Develop your general English language competence and communication skills
Become more confident about studying in another language and country
Work with highly qualified teaching staff with broad teaching experience
Attend a course accredited by BALEAP (British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes), an organisation specialising in EAP
What's the teaching like at Aston?
I really enjoyed Aston’s Pre-Sessional English course. It not only teaches the English language, it also teaches so many practical skills. For example, how to have a better understanding of lectures, how to take notes and how to contribute in seminars etc. It helped me adapt more quickly to my Masters course.
Meng Du
What's the teaching like at Aston?
I really enjoyed Aston’s Pre-Sessional English course. It not only teaches the English language, it also teaches so many practical skills. For example, how to have a better understanding of lectures, how to take notes and how to contribute in seminars etc. It helped me adapt more quickly to my Masters course.
Meng Du
What’s the teaching like on the Pre-sessional programme?
Meng Du
"I really enjoyed Aston’s Pre-Sessional English course. It not only teaches the English language, it also teaches so many practical skills. For example, how to have a better understanding of lectures, how to take notes and how to contribute in seminars etc. It helped me adapt more quickly to my Masters course.""
Baptiste
Studying MSc Human Resource Management
Qingcuo
Studying MSc Human Resource Management
Mona
Studying MSc Pharmacokinetics
Noaf
Studying MSc Business and Management
Qiyun
Studying MSc Human Resource Management
Apply for a Pre-Sessional English course
Summer courses
5-week course
Autumn courses
9-week course
5-week course
If you have any queries about how to apply please email ask@aston.ac.uk
PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for applications is two weeks prior to the start date of any course.
English language requirements
The tables below provide guidance on the minimum entry requirements for pre-sessional English courses. The length of the pre-sessional course will depend on your current level of English, the required direct entry scores to your chosen degree programme and the nature of the programme. Once the University has made you an offer, your School will confirm which pre-sessional course is appropriate for your needs and the needs of your degree programme.
If your qualification is not listed here then please contact us to see if we can accept it.
- 28 Week Aston Pre-sessional Entry Requirements
In addition to the qualifications listed below, we also accept a wide range of other qualifications. Please check the 'English Language Requirements' section above.
IELTS TOEFL
(online programmes only)PTE Academic (Pearson) Password (online programmes only) Duolingo (online programmes only) UG BSS, EPS and HLS* Overall 4.5, with no band lower than 4.0 Overall 34, with no less than 4 in reading, 9 in listening, 16 in speaking and 13 in writing 30 in each skill Overall 4.5, with no band lower than 4.0 Overall 70 with a minimum of 65 in each sub score UG Pharmacy and Optometry
PGT BSS
PGT HLS
(excluding OSPAP)
PGT EPS (Engineering Management
& Supply Chain Management)Overall 4.5, with no more than two bands at 4.0 and other bands at 4.5 or above Overall 34, with no less than 10 in reading, 9 in listening, 16 in speaking and 15 in writing 30 in all four skill Overall 4.5, with no more than two bands at 4.0 and other bands at 4.5 or above Overall 70 with a minimum of 65 in each subscore PGT EPS Overall 4.5, with no band lower than 4.0 and writing OR speaking at 4.5 Overall 34, with no less than 4 in reading, 9 in listening, 18 in speaking OR 15 in writing 30 in all four skill Overall 4.5, with no band lower than 4.0 and writing OR speaking at 4.5. Overall 70 with a minimum of 65 in each subscore *With the exception of UG Pharmacy and Optometry that are now mapped with PGT HLS and Aston Medical School.
- 18 Week Aston Pre-sessional
Entry Requirements In addition to the qualifications listed below, we also accept a wide range of other qualifications. Please check the 'English Language Requirements' section above.
IELTS TOEFL
(online programmes only)PTE Academic (Pearson) Password (online programmes only) Duolingo (online programmes only) UG ABS and HLS* Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.5 Overall 45, with no less than 10 in reading, 13 in listening, 18 in speaking and 15 in writing 36 in each skill Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.5 Overall 80 with a minimum of 75 in each subscore UG EPS and SSH Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.0 Overall 45, with no less than 4 in reading, 9 in listening, 16 in speaking and 13 in writing 36 in each skill Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.0. Overall 75 with a minimum of 75 in each subscore Pharmacy and Optometry
PGT BSS
PGT HLS (excluding OSPAP and Medical School)
PGT EPS (Engineering Management &
Supply Chain Management)Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.5, and writing at 5.0 Overall 45, with no less than 10 in reading, 13 in listening, 18 in speaking and 16 in writing 36 in each skill Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.5, and writing at 5.0. Overall 80 with a minimum of 75 in each subscore PGT EPS Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.5 Overall 45, with no less than 10 in reading, 13 in listening, 18 in speaking and 15 in writing 36 in each skill Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.5. Overall 80 with a minimum of 75 in each subscore *With the exception of UG Pharmacy and Optometry that are now mapped with PGT HLS and Aston Medical School.
- 9 Week Aston Pre-sessional Entry Requirements
In addition to the qualifications listed below, we also accept a wide range of other qualifications. Please check the 'English Language Requirements' section above.
IELTS TOEFL
(online programmes only)PTE Academic (Pearson) Password (online programmes only) Duolingo (online programmes only) UG ABS and HLS* Overall 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0 Overall 59, with no less than 17 in reading, 16 in listening, 19 in speaking, 16 in writing 42 in each skill Overall 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0. Overall 90 with a minimum of 85 in each subscore UG EPS and SSH Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.5 Overall 45, with no less than 10 in reading, 13 in listening, 18 in speaking and 15 in writing 36 in each skill Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.5. Overall 80 with a minimum of 75 in each subscore UG Pharmacy and Optometry
PGT BSS
PGT HLS (excluding OSPAP and
Medical School)
PGT EPS (Engineering Management
& Supply Chain ManagementOverall 5.5, with no more than two bands at 5.0 and other bands at 5.5 or above Overall 59, with no less than 20 in reading, 16 in listening, 19 in speaking, 20 in writing 42 in each skill Overall 5.5, with no more than two bands at 5.0 and other bands at 5.5 or above. Overall 90 with a minimum of 85 in each subscore PGT EPS Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 5.0 Overall 45, with no less than 17 in reading, 16 in listening, 19 in speaking and 16 in writing 36 in each skill Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 5.0. Overall 85 with a minimum of 85 in each subscore
*With the exception of UG Pharmacy and Optometry that are now mapped with PGT HLS and Aston Medical School.- 5 Week Aston Pre-sessional Entry Requirements
In addition to the qualifications listed below, we also accept a wide range of other qualifications. Please check the 'English Language Requirements' section above.
IELTS TOEFL
(online programmes only)PTE Academic (Pearson) Password (online programmes only) Duolingo (online programmes only) UG ABS and HLS* Overall 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5 Overall 78, with no less than 20 in reading, 19 in listening, 20 in speaking, 20 in writing 50 in each skill Overall 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5. Overall 100 with a minimum of 95 in each subscore UG EPS and SSH Overall 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0 Overall 59, with no less than 17 in reading, 16 in listening, 19 in speaking, 16 in writing 42 in each skill Overall 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0. Overall 90 with a minimum of 85 in each subscore UG HLS Pharmacy and Optometry
PGT BSS
PGT LHS (excluding OSPAP)
PGT EPS, (Engineering Management & Supply Chain Management)Overall 6.0, with no more than two bands at 5.5 and other bands at 6.0 or above Overall 78, with no less than 23 in reading, 19 in listening, 20 in speaking, 23 in writing 50 in each skill Overall 6.0, with no more than two bands at 5.5 and other bands at 6.0 or above Overall 100 with a minimum of 95 in each subscore PGT EPS Overall 5.5 with no band lower than 5.5 Overall 59, with no less than 20 in reading, 19 in listening, 20 in speaking, 20 in writing 42 in each skill Overall 5.5 with no band lower than 5.5. 90 with a minimum of 85 in each subscore
*With the exception of UG Pharmacy and Optometry that are now mapped with PGT HLS.
Course dates and fees
Summer courses
Course dates and fees
- 9-week course
Monday 5 July - Friday 3 September 2021
£3,240
- 5-week course
Monday 2 August - Friday 3 September 2021
£1,900
*Please note, all summer 2021 courses will be taught online only (see statement in Course Outline).
Autumn courses
Course dates and fees
- 9-week course
Monday 27 September - Friday 26 November 2021
£3,350
- 5-week course
Monday 25 October - Friday 26 November 2021
£1,900
We hope to deliver Autumn 2021 courses on campus, but this will depend on the pandemic situation and government guidelines nearer the time. Further information will be posted on this website as it becomes available.
Late arrivals - disclaimer
Please note that the University cannot be held responsible for late arrivals, including visa delays. For this reason, we do not refund any part of the Pre-sessional fees if you arrive later than the advertised start date.
Students requiring visas
You must have your visa in order to enrol on your university course. When making travel arrangements, please make sure you arrive in good time for the final enrolment date.
Course outline
- What is a Pre-sessional English Course and is it suitable for me?
It is a series of short courses which helps you to improve your English and learn essential academic skills before starting your course at Aston University. If you are an international student with an offer to study with us, this course is designed especially for you.
Whatever your level of English, we have a course that’s right for you. If you already have a strong level of English, we offer a 5-week course. If you need more help to improve your English, we also offer 9-week, 18- week and 28-week courses.
- Why should I take a Pre-sessional English course?
- Be more prepared for your university course
- Meet the English language requirements of your degree
- Gain more confidence in using English
- Learn essential academic skills for your degree, such as research skills and presentation skills
- Adapt to living and studying in the UK
- Get your own university mentor
- Enjoy our social and networking events, and make new friends
- Take advantage of opportunities to visit places of interest in the UK and Birmingham (on-campus programmes only)
- Access our campus facilities (Library, Sports Centre, Restaurants, Computer Centres & Support Services). (Online students can access Library and Support Services)
On completion of this course you will be awarded a module certificate from Aston University. Our Pre-sessional programme is accredited by BALEAP, an organisation specialising in English for Academic Purposes.
- What will I learn?
- General, academic and subject-specific vocabulary in English
- Academic writing skills
- Research skills
- How to read academic texts
- How to understand academic lectures and take notes
- How to express your ideas and opinions in class discussions
- Presentation skills
- Pronunciation of English
- English grammar
- Intercultural communication skills
Online Pre-sessional Courses
Your online Pre-sessional will fully prepare you for your degree course by building your confidence in using English and developing the academic skills you will need in your future degree programme at Aston. It may take a little while to get used to a different way of learning, but our experience shows that students are not only able to fully achieve their learning objectives, but also achieve high marks when learning online.
In the daily live webinars, you will experience a variety of learning activities, such as class and group discussions and projects, as well as lectures and note-taking practice. In addition, you will develop your independent learning skills through guided activities involving reading and writing with feedback from your academic & personal tutor. You will receive full support through regular 1-1 video tutorials, and all our activities, tutorials and assessments are timed with your local time zone in mind.
Subject guide and modules
Course Outline
We offer various Pre-sessional English courses to suit your individual language needs and academic skills objectives.
You will accumulate credits for each module that you successfully complete. You may prefer to take a longer course than we recommend in order to adjust to life in the UK, enjoy cultural trips and social events, and learn essential academic skills.
Learning, teaching and assessment
Our Pre-sessional modules are delivered by a team of qualified, experienced and dedicated staff at Aston University's Centre for English Language and Communication (CELCA). Your academic tutors and lecturers have a comprehensive understanding of the UK Higher Education environment and are there to support students through their learning process.We use a variety of innovative and engaging teaching methods which include lectures, seminars, blended-learning, tutorials and interactive workshops as well as private and small-group work. There are also opportunities for individual project work, presentation delivery, seminar participation and attendance of live lectures.Aston Pre-sessional also provides an opportunity to meet and learn with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds and diverse nationalities and develop critical intercultural competence skills that will facilitate the transition onto your future Degree programmes.
Assessment and Feedback
These are intensive programmes which require commitment to studying and learning. Full attendance is expected, as well as punctuality, class participation and team-working. The assessment of your performance will be based on assignments such as written essays and reports, oral presentations, tests and an individual research project.
Any questions?
You are very welcome to contact us if you have any questions.
Email: ask@aston.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)121 204 4910
WhatsApp: +447833952644
WeChat: Aston_U
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The information you provide will be used by Aston University to contact you about the University, courses you may be interested in and events you may wish to attend, for anything outside of this purpose we will obtain your consent. Your data is subject to Aston University’s privacy policy and cookie policy. For further information, please visit www.aston.ac.uk/dataprotection
