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
28-week course - apply now
18-week course - apply now
9-week course - apply now
5-week course - apply now
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.
See below for the entry requirements for each course.
28 Week Aston Pre-sessional Entry Requirements
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 | 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
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 | 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 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. Please check the 'English Language Requirements' section above
| IELTS | TOEFL | 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 Management | Overall 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 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. Please check the 'English Language Requirements' section above.
| IELTS | TOEFL | 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
Pre-Sessional English courses for September 2021 entry
- 28-week course
Monday 1 Feb 2021 - Friday 3 September 2021
£9,520
- 18-week course
Tuesday 4 May 2021 - Friday 3 September 2021
£6,300
- 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, in 2021 the 28-week, 18-week, 9-week and 5-week courses will all be taught online only (see statement in Course Outline).
Late arrivals - disclaimer
Please note that the University cannot be held responsible for late arrivals, including visa delays. For this
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
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.
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.
Watch our student testimonial videos
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
Whatever your level of English, we have a course that’s right for you. If you already have a strong level of
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
Covid-19
March 2021: There is ongoing uncertainty concerning international travel, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for this reason we have decided that all summer Pre-sessional courses in 2021 (28-week, 18-week, 9-week and 5-week) will be delivered online only.
Regarding the Autumn Pre-Sessional (9-week and 5-week) courses, the situation will be reviewed at a later date, and updates will appear on this website.
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
Contact us
Email: ask@aston.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)121 204 4910
WhatsApp: +447833952644
WeChat: Aston_U
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