 June | 10 June |
| 6 weeks (on campus) | 22 July | 2 September | 6.0 | £2,550 | 1 July | 8 July |
| 6 weeks (online) | 22 July | 2 September | 6.0 | £2,550 | 1 July | 8 July |
*Entry requirements for a Pre-sessional course vary, based on the conditional offer for your main degree programme.
For Summer 2021 we will be delivering our 16 and 11 week Pre-sessional courses exclusively online.
On campus option
You will need a secure IELTS test and visa to travel to Southampton to study this course. The language qualifications we accept are listed on the Admissions Policies language page. To find out more about our accommodation options, please visit our accommodation pages. Please note that places on the On Campus Pre-sessional courses are limited for 2021.
| Reading and writing | Interaction | Weekly total approximately 12 hours |
| Guided study | Weekly total approximately 6 hours | |
| Listening and Speaking | Interaction | Weekly total approximately 8 hours |
| Guided Study | Weekly total approximately 10 hours | |
| Independent Learning (Academic Skills) | Interaction | Weekly total approximately 2 hours |
| Guided Study | Weekly total approximately 2 hours |
Online option
You do not need a secure IELTS test or a visa to start our online courses from your home country. The language qualifications we accept are listed on the Admissions Policies language page. In order to participate fully in this course students will need access to a PC/ laptop with headphones, microphone, and webcam, and a reliable internet connection.
| Reading and Writing | Interaction | Weekly total approximately 8 hours |
| Guided study | Weekly total approximately 10 hours | |
| Listening and Speaking | Interaction | Weekly total approximately 8 hours |
| Guided Study | Weekly total approximately 10 hours | |
| Independent Learning team (Academic Skills) | Interaction | Weekly total approximately 2 hours |
| Guided Study | Weekly total approximately 2 hours |
*All timings are indicative and may vary for technical or operational reasons. The tables above reflect a typical weekly target. There will be some variation in Week 1 for introduction and welcome activities and Weeks 9 and 10 (PSA) and Weeks 5 and 6 (PSB) for assessment purposes. We are here to help so further contact with the University (engagement) is encouraged and you are free to email your Pre-sessional academic team and other University services at any time.
To Apply
To apply for a pre-sessional course, please complete the online application form.
If you have a question or would like further information, please contact our Admissions Team:
By telephone:
+44 23 8059 3344
By email:
elaccess@southampton.ac.uk
Academic Year English Pre-sessional Programmes
For students with an minimum IELTS of 4.5 who need to improve their English in order to meet the English language requirement for their degree programme at the University of Southampton.
Master of Laws (LLM) Postgraduate Pre-sessional
For students planning to study the Master of Laws (LLM) programme at the University of Southampton
Frequently asked questions
Am I guaranteed a place for pre-sessional if I apply before deadline?
We are experiencing a large volume of applications therefore we recommend that applicants apply as soon as possible to secure a place on a Pre-sessional course. Applications may close earlier than the published deadline if the course is full. We will advertise on our website when the course becomes full.
Is there any circumstance in which the pre-payment is refundable?
Your Pre-sessional pre-payment is £500. You should not pay this until you receive a conditional offer of a place on a Pre-sessional course. The payment is not refundable.
May I transfer from the 11-week to the 6-week course if my new IELTS score has met the entry requirement before the 6-week course start date?
We cannot guarantee that you will be able to change your Pre-sessional course. You will not be able to change to the 6-week course if you have enrolled on the 11-week course.
May I transfer between Online and On Campus study before the course start date?
Please contact the admissions team at elaccess@southampton.ac.uk
Do I need to retake my UKVI Academic IELTS if I take the Pre-sessional course?
You need to achieve a level of English suitable for entry to your degree course in the assessments at the end of the pre-sessional course. You will be given a result at the end of the course and if you successfully reach the level required for your degree course, you will progress on to your degree and will not need to take a new IELTS.
What would happen if I fail pre-sessional?
If you work hard on the Pre-sessional course you have a good chance of progressing to your degree course. In a typical year, 90-95% of our Pre-sessional students progress to their degree programme at Southampton. If by the end of the Pre-sessional English course you do not achieve the level required to progress you may not be able to study on your main degree course. You will be given advice on your options when you are given your results at the end of the Pre-sessional course.
Who can I ask about my visa?
The University has a dedicated team of staff to provide information and advice about visas and immigration for students and their dependants. You can submit questions on this student services enquiry form.
May I cancel my pre-sessional course if my new IELTS has met the course entry requirement?
You can cancel your Pre-sessional course at any time before the start date of the course but you will not receive a refund of the pre-payment. This may also affect your CAS and visa application, so please get in touch if you decide to do this.