Our Pre-Sessional English courses - International Study and Language Institute, University of Reading

Multiple entry points, two exit points

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

There are options for 19 weeks, 13 weeks, 10 weeks and 6 weeks.
You will complete your PSE in early September if you start your degree programme in late September.

Find out which Pre-Sessional course length is right for you

Find out if you are eligible for a Combined Offer

A Combined Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (Combined CAS) covers a student's Pre-Sessional English Programme and their 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.

Final assessment

All assessment before the last six weeks is formative and designed to help you learn and develop your academic language and skills.

At the end of the final 6-week modules, you are assessed by written-language coursework assignments as well as speaking, reading and listening assessments.

99% of our University of Reading PSE students in summer 2024 met the language requirements to progress to their degree programme at Reading.

How do I know which PSE Pass Mark applies to me?

Check your offer letter for the English language requirements for your degree at the University of Reading.
If your English language requirements are 6.5 (overall) with 6.0 or below, you need to achieve the PSE Pass Mark (Standard). This means by the end of PSE, you will need a minimum of 6.0 (overall) with 5.5 in any one sub skill (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking).
If your English language requirements are 7.0 overall with 6.0 or above, you need to achieve the PSE Pass Mark (Higher). This means by the end of PSE you will need a minimum of 6.5 (overall) with 6.0 in any one sub skill (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking).

Postgraduate Success Programme

If you already have an unconditional offer for one of our master's degrees or PhD study, you can apply for the four-week programme Postgraduate Success Programme (PSP).

This online programme is specifically designed for international students with an unconditional offer of postgraduate study from the University of Reading.

The PSP will help you prepare for university academic life and enable you to get the most out of your degree.

For more information, visit the Postgraduate Success Programme page