Pre-Sessional English 10-week programme

The 10-week Pre-Sessional English (PSE) programme is for students intending to study at Lancaster University who are required or wish to improve their English language and study skills before starting their academic studies.

The programme will be delivered both in person (on campus) and online.

If you are taking the 10-week pre-sessional as a condition of your offer, you will need to successfully complete the programme and related assessments to progress to your academic course. The requirements for progression will be detailed in the offer letter.

Key dates and fees

Study dates

In-person study dates: Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September 2024

Online study dates: Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September 2024

2024 programme cost

£5,250

Programme aims

The programme provides thorough training in language and academic skills that will enable students to best achieve their academic potential at Lancaster University. The main aims of the programme are:

  1. To develop awareness and competency in the range of language-related academic skills required for successful study at Higher Education level. These include the approaches to academic research; processes and conventions of academic writing; effective and extensive reading strategies; effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations; and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures.
  2. To develop the range and accuracy of written and spoken language to enable students to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
  3. To support students in reflecting on their learning and identifying how to improve their skills and language.
  4. To ensure students are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and the destination University through demonstrating the required minimum English language level for programme entry in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Three students working in a quiet study space.

How you will be taught

The programme is taught through live in-person or online sessions that seek to prepare you for university life in the UK by upgrading your academic Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Study skills. You will be introduced to university-style tasks and learning methods, while having the chance to practise your language skills both in and out of the classroom. A mixture of study trips (for in-person courses) and other social activities are offered to help you integrate with other students and give you a taste of life at a UK university - even for online students! The programme is delivered using the latest technology and digital platforms, which are designed to enhance independent study and maximise language learning. You will have continued access to these platforms during your first year of undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Assessments

You will not be required to take an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test at the end of this programme. Instead, you will take the course assessments which, if you successfully pass, we can use for the English language requirement for your visa application. The programme will assess your progress throughout the course using a range of formative (practice) and summative (final) assessments to check that you are meeting the learning outcomes of the programme. Regular feedback will be provided throughout the programme. Assessments include both coursework and exams.

A student using a laptop.
Student sitting on the bed while another sits on a chair in student accommodation chatting.

Arrival and accommodation

Close to the start of your pre-sessional programme, we will email you with information about arrivals, accommodation, and shuttle options from Manchester Airport.

Travel information to campus can be found on our Maps and Travel page.

You do not need to apply for accommodation for our pre-sessional courses. Once you accept your course offer, we will automatically assign you to a room on campus and you will live with other students attending the course. Your room will have a private bathroom and shared kitchen. Accommodation and living costs are not included in the tuition fee. Please contact us if you do not need the accommodation on campus.

The cost for pre-sessional English programmes and Study Start accommodation in 2024 is £177.59 per week for an ensuite room with a private bathroom.

How to apply

For information about studying a pre-sessional language programme, visit our Pre-sessional English programmes page.

How to apply

Contact

For general pre-sessional English enquiries, please contact the relevant admissions team:

For detailed enquiries such as the content, logistics and arrivals for the four or five-week pre-sessional programme, please email pse10@lancaster.ac.uk.

For enquiries about your main degree programme, please contact your department.