For some international students, a Pre-Sessional programme at University of Greenwich is suggested. Learn how this preparation course assists your study.
Pre-Sessional English courses
If you do not meet the English language requirements for direct entry onto your chosen degree, you may be able to join one of our Pre-sessional English (PSE) programmes. These courses run in the summer and give students an immersive, in person experience at our beautiful Greenwich campus.
Course contents
The PSE course is an intensive learning experience in which students improve their knowledge of academic English while learning about the culture of the University and life in the UK.
The classes are divided into four areas:
- Language Skills
- Reading, Writing and Study Skills
- Listening, Speaking and Study Skills
- British Cultural Studies
Student will also receive regular tutorials to ensure that the learning experience is meaningful to their language needs and future degree qualification.
The advantages of in-person learning
The PSE course is so much more than a chance to boost your English language skills before you start your university degree. It takes time to adjust to living in a new country and settle into a new academic institution. It is very common for students to experience a degree of culture shock when they arrive in the country. The course is designed with an understanding of this in mind.
Students will be given the chance to develop their understanding of the written and unwritten rules of living and studying in a British Institution. Moreover, because you will be living and interacting in an English-speaking environment, you will give your ears a chance to tune in to the local accents. This will mean that when you start attending your degree course, you will feel ready to learn.
Course dates and entry requirements:
Students are required to present an IELTS score before entering the course.
Students enrolling on Undergraduate courses.
| Course Length | IELTS Criteria* | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Weeks | 4.5 | 3rd June 2024 | 30th August 2024 |
| 9 Weeks | 5.0 | 1st July 2024 | 30th August 2024 |
| 5 Weeks | 5.5 | 29th July 2024 | 30th August 2024 |
| 2 Weeks | 6.0 | 19th August 2024 | 30th August 2024 |
Students enrolling on Postgraduate courses.
| Course Length | IELTS Criteria* | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Weeks | 5.0 | 3rd June 2024 | 30th August 2024 |
| 9 Weeks | 5.5 | 1st July 2024 | 30th August 2024 |
| 5 Weeks | 6.0 | 29th July 2024 | 30th August 2024 |
| 2 Weeks | 6.5 | 19th August 2024 | 30th August 2024 |
*This is the overall score required for IELTS at this entry level. Please note that there is a minimum of 4.0 required in any skill.
Minimum age for students
Students must be 18 years of age to join the course.
What is the maximum class size?
The maximum number of students per class is 16.
Sample timetable:
16 hours of teaching per week (Monday to Thursday)
Additional hours on Fridays for library-based research, self-study, and optional class trips.
Week 1
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AM (2 hours) | Academic Induction and campus tour. | Introduction to academic reading. | Referencing and citations. | Grammar for academic writing. | Library: research skills induction. |
PM (2 hours) | Expectations at university. | Introduction to seminars and tutorials. | Academic presentations. | Group Tutorials: Wellbeing. | Library: research skills induction. |
Week 2
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AM (2 hours) | Organising your argument with sources. | Identifying arguments. | Academic Introductions. | Vocabulary for Academic writing. | Guided tour: The Painted Hall. |
PM (2 hours) | Listening for main ideas. | Academic presentations. | Introduction to British Culture. | 1:1 Tutorials: Assessment focus. | Guided tour: The Painted Hall. |
Assessments:
Assessments are designed to prepare you for the kinds of experiences and assessments you will need to complete during your degree. You will complete a reading portfolio, deliver an academic presentation and an assessed seminar, complete a listening test and write an extended essay.
To help you better prepare for the assessment tasks, you will complete a range of coursework and practice tasks. You will also receive regular tutor feedback on your work, which should help you better understand and monitor own progress and prepare you for the assessment tasks.
Class trips:
Affordable class trips will take place to places of cultural interest, including (but not limited to):
- The Painted Hall (on Campus trip)
- The National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House (on Campus trip)
- The Museum of London Docklands (via London Underground)
- The Tate Modern and Southbank (via Riverboat from Greenwich).
- The British Museum (via London Underground and/or bus)
Entry to the above attractions is free although some transport costs may be incurred if the location is not in Greenwich. Please see the Transport for London website for the cost of Underground, bus, and Riverboat tickets.
Accredited by the British Council
The course has been accredited by the British Council.
Course Fees:
| 13 Weeks | TBC |
| 9 Weeks | TBC |
| 5 Weeks | TBC |
| 2 Weeks | TBC |