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. 

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The Presessional English programme at the University of Birmingham improves your academic English in readiness for your studies. To add versatility during the global pandemic, we are currently offering online and on-campus options for our pre-sessional English courses. If you are considering applying or already have an offer for a 15 week-on campus starting in May 2022 but you are delayed travelling to the UK due to Covid-19 travel restrictions you can start your course online but you must be in the UK by 30 June 2022. We are monitoring the travel situation and we will contact you soon regarding the possibility of continuing your studies online after the 30 June.

Online and on-campus courses

In 2020 all Presessional English programmes moved online. Progression rates of 99% were maintained across all our online Presessional courses in 2020. This is the same high standard of progression as achieved in our on-campus courses over the three years prior. Online Presessional student satisfaction is similarly high. Over 90% of students felt welcomed by the BIA and were able to make friends during the course.  We are now pleased to be able to offer on campus presessional courses again for students who wish to study in the UK.

All programmes include a mixture of live and interactive taught lessons, class-based discussion and listening tasks set by your dedicated class tutor. 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 answer any questions.

Students should check the UK government’s webpage regularly for updates on travel to the UK, quarantine requirements and tests.

Timetabled sessions for online courses will take into account the needs of students studying in different time zones.

For information on our 2022-23 autumn term dates and spring term dates, visit the English for Academic Purposes Presessional  coursefinder page. Apply links for these courses will be added very soon.

Frequently Asked Questions