Pre-sessional English courses

Improve your English language skills 

Our pre-sessional English courses help you develop the language and study skills you need for university study. They cover understanding lectures and academic texts, writing assignments, taking part in seminars and giving presentations. 

You’ll also:

• learn how to access University resources and develop successful learning strategies
• meet other students and staff at educational and social events
• experience university life in the UK before your degree begins if, you choose an on-campus pre-sessional course

You'll learn in a supportive environment and have access to the Student Hub and Wellbeing services.

Our next courses start in May 2026. You can choose to study in person at Avenue Campus or online. You can explore Avenue Campus and take a virtual tour.

What our students say

We offer pre-sessional courses of 16, 11 or 6 weeks, available for in-person or online study. Longer courses give you more time for learning and feedback.

Pre-sessional courses are only available if you hold a valid offer for a University of Southampton degree in the coming academic year.

Apply now

Choose your course

To decide which course is right for you, you'll need to:

1. determine your current English language proficiency level
2. find the English language requirement for your degree course
3. choose the pre-sessional course that will help you meet your English language requirement
4. check you meet the entry requirement for the pre-sessional course

We use the University of Southampton English Language Proficiency Bands in our entry requirements and pre-sessional courses. These are based on International English Testing System (IELTS) scores. IELTS gives an overall score and a score for the individual reading, writing, speaking and listening components.

At the end of your pre-sessional English course you will achieve one of these English language bands.

We also accept other equivalent qualifications. 

2026 In-person and online course dates, deadlines and fees

Select the English language band you need for your degree course, then choose the pre-sessional course you need to apply for.

If you need a different band from those listed, or you’re applying with another English language test, you can read our full English Language Proficiency page. This explains the English language tests we accept, including those that are UKVI compliant for study on campus.

How to apply

1. Complete the application form.
2. We will email you within 5 working days after we receive your application.
3. If your application is successful and there is a place available on your chosen course, we will send you a conditional offer.
4. Accept your offer within 14 days and pay £500 deposit to secure your place.

We will email you instructions on how to pay your deposit. After 14 days, the deposit is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to a degree programme. Full terms and conditions for deposits and tuition fees will be included in your offer letter.

Apply now

Want to apply for a courses after the deadline?

Email elaccess@southampton.ac.uk to see if we have spaces available.

What to do next

Once your place on a pre-sessional in person course is confirmed you may need to:

• apply for accommodation
• arrange a Visa
• book our Meet and Greet service

Change or cancel your course  

You may be able to change your course from online to in-person, or from in-person to online, if you tell us before the deposit deadline.  

You may be able to change from a longer course to a shorter one if you: 

• meet the language requirement for the shorter course
• tell us before the deposit deadline for the longer course