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Pre-sessional English language programmes

Pre-sessional English language programmes

Thank you for your interest in our pre-sessional English language programme, we're excited that you may be considering joining us.

The pre-sessional English language programme, endorsed by Royal Holloway, is delivered online by our trusted partner Study Group, and specifically designed to improve your English for academic study. Tailored for our Undergraduate and Postgraduate study, the course will prepare you and enable you to develop the academic English skills required to successfully embark on your degree at Royal Holloway.   

You will enhance your academic English skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You will also have the opportunity to study in a digital context with other international students before progressing to your degree at Royal Holloway.

To find out more information about the course and content, please contact Study Group via email using the contact details provided on this page. 

Key Information

You will be offered either the 12, 10 or 8 week course, depending on your English language level and degree entry requirements. All course options are full time and delivered online through Microsoft Teams and Insendi virtual learning platform.

The Pre-Sessional English Programme is aimed at students holding a conditional offer that requires them to improve their English language level as (one of) the conditions before they start their degree programme. 

This programme will use a mixture of delivery methods to provide a supportive and engaging experience. This will include timetabled live classes with a tutor and as well as self-study activities.   You will also join enrichment activities and have networking opportunities.

You will gain experience in:

  • academic writing and speaking;
  • academic listening and reading;
  • analytical thinking and problem-solving;
  • digital skills for study.

 

This course will aim to: 

  • Improve your language skills in the areas that will be most important for you during your studies at the University. This will include reading for academic research, speaking to support effective participation in seminars and giving presentations. You will also develop academic writing skills following the conventions needed for Higher Education and listening skills to enhance your ability to understand lectures.
  • Develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language to enable you to use the language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
  • Provide you with the skills needed to reflect on your learning and identify what you can do to improve.
  • Ensure you are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and Royal Holloway through demonstrating required minimum English level for degree entry in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Assessment:

  • Your performance will be managed through continual assessment and feedback. You will complete a variety of assessment tasks to evidence your development in English reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Programme length

Programme dates

Induction dates

Application deadline

Tuition fees

Payment deadline

Unconditional deadline

12 Weeks

06 May 2024 - 09 Aug 2024

1 – 3 May 2024

29 Apr 2024

£350 per week

01 May 2024

03 May 2024

10 Weeks

20 May 2024 - 09 Aug 2024

15 - 17 May 2024

13 May 2024

£350 per week

15 May 2024

17 May 2024

  8 Weeks

03 June 2024 - 09 Aug 2024

29 - 31 May 2024

27 May 2024

£350 per week

29 May 2024

31 May 2024

The pre-sessional English language programme is only available to offer holders of undergraduate or postgraduate courses at Royal Holloway, University of London.

You must have submitted an application for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway and received a conditional offer to study (with English Language being one of the conditions). Once you have applied for a degree at the University and received an offer, you will then be provided with an option to undertake a pre-sessional English programme if you meet the requirements of the course, with further details of how to book the pre-sessional English programme.

To be considered for one of the pre-sessional English language programme options available, you must already hold an internationally recognised English Language qualification at a level that will enable you to benefit from a pre-sessional programme (see entry requirements section below). Should you meet these requirements, you will have the option to undertake the pre-sessional English language programme prior to commencing your degree.

You must have a conditional offer for either an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway with one condition being to improve your English score.

Academic IELTS for UKVI (alternatives accepted):

Requirement to join university course - IELTS 6.0 with no skill less than 5.5

  • If your level now is 5.0, no skill less than 4.5, you need a 12 week course
  • If your level now is 5.0, no skill less than 5.0, you need a 10 week course
  • If your level now is 5.5, no skill less than 5.5, you need an 8 week course

Requirement to join university course - IELTS 6.5 with no skill less than 5.5

  • If your level now is 5.5, no skill less than 4.5, you need a 12 week course
  • If your level now is 5.5, no skill less than 5.0, you need a 10 week course
  • If your level now is 6.0, no skill less than 5.5, you need an 8-week course

Please note that some degree options may ask for higher entry requirements, please check with Royal Holloway Admissions, your offer letter or the Royal Holloway website. 

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