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Giving you the best start

Become part of our lively international community and develop the academic language and skills you need to succeed.

You'll learn through small-group teaching, receive excellent support and develop academic English skills in an integrated, task-based way.

Our Pre-Sessional English programme is accredited by the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic purposes.

Small classes

The course is taught in small groups, maximising interaction and teacher feedback, with students also working in smaller groups on tasks and in tutorials. Teachers also hold 1-1 consultations on academic work with students.

Writing tasks

Undertake authentic university-style writing tasks using a range of academic genres such Essays, Research Reports, Critical Reviews, Case studies, Proposals and Reflections.

Study time

You are expected to commit to studying for 30-35 hours per week, including 15 hours of live lessons and 8 hours of guided flexible online study tasks and independent study.

University life

Learn more about university life and study topics relating to the University of Reading, including aspects of campus life and Reading’s research themes.

UK culture

You will be supported to successfully adapt to UK academic culture and practices through work on areas such as autonomous learning skills, academic integrity and group-work skills.

Face-to-face or distance learning

We offer four courses for on-campus study. Three of these also have a distance-learning option.

How long do you need to study?

You can study Pre-Sessional English at Reading for up to 19 weeks and start at four points across the academic year (three points for distance learning).

For more information on course lengths and fees, please visit our how long do I need to study page

Technical recommendations for PSE students

We have some minimum recommended specifications for all PSE students, face-to-face and distance learning:

  • A reasonably modern (2020 or newer) laptop or PC running either Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) or Apple MacOS version 11 or newer, with at least 750 MB free disk space
  • Web camera & microphone (built-in or external)
  • A broadband internet connection (min 0.15Mbps upload speed)
  • Administrator privileges so you can install software

Pre-Sessional courses

We have a range of face-to-face or distance learning Pre-Sessional English options to meet your academic English needs.

Combined offers

A combined offer for your degree course and Pre-Sessional English programme may simplify the application process.

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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