How to apply
In order to apply for a Pre-sessional English programme you must first have an offer in place for your main programme of study which is conditional on English language, unless applying for the Academic Skills Preparation Programme (ASPP) in which case you must hold an unconditional offer in order to be eligible to apply.
Applications can be made via the ‘Applying’ tab of your myEssex applicant portal.
Studying in person on campus
If you would like to study the Pre-sessional programme in person, on campus in the UK you must hold a Secure English Language certificate such as UKVI IELTS (Academic), Trinity or PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic) dated within 2 years of the start date of the Pre-sessional programme (unless applying for the 4 week ASPP in which case you only need to have satisfied the English language requirements of your main programme).
Studying online
If you would like to apply to study the Pre-sessional programme online from your home Country you do not need to hold a secure English language test but must hold an accepted English certificate. The certificates we are able to accept are listed below:
- IELTS, UKVI or non UKVI Academic (including IELTS indicator)
- TOEFL iBT including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and My Best Scores
- Trinity ISE
- PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic) or PT (Pearson Test of English Academic) for UKVI
- KITE
- CET-4
- CET-6
If you hold an English language certificate that is not listed please email pse@essex.ac.uk and we can advise whether we are able to accept it for admission to a Pre-sessional programme.
If you would like to be considered for one of our Pre-sessional English courses but the application deadline has passed, please email pse@essex.ac.uk because we may still be able to consider your application.