Professional course Pre-Sessional English Programme
Page last updated 13 August 2025
Introduction
The Pre-Sessional English course (PSE) is designed for international students who need to acquire the level of English language skills required to study at UWE Bristol. Our on campus Pre-sessional English language courses are delivered by expert teachers at UWE Bristol's International College, a Kaplan International Pathways partner.
The course will help you prepare for studying and living in the UK, including understanding lectures and academic texts, writing assignments, speaking in seminars and giving presentations.
At the end of the course, you'll take Kaplan's own English language test.
Entry requirements
The length of the PSE you require will depend on your current IELTS score and the score you require to progress to your main programme of study. Entry to undergraduate (UG) degrees usually requires IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. Entry to postgraduate (PG) degrees and direct entry onto year three of an undergraduate degree normally requires IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Some courses may require a higher level of English, so please check individual degree programmes for entry scores required.
The table below gives information about which PSE you'll need to complete in order to proceed to your chosen degree course.
Current IELTS score |
Duration of PSE
| |
| UG applicants | PG and year 3 UG applicants | |
| 4.5 | 5.0 | 15 weeks |
| 5.0 | 5.5 | 10 weeks |
| 5.5 | 6.0 | 5 weeks |
UWE Bristol only accepts UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) as evidence of English language ability. Please see our English language requirements for more details about these tests.
Please note that unless specified, all students wishing to join a PSE programme must have a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 (or equivalent) in each element.
Applicants will be asked to submit a copy of their English Language qualification before an offer can be given.
For EU students or overseas students who do not need a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK, it may be possible to take the UWE Bristol English Language Placement Test to assess your level for entry. Please email: international@uwe.ac.uk to arrange this.
Structure
Content
The Pre-sessional English course will provide integrated training in the academic use of English, as well as important study skills to prepare for degree-level study.
In this course, you'll work to develop your skills in grammar and vocabulary, reading and writing, and speaking and listening. You'll equip yourself with key language for studying at university level, so you feel ready for your degree.
You can get to know both Bristol and the University during your course. That means when you start your degree, you'll already feel settled and comfortable in your new surroundings.
Learning and Teaching
You'll be taught by highly qualified and experienced Kaplan language teachers. They'll have regular meetings with you to discuss your work and progress.
Classes are small and will be delivered face-to-face on Frenchay Campus. You'll also be expected to study independently.
Materials will be provided. You'll have access to e-learning support, and your progress will be monitored continuously through regular one-to-one tutorials with your class teacher.
Assessment
At the end of the course, you'll be assessed in all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Students who successfully pass the course will be able to progress to their main course without having to take IELTS.
Features
Study facilities
You'll be able to take advantage of our excellent study facilities. These include a modern Library open 24/7, with its wide choice of course books and internet access.
Study in Bristol
You'll be studying in Bristol, the largest city in the South West of England and home to international companies such as Hewlett-Packard, BBC, Aardman Animations, Atkins, Airbus and Rolls-Royce.
Bristol has excellent transport links with regular buses and trains to London, Scotland, Wales and the South Coast. London is only a 90-minute train journey away and Bristol International Airport offers regular weekend flights to various European destinations.
Bristol is located near historic towns such as Bath and Oxford, and within reach of the Devon and Cornwall coastlines.
Prices and dates
Supplementary fee information
Pre-sessional courses for degrees starting January 2026
| Current IELTS score | Duration | Enrollment date | Start date | End date | Mode of delivery | Price |
UG 5.0 PG 5.5 | 10 weeks | 2 October 2025 | 6 October 2025 | 19 December 2025 | Face-to-face Frenchay campus | £3,600 |
UG 5.5 PG 6.0 | 5 weeks | 6 November 2025 | 10 November 2025 | 19 December 2025 | Face-to-face Frenchay campus | £1,800
|
Pre-sessional courses for degrees starting September 2026
| Current IELTS score | Duration | Enrollment date | Start date | End date | Mode of delivery | Price |
UG 4.5 PG 5.0 | 15 weeks | 30 April 2026
| 4 May 2026 | 28 August 2026 | Face-to-face Frenchay campus | £5,400 |
UG 5.0 PG 5.5 | 10 weeks | 11 June 2026 | 15 June 2026 | 28 August 2026 | Face-to-face Frenchay campus | £3,600 |
UG 5.5 PG 6.0 | 5 weeks | 16 July 2026 | 20 July 2026 | 28 August 2026 | Face-to-face Frenchay campus | £1,800 |
How to apply
If you have an appropriate SELT, and offer on a UWE Bristol academic course and would like to apply for a Pre-sessional English Course, please e mail International@uwe.ac.uk.
Extra information
Accommodation
As a pre-sessional student, you can apply for UWE Bristol accommodation. However, we cannot guarantee that there'll be availability. We can provide assistance in finding private accommodation if needed.
Privacy notice and policy
Find out more about our privacy notice and the University's terms and conditions.
If you'd like more information about the Pre-sessional English course, please get in touch using our contact form.
For further information
- Email: If you If you have any questions about UWE Bristol and the application process, or need help or advice please email International@uwe.ac.uk.
Contact address: Admissions Office, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) Frenchay Campus, Bristol, BS16 1QY, United Kingdom.
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 86644