What is pre-sessional English?

Pre-sessional English will provide you with short and intensive preparation in academic English. It's suitable for you if you're already academically qualified and are due to start an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Queen's.

Course features

• Designed to improve your English language skills to the level required by your chosen degree.
• Provides contextual study skills that acclimatise you to the culture of a UK university.
• Enables you to adjust to the demands, challenges and expectations of UK higher education.
• Teaches you how to give presentations on different areas of academic interest.
• Provides you with a short period of time to adapt to living and studying in the UK prior to beginning your academic studies.

Download Pre-Sessional English Guide (PDF)

Who should apply for this course?

This 20-hour per week course is suitable for you if you are academically qualified, hold an offer from Queen’s University Belfast, and need to improve your English language level before starting an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree at Queen’s University Belfast. The Pre- sessional course runs from July to early September. Your course length will vary depending on your current language level and degree programme requirements.

What is special about this course?

• Intensive language and study skills preparation in a friendly and supportive online learning environment.
• Visa-free online learning option that overcomes any uncertainties related to visa interview cancellations and travel restrictions.
• Teaching and assessments are tailored to the requirements of study at Queen’s University Belfast.
• Delivered by the same experienced teachers and to the same standards as our face-to-face course, offering the best preparation.
• Learn with students who will be studying the same, or similar subjects at the University.
• Prepare for the UK education system.

Assessment

You will be assessed to determine whether you have met the University’s English requirements before progressing to your degree programme. Methods of assessment include:

• written essays
• spoken presentations
• timed writing, reading and listening assessments
• real-time online English language tests

How do I register for this course and access the course content?

The course will be accessed through INTO’s online learning platform and live virtual classroom technology.
As we approach the start date for your course, you will be sent an email with a unique link and instructions on how to join.

What equipment do I need?

To ensure that you can fully participate, it is essential that you have:

• a desktop or laptop computer
• good quality headphones and microphone
• a web camera
• a reliable internet connection

Course Outcomes

Assuming you have already met the University’s academic entry requirements and any other outstanding conditions, achieving the level of performance required in the Pre-sessional English course to fulfil the conditions of your offer will allow you to progress to your university course without needing to retake the IELTS test.

English language entry requirement

For degree courses that require IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill) for direct entry

4 weeks: IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subskill) or equivalent

6 weeks: IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in three subskills and 5.0 in one subskill) or equivalent 10 weeks: IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in any subskill) or equivalent

For degree courses that require IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill) for direct entry

4 weeks: IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5  in any subskill) or equivalent

6 weeks: IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0  in any subskill) or equivalent

10 weeks: IELTS 5.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 in any subskill) or equivalent

Please ensure you consult Queen’s University Belfast for details of the English language level required for entry onto your chosen course.