About this course

The Pre-Sessional Standard programme is designed for students who have a conditional offer to study with Ulster University, but have not yet met the English language requirements of their chosen course.

This full-time programme will develop your English language skills, improve your academic study skills; reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, introduce yourself to British culture and developing your understanding of university systems, services and facilities.

You will gain essential academic skills:

• Academic writing
• Referencing and citation
• Reading techniques
• Listening and note taking
• Grammar and vocabulary
• Communication and discussion
• Using the internet for study
• Using the University library
• Adapt to British culture

Progression

Successful completion of this programme will guarantee you entry to your progression course with an English language requirement of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

To view our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, please visit the courses page.

Teaching methods

Rather than having specific modules, our teaching methods are designed to boost your academic writing, reading techniques, grammar and vocabulary, using the internet and library for study.

You will attend 18 hours of classes a week which will be taught via a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, directed study, guest lectures, project work and group work.

In addition to your time in class, you will be expected to engage in approximately 22 hours of self-study time per week.

You will taught by our highly qualified tutors of English for Academic Purposes (EAP). The Centre for English Learning and Teaching team has proven experience of helping students just like you succeed.

You will have access to Blackboard, our online learning environment, where you can access module resources and reading lists that will assist your preparation for classes and self-study.

On average, you will study in a class of 14 students and no more than 16.

Assessment

You will complete and be assessed through a seminar discussion, research essay and presentation as well as reading and listening tests at the end of the course. Throughout the course you will also demonstrate all four skills through a Padlet portfolio, which you will build throughout the course, and this will contribute to 10% of your final grade.

Response to Covid-19: Our focus is on providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for our students. More information about our response to Covid-19 and FAQs are available here.

Entry requirements

The academic entry requirements of your progression course applies.

English language requirements

Applicants must satisfy our general entry requirements as well as meeting specific requirements.

You must have IELTS 5.5 with a maximum of one band score at 5.0 (no band scores under 5.0 therefore acceptable).

Other English language tests are accepted, click here to find out more.

If you do not meet these requirements and need additional English language support, you can study our Pre-Sessional Plus programme.

Tuition fees for 2023/24

• International students: £1,450

Please note that the fees outlined are for your tuition only and do not include the cost of any course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, accommodation, etc. As an Ulster University London campus student, you will also have access to our on-campus libraries and a range of e-learning resources.

Programme books, dictionaries and other materials are provided.

Information for international students

Ulster University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.

What does my tuition pay for?

• Your teaching in class – this includes seminars, lectures and tutorials
• Access to facilities including computers, Wi-Fi, printers, lockers, multi-faith rooms, quiet study space and social areas. To learn more about available facilities please visit our London or Birmingham branch campus pages
• Our library service – both on-campus and an extensive online catalogue of resources
• Careers and Employability Service which provides help with CVs, applications and interview preparation through workshops, drop-ins and 1-2-1 appointments
• The ACE Team (Academic Community of Excellence) who are here to support you with your studies and assignments
• Students Activities Association (SAA) – who organise events on campus, discounted sightseeing trips and help students create and run societies

How to find out more

To find out more about this course, we recommend that you complete our enquiry form and one of our team will contact you to discuss your options.

How to apply

APPLY FOR JULY 2023

Our Apply page includes further information on how to apply and which documents to include with your application.

Information for disabled applicants

At Ulster, we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.