Presessional English courses for international students Back to 'Postgraduate courses' Presessional courses are designed for students who wish to improve their knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for academic study at the University of Birmingham. Students with conditional offers have the option of attending one of these courses instead of retaking IELTS. Presessional courses are only open to students who hold a University offer. International entry requirements We welcome candidates with a range of overseas qualifications. See our international requirements for postgraduate entry to find out more. Postgraduates with conditional offers to study at the Birmingham Business School Postgraduates with conditional offers to study at the Birmingham Business School can usually apply to study on the Business Management English Presessional Programme. Economics students should apply to study on the English for Academic Purposes Presessional. Postgraduates with conditional offers to study all other courses Postgraduates with conditional offers to study at all schools other than the Business School (and Economics students) should apply to study on the English for Academic Purposes Presessional. Students with unconditional offers Students with unconditional offers can apply to study on our 4-week intensive course.