Pre-sessional English programmes for Academic Purposes

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.

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.

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.

The following Pre-sessional programmes will be taught on-campus and online. Spaces on the online courses are limited; applicants are advised to apply early to secure their place. The deadlines for applications are:

• Online programmes: four weeks prior to the start date of each course.
• On-campus programmes: four weeks prior to the start of each course.

Please note that a Secure English Language Test (SELT) and a visa are normally required for the on-campus programmes; therefore, applicants are advised to allow sufficient time to make all the necessary arrangements.

Aston University reserves the right to withdraw a course if there is insufficient demand. Once you have started your pre-sessional course, you will not be able to switch to a different mode of delivery.

If you have any questions about the Pre-Sessional English courses, please contact CELCA Programmes team.

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.

Find out more information about visas.