Presessional English (Online, Dubai)

If you have a conditional offer, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification.

The Presessional English 10 week and 6 week online courses are delivered from our Edgbaston campus in the UK using our own virtual learning environment and Zoom. Online classes are taught from 9am to 1pm BST (British Summer Time). 

Available courses

• Gain confidence and communicative competence on a Presessional English course.
• Become immersed in the language.
• Make friends with people on your future course.
• Communicate in English outside of the classroom by participating in social activities.
• Focus on the academic skills in English you need to succeed in higher education and participate in discussion, speaking and listening tasks.
• Receive tutor feedback on reading and writing tasks and receive regular 1-1 tutorials to discuss progress and ask questions.
• All courses are assessed using a mixture of coursework, portfolio assessments and tests.
• The course length you apply for will depend on the requirements detailed in your offer letter from Admissions.

The curriculum is produced by our own academic staff at the University and is delivered using our own learning management system.

• Interactive, class-based discussion and listening tasks set by your dedicated class tutor.
• Guided reading and written tasks with feedback to develop your skills.
• Full academic support available throughout your course.
• Regular 1-1 tutorials to discuss your progress and answer any questions.
• You will be assessed using a mixture of coursework and progress tests.

Our maximum class size on all our Presessional English courses is 18 students, so tutors can give you individual attention and regular tutorials. All our tutors are qualified and experienced in teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP). 

Over the duration of your course, you will study three modules:

• Reading and Writing
• Speaking and Listening
• Academic Orientation/English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP).

Each module assesses your language skills. You will need to meet the English Language Entry Requirements for your programme with your scores in those modules.

The requirements for successful completion of your English presessional programme are:

• The achievement of the appropriate final mark for all assessed work (examinations and assessed coursework)
• A minimum of 90% attendance
• Fulfilment of the University requirements for reasonable diligence

The length of presessional course you are eligible to study on is dependent upon your current English language level, and the level you need to achieve to meet the conditions of your offer. 

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks you may be eligible to study on the Edgbaston campus in Birmingham.  Please contact us for further details. 

English Language qualifications

We will accept the following tests as evidence of English language proficiency:

• IELTS
• Pearson
• TOEFL
• Language Cert Academic
• TOEFL “At Home” Test

You might have some questions about Presessional courses. Here are some of the most common questions and some helpful answers.

Payment of fees

Find out more about the payment options available.

The apply link will take you to an application portal where you will create an account with the University application system. You will submit your application and supporting documents to us online.

Please note that online Presessional English courses are marked 'DL' (Distance Learning) in the University application system.

If you require any help with making an application, please contact us at presessional@contacts.bham.ac.uk

From application through to graduation, we will support you throughout your exciting online learning journey.