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Pre-Sessional English

A short, intensive preparation course for students due to start their degree course in September

Academically qualified students who have already been accepted into a University undergraduate or postgraduate course can use this course to improve their English quickly.

The Pre-sessional programme is a 20-hour per week course that provides intensive English language preparation in a university environment. With highly experienced teachers, there is no better preparation for your degree programme.

The course will:

provide contextual study skills that acclimatise you to the culture of a UK university
enable you to adjust to the demands, challenges and expectations of UK higher education and culture
provide you with the opportunity to adapt to living and studying in the UK prior to beginning your academic studies

Course Description
Entry requirements
Dates and prices
Assessment
How to apply

What will I study?

This course concentrates on academic English.

You will develop your skills in:

Reading and writing English
Speaking and listening to English
Giving presentations
Taking notes from talks and seminars
Taking part in seminar discussions
Writing assignments based on relevant sources

You will also focus on subject-related work in your chosen area of study to help you learn how to effectively study independently using online and self-access materials.

Where will it take me?

Course outcomes

As long as you have met the University's academic entry requirements, achieving the level of performance required in the Pre-Sessional English course to fulfil the conditions of your offer will allow you to progress to your University course without needing to retake the IELTS test.

How do I qualify?

Academic requirements:	You must hold an offer of a place on a degree programme at a UK university.
English requirements for degree courses that require IELTS 6.5 for direct entry	10 weeks: IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in any other subskill) or equivalent. 6 weeks: IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any other subskill) or equivalent. 4 weeks: IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any other subskill) or equivalent.
English requirements for degree courses that require IELTS 6.0 for direct entry	10 weeks: IELTS 5.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 in any other subskill) or equivalent. 6 weeks: IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in any other subskill) or equivalent. 4 weeks: IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any other subskill) or equivalent.
Age:	17 years and above

Please ensure you consult Queen's University Belfast for details of the English language level required for entry onto your chosen course.

When can I start?

Start date	Term dates	Fees
July (10 weeks)	Mon 01 Jul 2013 to Fri 06 Sep 2013	£2,750
July (6 weeks)	Mon 29 Jul 2013 to Fri 06 Sep 2013	£1,650
August (4 weeks)	Mon 12 Aug 2013 to Fri 06 Sep 2013	£1,100

Tuition fees do not include:

text books and other learning materials: an additional charge in the region of £55 per course

Tracking your progress

You will be assessed through a combination of examination and coursework during the course.

Methods of assessment will include:

short written texts
extended essays
oral presentations.

At the end of the course, reading and listening tests will be completed.

How do I apply?

Step 1: Complete the Application form

You can complete an online application form or download and print the PDF application form at the bottom of this page. You must include the following information:

Personal contact details
Next of kin details
Proposed further study programme

Need help with the application form? Watch a video help guide - available in English, Chinese and Arabic:

Step 2: Submit the Application

The INTO Admissions office will only process complete applications so please ensure you provide all of the following documents with your application:

Copy(ies) of your academic transcripts and certificates from the last three years of study, including:
A copy of your most recent Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate. This test can be one of the following accepted English language tests: IELTS/TOEFL ibt/ Pearson PTE, Cambridge ESOL and must have been taken within the last two years prior to the start date of your intended academic programme. We will need to see the original certificate along with an English translated version school stamp or agent stamp.
For English Language programmes you will just need to provide your SELT certificate
For General English courses you will need to provide a copy of your passport

If you are applying by post please send your completed application package, including copies of your supporting documents listed above directly to us at:

INTO Queen's University Belfast Admissions

1 Gloucester Place
Brighton
BN1 4AA
United Kingdom

The INTO Admissions team will assess your complete application and will contact you within two working days with either an answer or an offer.

Step 3: Confirm your place

If you receive a Conditional or Unconditional offer from us, the offer will contain all the details needed for you to confirm your place on the course.

The most common way to confirm your place, will be to:

Sign all forms relating to your course (course acceptance, accommodation, insurance, and under-18 forms)
Pay the tuition and accommodation deposit (along with the insurance fees if you haven't got your own insurance policy
Once you've paid the deposit (and have received proof of your payment from your bank) please send a copy of the payment to us so we can find and allocate your payment to your student record
Attach all the acceptance forms along with proof of payment, to an email and send it to us

Once the payment has cleared, you will be sent a confirmation pack from us, including; The relevant course information to help you with your visa application, course and accommodation confirmation, your updated statement and an invoice which will show any remaining fees still to pay before the start date of your course.

Step 4: Apply for your visa

If you are unsure of which visa type you need you can have a look at our Useful Information page or visit the UK Border Agency website.

Please keep us updated on your visa application process. If for any reason your visa application is delayed or rejected, please contact us as soon as possible.

Please note that INTO employees cannot give you advice on your visa, you will need to speak to your local embassy or the British Council.

Step 5: After you've received your visa

Once you've received your visa and arranged your flight to the UK, please contact us to make sure you have paid the full outstanding balance of your course, at least 4 weeks before you arrive.

You will then receive your final statement along with your pre-departure guide, listing all information you need about your chosen INTO Centre, the partner University and what to do when you arrive in the UK.

Visit our before you arrive page for more information.

If at any time you get stuck or have any problems that will delay your arrival, please contact us.

PDF Application Form

Use this form to submit an application by post, fax or email. Alternatively use the apply now button above to apply online.

DOWNLOAD PDF (306 KB)