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.
Covid-19: UoS Update for International Applicants
Our Pre-sessional language courses are going ahead in 2020, and we very much look forward to welcoming our new students to the University of Southampton.
- Pre-sessional courses A (10 weeks) and B (6 weeks) will be available as online courses
- We are offering additional language learning opportunities after all our pre-sessional courses
Dates for the 2020 Pre-sessional courses
| Course | Start date | Duration | IELTS required* | Duolingo English Test (Overall score)** | Fee | Scholarship | Application deadline | Deposit deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn A | 24 September | 10 weeks | 5.5 | 90-95 | £4,620 | £462 | 10 September | 17 September |
| Autumn B | 8 October | 6 weeks | 6.0 | 100-105 | £2,550 | £255 | 24 September | 1 October |
Pre-sessional scholarship
We are pleased to announce a 10% scholarship for all students on Pre-sessional courses A (10 weeks) and B (6 weeks). We would encourage offer holders to pay deposit two weeks prior to the start of the courses OR pay deposit within 5 days of receiving offer to allow sufficient time to enrol in the programmes. If you have already paid your deposit, the remaining fee will be adjusted. If you have already paid the full amount, 10% will be reimbursed to you.
You do not need a visa or a secure IELTS test to start our online courses from your home country. The language qualifications we accept are listed on the Admissions Policies language page.
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.
*Entry requirements for a Pre-sessional course vary, based on the conditional offer for your main degree programme.
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.
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.
You can find the language qualifications, course duration and fees in the table below:
| Language qualification | Duolingo English Test (overall score)** | Course | Month | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS 6.0* | 100-105 | General Academic English | July | 6 weeks | £2,550 |
| IELTS 6.0* | 100-105 | Business | October | 6 weeks | £2,550 |
| IELTS 5.5* | 90-95 | General Academic English | September | 10 weeks | £4,620 |
| IELTS 5.5* | 90-95 | Business | September | 10 weeks | £4,620 |
| IELTS 5.0* | 80-85 | General Academic English | January | 25 weeks | £9,750 |
* Entry requirements for a pre-sessional course vary, based on the conditional offer for your main degree programme. For the full entry requirements please click on the links in the table.
** Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test will be accepted on an interim basis for 2020 entry. The test can be taken from any computer with online access- you will also need a microphone and camera. The cost of the test is US $49. It is important that you access the Duolingo English Test using a unique University of Southampton code. This code will be emailed to all applicants with an offer of admissions. You must wait for this email before taking the test. Please note, we will not be able to accept this test if you do not access the test using this unique code.
Please note that the overall scores shown below are indicative of the score required. Your whole test will be reviewed to provide us with a holistic assessment of your English language proficiency and to determine whether you are eligible for direct entry or for one of our Pre-sessional English courses. If deemed necessary, an additional assessment may be required.
How will the online course work?
The University of Southampton Pre-sessional programmes are full-time, intensive online 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.
| 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
Courses
Our pre-sessional English language programmes are designed for international and EU students wishing to progress to any of our undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. The courses will improve your capability and confidence in using English language in your studies.
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.
Southampton Business School Pre-sessional
For students planning to study for a MSc, MBA or PhD at Southampton Business School
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 deposit is £500. It is refundable if:
- you do not meet the language requirement for the course
May I transfer from the 10-week to the 6-week course if my new IELTS/ Duolingo 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 10 week course
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.
Will my pre-sessional results be recognised for 2021 entry, if I decide to defer my offer to 2021?
If you successfully pass the pre-sessional at the required level and also fulfil your academic conditions for your substantive course you can defer your substantive course to entry in September 2021.
Can I transfer from a Summer Pre-sessional course to an Autumn Pre-sessional Course?
Autumn 2020 Pre-sessional courses are open to conditional offer holders for programmes starting in January or September 2021. Applicants who have enrolled or made a non – refundable pre-payment for a Summer pre-sessional course cannot transfer to the Autumn pre-sessional.
Students can withdraw from a Pre-sessional course before it has started but will not receive a refund of the pre-payment. Students who have enrolled can withdraw from a Pre-sessional course once it has started but will not receive a refund of course fees.