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You can study Pre-Sessional English at Reading for up to 29 weeks and start at six points (3 points for distance learning) across the academic year from September to July.

Distance-learning options are available for 3 PSE intakes: PSE E, F and G.

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How to reach your target

The following tables show you how long it typically takes to reach the English language level required for entry to your chosen degree. The time suggested is the minimum time allowance.

For advice on which block would suit your needs, please contact us at psadmissions@reading.ac.uk.

Are you eligible for a Combined Offer or a single-entry visa?

A Combined Offer (CAS) or single-entry visa covers your Pre-Sessional Programme and your main course of study. You may be eligible for a Combined CAS if your IELTS (International English Language Testing System) target is 6.5 and you currently have a B1 level in all 4 skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Find out more about a Combined Offer

If your IELTS requirement level is 6.5 please check below for the length of course you will need to take:

Your IELTS level now Minimum time required  Example study blocks  2023/ 2024 Dates  Fees  Application Deadline
 5.5 - no skill less than 5.0, writing 5.5 10 weeks PSE A 25 Sep to 08 Dec 2023  £4,600 Closed
 6.0 - no skill less than 5.5 6 weeks PSE B 30 Oct to 08 Dec 2023  £2,760 Closed
 4.5 - no skill less than 4.5 29 weeks   PSE C 08 Jan to 06 Sep 2024  £13,340 Closed
 5.0 - no skill less than 4.5 19 weeks  PSE D  15 Apr to 06 Sep 2024  £8,740 Closed
 5.5 -  no skill less than 5.0 13 weeks PSE E 10 Jun to 06 Sep 2024  £5,980 

Campus:20 May 2024

Distance:28 May 2024*

 5.5 - no skill less than 5.0, writing 5.5 10 weeks

PSE F

01 Jul to 06 Sep 2024  £4,600

Campus:03 Jun 2024

Distance:17 Jun 2024*

 6.0 -  no skill less than 5.5 6 weeks PSE G 29 Jul to 06 Sep 2024  £2,760

Campus: 01 Jul 2024

Distance:15 Jul 2024*

 

* Please note that students who choose to enrol for an online Pre-Sessional English course must consider their visa application time. At the end of successful completion of your Pre-Sessional English course, your results are sent to the Admissions Team (PSE results: 11-12 September 2024; Resit results: 18-19 September 2024). As long as you have accepted your main course academic offer, paid the deposit for this, and all other conditions have been met, you will then receive your main course CAS. As there is only a short time before the academic term begins, it is highly likely a priority visa will be needed. You can find help on applying for your visa and specific information on ‘application fees and processing times’ on our Visa and immigration support website.

For target TEEP/IELTS level of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each skill

If your English requirement is a 7.0 overall with no less than 6.0 in each skill, or is another requirement not listed above, the most appropriate course  will be recommended on a case by case basis.

All applicants should seek advice on how many weeks they need: contact us at psadmissions@reading.ac.uk for a full assessment of your eligibility.

Entry requirements

To join a study block on the PSE programme, you need to have an IELTS score of at least 4.5 in listening, reading, writing and speaking. Some study blocks have higher entry requirements.

If you wish to study on campus and require a visa to study in the UK, you will need to provide proof of your language level with a Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate - the most well-known test is UKVI IELTS.

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Pre-Sessional courses

We have a range of face-to-face or distance learning Pre-Sessional English options to meet your academic English needs.

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How you will study

Our teaching methods and expert staff will help you to develop your academic English skills.

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How to apply

Apply now for the Pre-Sessional English (PSE) programme at Reading and develop your language and study skills for university study in the UK.

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