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Giving you the best start

Become part of our lively international community and develop the academic language and skills you need to succeed.

You'll learn through small-group teaching, receive excellent support and develop academic English skills in an integrated, task-based way.

Our Pre-Sessional English programme is accredited by the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic purposes.

Small classes

You will study in small classes of no more than 16 students, maximising group interaction and tutor feedback. Further individual support is available in small groups or 1:1 consultations.

Writing tasks

Undertake authentic university-style writing tasks using a range of academic genres such Essays, Research Reports, Critical Reviews, Case studies, Proposals and Reflections.

Study time

You are expected to commit to studying for 30-35 hours per week, including 15 hours of live lessons and 8 hours of guided flexible online study tasks and independent study.

University life

Learn more about university life and study topics relating to the University of Reading, including aspects of campus life and Reading’s research themes.

UK culture

You will be supported to successfully adapt to UK academic culture and practices through work on areas such as autonomous learning skills, academic integrity and group-work skills.

Face-to-face or distance learning

We offer six courses for on-campus study. Three of these also have a distance-learning option.

How long do you need to study?

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

For more information on course lengths and fees, please visit our how long do I need to study page

Technical requirements for distance learning (online)

To participate online, your equipment must at least meet the minimum specifications to install and run Microsoft Teams video meetings:

 

  • Computer or laptop with minimum dual-core 1.1GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 2GB of available disk space, running Windows 8.1 or higher (Windows 10 recommended) OR Mac with minimum Intel Core Duo processor, 4GB of RAM, 1.5GB of available disk space, running MacOS 10.14 or higher (Latest MacOS version recommended)
  • Audio: Headphones & microphone, or a headset
  • Video: Webcam
  • Network: Minimum bandwidth for download 200kbps, upload 150kbps (download 4Mbps and upload 2.5Mbps recommended)

If you join an online course but do not meet these requirements, we cannot guarantee the quality of your learning experience.

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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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Combined offers

A combined offer for your degree course and Pre-Sessional English programme may simplify the application process.

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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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