English Language Courses

INTO Queen’s University Belfast is a college of the University providing a range of academic preparation and English language courses to help prepare International Students for future study at Queen’s. At the INTO Queen’s Centre you will find premium facilities, an inspiring learning environment and staff dedicated to the highest standards of teaching and personalised student support.

  • Pre-Sessional English

    This course provides students with short and intensive preparation in academic English. It's suitable for those students already holding an offer for a postgraduate degree at Queen's, conditional on obtaining the required English language level.

    Course features
    • Designed to improve your English language skills to the level required
    • Adjust to the demands, challenges and expectations of UK higher education
    • How to give presentations on different areas of academic interest
    • Adapt to living and studying in the UK prior to beginning studies
    Who should apply for this course?

    This 20-hour per week course is suitable for you if you hold an offer from Queen’s, 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?

    The course will:

    • provide contextual study skills that acclimatise you to the culture of a UK university
    • enable you to adjust to the demands, challenges and expectations of UK higher education and culture
    • provide you with a short period of time to adapt to living and studying in the UK prior to beginning your academic studies.
    • most students will qualify for an Integrated CAS. This means that you will not have to reapply for a visa after successfully completing the program. Students receiving an Integrated CAS must have English as the only condition of the Queen’s University Belfast Offer
    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.

    Key Course Facts
    • Start dates - June, July
    • Course length - 4, 6 or 10 weeks
    • Class hours - 20 hours per week
    • Class sizes - Maximum of 16 students per class for English language teaching
    • Age requirement - 17 years and above
    • Academic entry requirement - Applicants must hold an offer of a place on a degree programme at Queen’s University Belfast.

    More information

  • In-Sessional English

    The In-sessional English classes are here to help you achieve your full potential in your academic subject. The purpose of the in-sessional English language support classes is to help you use the English language to effectively communicate knowledge in your academic studies. Currently there are four different lecture-style, workshop-format classes covering reading, writing, listening and speaking.

    • Seminar, Communication and Presentation Skills
    • Accuracy in Academic English
    • Academic Writing & Referencing 
    • Dissertation Workshops

    These English language support classes are free to all international fee paying students at Queen's. For more information, please see: go.qub.ac.uk/INTOEnglishlang

    English language entry requirement

    If your IELTS score does not meet the minimum requirement for Pre Sessional English, please email psequb@intoglobal.com. You may meet admission requirements using other standards.

    For degree courses that require IELTS 6.5 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 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.

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