Pre-sessional courses

Spring/Summer Pre-sessional programmes for October 2020 starters

We offer a variety of Pre-sessional programmes which are designed to either increase your English language level, increase your confidence with UK academic study skills or both! 

If you are taking one of our Pre-sessional English programmes, you will not be required to re-take an English language test (such as IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons) at the end of the Pre-sessional course. Instead you will undergo Kaplan’s own English language test and your new English level will be assessed. If you have met the English level required, the English language condition will be removed from your main course offer.

Spring/Summer Pre-sessional programmes for October 2021 starters

We anticipate that these programmes will be available on campus. 

If there is any disruption to travel then contingency plans will be in place to ensure that the programmes still go ahead. Applications for these programmes will open in mid-November 2020.

How to Apply

If you are interested in studying a pre-sessional English course before your main programme of study, you can check your eligibility and apply via your myEssex applicant portal. For applicants requiring a Student Visa a UKVI IELTS, dated within 2 years of the pre-sessional course start date, will be required with your application (unless applying for the 4 week ASPP).

If you are an Undergraduate applicant who is applying for a for year 2 or 3 entry, or via a link agreement, please email PSE@essex.ac.uk for details of how to apply to our Pre-sessional programmes. 

Pre-sessional English Language with Study Skills (PELSS)

Our programmes provide you with integrated training in Academic English Language and Study Skills to prepare you for University undergraduate and postgraduate degree level study. The programmes run for 10, 15 and 20 weeks, providing improvements to your IELTS score equivalent to 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 respectively. PELSS will help you to develop the following skills:

• Reading: critical reading and note taking skills
• Writing: academic essay writing and citation skills
• Listening: understanding lectures and seminars and note-taking skills
• Speaking: seminar discussions, debate and presentation skills

You will be given opportunities to focus on English language and study skills development in areas related to your chosen degree area at the University of Essex.

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

Pre-sessional English Language (PEL)

Offered at both Colchester and Southend, our programmes focus on enhancing your English language skills to prepare you for University undergraduate and postgraduate degree level study. You will be taught further grammar and vocabulary development as well as additional reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The programmes run for 5 and 10 weeks and provide an improvement in your IELTS score of equivalent to 0.5 and 1.0 band respectively.

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

Academic Skills Preparation Programme

If you have an unconditional offer to study at the University of Essex, you can take our Academic Skills Preparation programme. This course introduces you to the academic study and research skills commonly used at UK universities and will help you become familiar with the University campus, student life in the UK and adjust more easily to our academic culture. This programme is an excellent preparation to your degree studies and will help you to achieve your academic goals.