You can study Pre-Sessional English at Reading for up to 19 weeks and start at four points (3 points for distance learning) across the academic year.
Distance-learning options are available for 3 PSE courses: PSE E, F and G.
How to reach your target
The following tables show you how long it typically takes to reach the English language level required for entry to your chosen degree. The time suggested is the minimum time allowance.
For advice on which block would suit your needs, please contact us at psadmissions@reading.ac.uk.
Are you eligible for a Combined Offer or a single-entry visa?
A Combined Offer (CAS) or single-entry visa covers your Pre-Sessional Programme and your main course of study. You may be eligible for a Combined CAS if your IELTS (International English Language Testing System) target is 6.5 and you currently have a B1 level in all 4 skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing.
If your IELTS requirement level is 6.5 please check below for the length of course you will need to take:
| Your IELTS level now | Minimum time required | Example study blocks | 2024/ 2025 Dates | Fees | Application Deadline |
| 5.0 - no skill less than 4.5 | 19 weeks | PSE D | 22 Apr to 05 Sep 2025 | £9,405 | 24 March 2025 |
| 5.5 - no skill less than 5.0 | 13 weeks | PSE E | 09 Jun to 05 Sep 2025 | £6,435 |
Campus:12 May 2025 Distance: 26 May 2025* |
| 5.5 - no skill less than 5.0, writing 5.5 | 10 weeks |
PSE F |
30 Jun to 05 Sep 2025 | £4,950 |
Campus:29 May 2025 Distance:12 Jun 2025* |
| 6.0 - no skill less than 5.5 | 6 weeks | PSE G | 28 Jul to 05 Sep 2025 | £2,970 |
Campus:26 Jun 2025 Distance: 10 July 2025* |
* Please note that students who choose to enrol for an online Pre-Sessional English course must consider their visa application time. At the end of successful completion of your Pre-Sessional English course, your results are sent to the Admissions Team (Pre-sessional results: 10-11 September 2025; Resit results: 18-19 September 2025). As long as you have accepted your main course academic offer, paid the deposit for this, and all other conditions have been met, you will then receive your main course CAS. As there is only a short time before the academic year begins, it is highly likely a priority visa will be needed. You can find help on applying for your visa and specific information on ‘application fees and processing times’ on our Visa and immigration support website.
For target IELTS level of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each skill
If your English requirement is a 7.0 overall with no less than 6.0 in each skill, or is another requirement not listed above, the most appropriate course will be recommended on a case by case basis.
All applicants should seek advice on how many weeks they need: contact us at psadmissions@reading.ac.uk for a full assessment of your eligibility.
Entry requirements
To join a study block on the Pre-sessional programme, you need to have an IELTS score of at least 4.5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Some study blocks have higher entry requirements.
If you wish to study on campus and require a visa to study in the UK, you will need to provide proof of your language level with a Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate - the most well-known test is UKVI IELTS.
Pre-Sessional courses
We have a range of face-to-face or distance learning Pre-Sessional English options to meet your academic English needs.
How you will study
Our teaching methods and expert staff will help you to develop your academic English skills.
How to apply
Apply now for the Pre-Sessional English (PSE) programme at Reading and develop your language and study skills for university study in the UK.
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