Presessional English Programmes

If you’re looking to improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham, our pre-sessional English courses are for you. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications. 

Experiencing difficulties viewing the video? If you cannot view the video on YouTube, view via Panopto instead.

Online and on-campus courses

We offer courses throughout the year with various entry and exit points depending on your current level of English (approved English Language test score) and the requirements of your main University of Birmingham offer for: foundation pathways, undergraduate study and postgraduate study. 

The length of course you need depends on your current level of English and on the score specified in the offer letter for your University of Birmingham degree.

Please note that you will not need a CAS for the online pre-sessional programmes but will require one for your main programme of study in the UK.

In 2020, all Presessional English programmes moved online. Progression rates of 99% have been maintained across all our online and on campus Presessional courses.  Online Presessional student satisfaction has been similarly high with over 90% of our students feeling welcomed by the BIA and having made good friends during the course.  In our presessionals, we offer a suite of on campus and online presessional courses for students who wish to study at the University of Birmingham.

All programmes (on campus and online) include daily taught lessons, class-based discussion and speaking and listening tasks set by your dedicated class tutors. There are also reading and written tasks with teacher feedback to develop your skills. You will be fully supported throughout your course and will receive regular 1-1 tutorials to discuss your progress and get answers to any questions you might have.

For further information on our 2022-23 presessional courses, visit the English for Academic Purposes Presessional  coursefinder page. 

The British Council inspected and renewed our accreditation at the Birmingham International Academy, University of Birmingham in March 2022. The Accreditation Scheme assesses the standards of management, resources and premises, teaching, welfare, and safeguarding under 18s. For more information read our full report. Strengths were noted in the areas of strategic and quality management, staff management, premises and facilities, learning resources, academic staff profile, academic management, course design, learner management, teaching and care of students.

Frequently Asked Questions