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Pre-sessional English

What is Pre-sessional English?

Pre-sessional courses are for international students who hold an offer to study a degree at UAL and need to meet their English language requirement. They provide you with a high level of support with academic and language skills and prepare you to succeed at UAL.

You can take the course either online or on campus in London, depending on your language requirement and what level you need to improve.

If you complete your Pre-sessional course and meet your requirements, you will progress to your main academic course at UAL.

Our Pre-sessional courses are accredited by BALEAP.

Join our webinar on 24 April at 11.30am BST.

2024 entry

Benefits of studying Pre-sessional English

  • Experience and adapt to academic study in the UK ahead of your degree.
  • Improve your academic English language skills, including reading, writing, listening and speaking.
  • Get used to the University facilities such as libraries and learning platforms.
  • Settle into UAL life before your degree begins.
  • Meet other students and build a community of friends.

Apply for our Pre-sessional Award

Student sitting in front of a window, smiling
Image credit: Adam Razvi
The biggest strength of this course is that students can gain practical English skills through the materials. I found that listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills were intertwined, and a physical class is the best place to improve all of them together. Additionally, classmates from other countries are so valuable that I got so many insights through communication with them. I strongly recommend other students come and join the pre-sessional on campus before their main courses start.

-  Satoko Suzuki MA Innovation Management, Central Saint Martins

Join a UAL community wherever you are

You will join an engaging course taught by supportive, experienced tutors. For online courses, you do not need to travel to London.

We can accept a variety of English language tests with applications. Entry requirements can be found on our courses pages.

Which Pre-sessional course is best for me?

There are different types of Pre-sessional course that you can choose from, based on the English language preparation you need. Find out which course is right for you.

On Campus Pre-sessional courses

  • Pre-sessional art club work 2021: Intuitive by Siyan Lu

    7 Week Pre-sessional On Campus

    For applicants who want to study on campus and need to improve their English level by 0.5 IELTS bands (or equivalent).

  • Pre-sessional art club 2021: Eye-catching by Wenhao Wang

    Unconditional Pre-sessional On Campus

    A 4 week intensive English course on campus for UAL offer holders who already meet their language requirement.

  • Close up, costume with feathers
    Close up costume with feathers. Oxo Tower Exhibition. @Stephanie Shaw

    Pre-Foundation Pre-sessional On Campus

    For applicants with a conditional offer for a UAL Foundation Diploma or Level 3 Introduction course, who need to improve their English by 0.5 IELTS bands (or equivalent).

Online Pre-sessional course

  • Ernestine Chua, Computer/Laptop/Technology Drawing

    12 Week Pre-sessional Online

    For applicants who want to study online and need to improve their English level by 1.0 IELTS bands (or equivalent).

More information

Contact us

presessional-admissions@arts.ac.uk

Ready to apply?

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Pre-sessional at UAL:

More than a language course