Thank you for your interest in our pre-sessional English language programme, we're excited that you may be considering joining us. For 2023 we will be delivering an on campus and an online programme – please see below for details.
Taking part in one of our pre-sessional English languages programmes can help you prepare and gain skills for your course at university in the UK. Here's what some of our former students have said about the programme:
‘It definitely helped my improvement of not only academic skills required at the university but also a lot of skills required outside of university! The skills that I acquired in your course are going to be useful in my entire life. So, I truly appreciate your support!’
‘The tutor was very kind and provided me with the appropriate advice. PELP course gave us a deeper understanding of essays and presentations in academic ways, which will be useful for master’s courses. Thank you very much.’
‘It helped me a lot… Studying independently before class allows me to find loopholes in my knowledge, so I can choose many ways to supplement relevant knowledge, such as searching on the Internet and asking teachers for help. Moreover, in class, I can also find the key points.’
Key Information
Study options
For Summer 2023, Royal Holloway is providing online and on campus courses for students who require support in meeting the English language requirements of their offer.
The online 12, 8 and 4 week courses will be delivered through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) using a mixture of both synchronous and asynchronous delivery to provide a supportive and engaging experience.
The on campus courses will follow an approach where students will be taught face to face as well undertaking some work online.
Both the online and on campus courses are aimed at students holding a conditional offer who need to improve their academic English and study skills before they start their degree programme.
Please note: A decision will be made six weeks prior to the start of each programme regarding to the viability of the on-campus offering of the programme.
|
Pre-sessional programme length |
Is the programme offered online? |
Is the programme offered on campus? |
Can I move from online to on campus programmes? |
|
12 week |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
8 week |
Yes |
Yes |
No
|
|
4 week |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Course content
Activities will include:
-
Giving presentations
-
Taking part in discussions
-
Writing summaries and academic essays
-
Listening to lectures and talks.
You’ll study for 40 hours a week and 40% of this time will be teacher-led. You’ll also have regular one-to-ones or small group discussions. By the end of your course, you should have:
-
Improved your English.
-
Developed strategies for learning on your own.
-
Become familiar with our virtual learning environment - Moodle.
-
Gained a better understanding of the key skills and language you need to study successfully at university.
Teaching and learning
What will you study?
Both the online and on campus Pre-sessional English courses will fully prepare you for your degree at Royal Holloway and will help you to develop the academic skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
How will you study?
The online course
Working independently (asynchronous delivery):
A significant part of the course will be delivered as independent study via the VLE. The content will include:
-
Online quizzes and tasks
-
Reading to support and extend content knowledge
-
Forums to discuss ideas and deepen understanding
-
Links to external resources
-
Activities to promote critical reflection and to prepare you for the live sessions.
Live (synchronous) delivery:
For the online courses, your tutor will meet you live using Microsoft Teams to discuss and consider the work you are doing, and these sessions will provide an opportunity to ask questions, work with other students in your group and help create a sense of community. During the course, such sessions will typically involve the whole group, and smaller break-out groups.
The on-campus course
Working independently (asynchronous delivery):
You will be working independently to prepare for participation and interaction in class sessions as well as working towards the different assessment that you will take on the course. This aspect of the course is important as it will prepare you for the independent study that will be essential to your degree at Royal Holloway.
Activities carried out independently will prepare you for your face-to-face session in class. These will be conducted following the most up to date government guidance on social distancing. As above, the materials for the course will also be available via the VLE.
Live (synchronous) delivery:
The face to face classes will be conducted following the most up to date government guidance on social distancing. As above, the materials for the course will be available via the VLE.
Teaching and learning
Both the online and on-campus courses are intensive in nature with 40 learning hours per week (approximately 40 per cent of these hours will be teacher - student contact time). All students are provided with the following:
-
a timetable allowing you to concentrate on core academic skills while ensuring there is time for independent study (an important aspect of university level study in any subject)
-
regular contact with a staff member either through face-to-face teaching or online.
-
extensive supporting materials and learning resources in the College library, including the e-resources.
How will I be assessed?
Whether you are studying online or on campus, you will be assessed in the four skills areas and at the end of the course will have the following assessments:
Students on the 4, 8 and 12-week courses must fulfil the course attendance requirements and pass the course at the required level in order to progress. Individual assessment weightings are as follows:
-
an essay based on research of academic texts which assesses reading and writing skills (65%)
-
an oral assessment where both presentation and discussion skills are assessed (20%)
-
a lecture comprehension assessment (15%).
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught by Royal Holloway teaching staff. The staff are both qualified and experienced with many of them having taught on pre-sessional courses, including Royal Holloway’s, for many years.
Dates, fees and funding for 2023 entry
|
Programme Length |
Start date (On campus) |
End date (On campus) |
Start date (Online) |
End date (Online) |
Tuition fees |
|
12 weeks |
15 June 2023 |
5 September 2023 |
18 May 2023 |
8 August 2023 |
£4,560 |
|
8 weeks |
13 July 2023 |
5 September 2023 |
15 June 2023 |
8 August 2023 |
£3,040 |
|
4 weeks |
10 August 2023 |
5 September 2023* |
13 July 2023 |
8 August 2023 |
£1,520 |
* Teaching and assessments end.
How to apply
Once you have accepted an offer to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level, you can then apply for one of our pre-sessional programmes through your Applicant portal.
You must already hold an internationally-recognised English qualification at a level that will enable you to benefit from a pre-sessional programme. See ‘How to work out which Pre-Sessional English Language Programme to take’ below.
Accommodation deadlines
|
Programme Length |
Accommodation Application Date |
When can I expect to receive an offer of accommodation? |
Deadline for accepting offer |
|
12 week |
Between 30 January and 25 May |
From 29 May |
5 calendar days |
|
8 week |
Between 30 January and 22 June |
From 26 June |
5 calendar days |
|
4 week |
Between 30 January and 20 July |
From 24 July |
5 calendar days |
Please note - the precise accommodation halls that will be allocated are still to be confirmed. This page will be updated as soon as that information is available.
For information regarding quarantine and self-isolation regulations, please go to https://intranet.royalholloway.ac.uk/students/where-i-live/guidelines-for-self-isolation.aspx.
Deadline for applications
The deadlines for applying for a pre-sessional programme are:
|
12 week programme (Online) |
12th May |
|
8 week programme (Online) |
9th June |
|
4 weeks programme (Online) |
7th July |
|
12 week programme (On campus) |
2nd May |
|
8 week programme (On campus) |
30th May |
|
4 weeks programme (On campus) |
27th June |
Living costs
When applying for a Student visa you must have sufficient funds in your bank account for 28 days prior to the date you make your application. You need to show you have the living costs plus the tuition fees (unless you have already paid all your tuition fees to the College). Please see here for more information
Below is a guideline on how much you should have in your bank account consistently for 28 days before you apply for your visa.
|
CAS type |
Living costs |
Tuition fees |
|
12 week PELP and main degree |
Please see information in link above |
£4,560 plus tuition fee amount for your chosen degree programme |
|
8 week PELP and main degree |
Please see information in link above |
£3,040 plus tuition fee amount for your chosen degree programme |
|
4 week PELP and main degree |
Please see information in link above |
£1,520 plus tuition fee amount for your chosen degree programme |
Additional costs
Students on the 12 week PELP both on-line and on-campus are required purchase the following:
-
Skillful Second Edition Level 3 Listening and Speaking Premium Student's Pack
-
Skillful Second Edition Level 3 Reading and Writing Premium Student's Pack
The books are published by Macmillan Education and can be purchased online. The books are available on a variety of sites with a range of prices but should cost in the region of £30 each for the Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking versions.
Students on the 8 and 4 week courses are not required to purchase books.
How to work out which pre-sessional English language programme to take
To find out which pre-sessional English language programme (PELP) you need to take, look at the table below:
- Select the relevant heading showing the English language test you’ve taken or are planning to take eg IELTS or Pearson.
- Then select the English language requirement for your chosen degree
The table will then show you whether you need to take the four, eight or twelve-week PELP programme depending on your current English language level.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 (reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5, writing 5.5)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with no lower subscore than 5.0
8-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 5.5 with no lower subscore than 5.0
12-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 4.5 with no lower subscore than 4.0
IELTS 6.5 (reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5, writing 5.5)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
8-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 5.5 with 5.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
12-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 5.5 with 4.5 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
IELTS 6.5 (reading 6.0, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5, writing 6.0)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
8-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in reading and writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
12-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 5.5 with 5.0 in reading and writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
IELTS 6.5 (reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5, writing 6.5)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
8-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
12-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 5.5 with 5.5 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
IELTS 6.5 (reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5, writing 7.0)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
8-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
12-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 5.5 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
IELTS 6.5 (reading 6.0, listening 6.0, speaking 6.0, writing 6.0)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.5 with no subscore lower than 5.5
8-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with no subscore lower than 5.5
12-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 5.5 with no subscore lower than 5.0
IELTS 6.5 (reading 6.0, listening 6.0, speaking 6.0, writing 6.5)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 5.5
8-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 5.5
12-Week PELP programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 5.5 with 5.5 in writing and no other subscore lower than 5.0
IELTS 7.0 (reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5, writing 6.0)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with 5.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
IELTS 7.0 (reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5, writing 7.0)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 7.0 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in writing and no other subscore lower than 4.0
Pearson
Pearson 51 with no subscore lower than 51
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 46, with 41 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 41, with 38 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 38, with 36 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
Pearson 61 with no subscore lower than 51
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 46 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 46, with 41 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 46, with 38 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
Pearson 61 with 54 in Writing (no subscore lower than 51)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 46 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 46, with 41 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
Pearson 61 with 54 in Reading and Writing (no subscore lower than 51)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 54 in Reading and Writing and no subscore lower than 36
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 46 in Reading and Writing and no subscore lower than 36
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 46, with 41 in Reading and Writing and no subscore lower than 36
Pearson 61 with 61 in Writing (no subscore lower than 51)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 61, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 46, with 46 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
Pearson 61 with 61 in Writing (no subscore lower than 54)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 61, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 51
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 51
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 46, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 41
Pearson 61 with 69 in Writing (no subscore lower than 51)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 61, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 46, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
Pearson 69 with 54 in Writing (no subscore lower than 51)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 61, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 46 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 41 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
Pearson 69 with 69 in Writing (no subscore lower than 51)
If your course requires this English language level, you can attend:
4-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 69, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
8-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 69, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
12-Week PELP Programme if your English level is currently:
Pearson 54, with 54 in Writing and no subscore lower than 36
