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
Apply for a Pre-Sessional English course
Pre-sessional English Course for September 2020 entry - 5 weeks (August 2020): Applications open.
Pre-sessional English Course for January 2021 entry - 9 weeks (September 2020): Applications open.
Pre-sessional English Course for January 2021 entry - 5 weeks (October 2020): Applications open.
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.
Course dates and fees
Pre-Sessional English courses for September 2020 entry
- 9-week course: 6th July - 4th September 2020 (online)
- 5-week course: 3rd August - 4th September 2020 (online)
Pre-sessional English courses for January 2021 entry
- 9-week course: 28th September - 27th November 2020
- 5-week course: 26th October - 27th November 2020
2019/20 Fees:
- Pre-sessional English Course (9 weeks) - £3,240
- Pre-sessional English Course (5 weeks) - £1,850
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: Go to this webpage for information about 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.
You may also be interested in the International Year at Aston (IYA)
English language requirements
We accept a wide range of English language qualifications including IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic, IELTS Indicator, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, Duolingo English Test and the Aston Online English Test.
We also accept local qualifications such as iGCSE, Indian Standard XII, HKDSE, WAEC, for direct entry (excluding foundation level courses). For foundation level entry, you are still required to provide a UKVI IELTS to meet your offer condition.
See more information on English language requirements.
If your qualification is not listed here then please contact us at ask@aston.ac.ukto see if we can accept it.
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.
9 Week Entry Requirements
9 Week Aston Pre-sessional Entry Requirements
In addition to the qualifications listed below, we also accept a wide range of other qualifications including the Aston Online English Test. Please check the 'English Language Requirements' section above
| IELTS | PTE (Pearson) | Password (includes Aston Online English test) | Duolingo English Test | |
| UG ABS, UG LHS* | Overall 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0. | PTE Academic 42 in all four skills | Overall 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0. | 90 |
| UG EAS, LSS | Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.5. | PTE Academic 36 in all four skills | Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 4.5. | 80 |
| UG LHS (Pharmacy, Optometry and Audiology), PGT ABS, PGT LSS, PGT LHS, (excluding OSPAP) PGT EAS (Engineering Management & Supply Chain Management) | Overall 5.5, with no more than two bands at 5.0 and other bands at 5.5 or above. | PTE Academic 42 in all four skills | Overall 5.5, with no more than two bands at 5.0 and other bands at 5.5 or above. | 90 |
| PGT EAS | Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 5.0. | PTE Academic 36 in all four skills | Overall 5.0, with no band lower than 5.0. | 80 |
*With the exception of UG Pharmacy, Optometry and Audiology that are now mapped with PGT LHS.
5 Week Entry Requirements
5 Week Aston Pre-sessional Entry Requirements
In addition to the qualifications listed below, we also accept a wide range of other qualifications including the Aston Online English Test. Please check the 'English Language Requirements' section above.
| IELTS | PTE (Pearson) | Password (includes Aston Online English test) | Duolingo English Test | |
| UG ABS, UG LHS* | Overall 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5. | PTE Academic 50 in all four skills | Overall 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5. | 100 |
| UG EAS, LSS | Overall 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0. | PTE Academic 42 in all four skills | Overall 5.5, with no band lower than 5.0. | 90 |
| UG LHS (Pharmacy, Optometry and Audiology), PGT ABS, PGT LSS, PGT LHS, (excluding OSPAP) PGT EAS (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 | PTE Academic 50 in all four skills | Overall 6.0, with no more than two bands at 5.5 and other bands at 6.0 or above. | 100 |
| PGT EAS | Overall 5.5 with no band lower than 5.5. | PTE Academic 42 in all four skills | Overall 5.5 with no band lower than 5.5. | 90 |
*With the exception of UG Pharmacy, Optometry and Audiology that are now mapped with PGT LHS.
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 a offer 9-week course.
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
- Access our campus facilities (Library, Sports Centre, Restaurants, Computer Centres & 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
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, class 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
Watch our student testimonial videos
Contact us
Email: ask@aston.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)121 204 4910
WhatsApp: +447833952644
WeChat: Aston_U
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
