Our pre-sessional English programmes are for international students with an offer to study at Lancaster University, and who need or wish to improve their English language and study skills before starting their degree studies.
If you do not meet the English requirements for your chosen academic course, you may still be able to come to Lancaster if you complete a Pre-sessional English course (PSE) before you start your studies. Depending on your current English language level, you may be eligible for our 4-week PSE or our 10-week PSE. Each course has an online option with the same course content.
Upon successful completion of the pre-sessional, having reached the English level required, you can progress directly to your academic course without retaking International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
We also offer an optional two-week academic induction programme called Study Start for students who have already met our English language requirements. Study Start provides international students with a great opportunity to settle into life at Lancaster, and to become an independent and confident student, well-prepared for life at Lancaster.
For students who require a 1.0 uplift in their IELTS.
For students who require a 0.5 uplift in their IELTS.
Optional induction programme for students who have already met the language requirements.
To apply for one of our pre-sessional English programmes, you will need to be holding an offer from Lancaster University. Your offer will contain information about the English language requirements for our pre-sessional English programmes which vary by course. You can find more details on our entry requirements page.
If you have not met the English language requirements for direct entry, please contact us with a copy of your English language certificate to enquire if you are eligible for one of our pre-sessional programmes.
To be considered for a pre-sessional programme you need to have made Lancaster University your firm choice in UCAS. There is no deposit for the pre-sessional programmes.
If you decide not to accept a place on the pre-sessional programme that is offered, you will need to meet the English language condition originally stated in the offer letter. If you are planning to take another English test in order to meet your English condition, we would advise you to book a test as soon as possible.
If you improve your IELTS scores it may be possible to take a shorter pre-sessional programme provided you must meet the entry requirement for the shorter programme. If you have already been accepted onto one pre-sessional and now meet the requirements for another, you should contact us to discuss this.
If your offer is showing as ‘unconditional’ but you have been offered a pre-sessional programme, then you have been accepted for study at Lancaster provided you successfully completed the pre-sessional. This means that you have to attend all classes, contribute in class, submit all pieces of work and demonstrate that you are ready for academic study at Lancaster. If you are unable to do this for any reason, you may not be able to progress to your academic studies.
You don't need to contact us to apply for our pre-sessional programmes. If you have not met the English language requirements for direct entry, we will automatically consider you for one of our pre-sessional programmes when we receive a copy of your English language certificate. You should upload this to your application in our postgraduate application portal.
If you decide not to accept a place on the pre-sessional programme that is offered, you will need to meet the English language condition originally stated in the offer letter. If you are planning to take another English test in order to meet your English condition, we would advise you to book a test as soon as possible.
If you improve your IELTS scores it may be possible to take a shorter pre-sessional programme provided you must meet the entry requirement for the shorter programme. If you have already been accepted onto one pre-sessional and now meet the requirements for another, you should contact us to discuss this.
If your offer is showing as ‘unconditional’ but you have been offered a pre-sessional programme, then you have been accepted for study at Lancaster provided you successfully completed the pre-sessional. This means that you have to attend all classes, contribute in class, submit all pieces of work and demonstrate that you are ready for academic study at Lancaster. If you are unable to do this for any reason, you may not be able to progress to your academic studies.
To be considered for the 10-week programme, you need to have applied to Lancaster by 7 June 2024.
To be considered for the 4 or 5-week programme, you need to have applied to Lancaster by 26 July 2024.
If you have already met our English language requirements and you are interested in taking one of our pre-sessional programmes, we recommend you consider our two-week Study Start programme as an alternative. However, if you are particularly interested in taking a pre-sessional English programme, please contact the admissions team and we will consider your request.
The timing of your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will depend on the mode of delivery you choose, either online or on campus. Once you have a CAS for the pre-sessional, you do not have to return home between completing the language programme and starting your degree. Once you successfully complete the programme you will need to extend your visa to the academic course at Lancaster. We have an International Student Adviser who will help you with this process.
For more information about UK visas and regulations please visit the UK Border Agency.
You will be issued with a CAS for the pre-sessional programme 8-10 weeks before your studies are due to start.
For the four-week programme, we will issue you will a single CAS for your pre-sessional programme and academic course if English language is the only condition left for you to meet.
For the 10-week programme we will issue you with two CASs, one for the pre-sessional programme and one for your academic course when you have met the conditions and successfully completed the pre-sessional programme.
You will be issued with a CAS for the pre-sessional programme 8-10 weeks before your studies are due to start.
For the four-week programme, we will issue you will a single CAS for your pre-sessional programme and academic course if English language is the only condition left for you to meet.
For the 10-week programme, we will issue you will a single CAS for your pre-sessional programme and academic course if English language is the only condition left for you to meet. If you still have other conditions to meet, such as your current studies, we will issue you with two CASs, one for the pre-sessional programme and one for your academic course when you have met the conditions and successfully completed the pre-sessional programme.
Close to the start of your pre-sessional programme, we will email you with information about arrivals, accommodation, and shuttle options from Manchester Airport.
Travel information to campus can be found on our Maps and Travel page.
You do not need to apply for accommodation for our pre-sessional courses. Once you accept your course offer, we will automatically assign you to a room on campus and you will live with other students attending the course. Your room will have a private bathroom and shared kitchen. Accommodation and living costs are not included in the tuition fee. Please contact us if you do not need the accommodation on campus.
The cost for pre-sessional English programmes and Study Start accommodation in 2024 is £177.59 per week for an ensuite room with a private bathroom.
For general pre-sessional English enquiries, please contact the relevant admissions team:
For detailed enquiries such as the content, logistics and arrivals for pre-sessional programmes, please contact the relevant team:
