Full-time English Study

The Presessional Programme is for students who want to start an undergraduate or postgraduate course at university, but first need to improve their level of English.

1 June 2020 update:

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ELTU has taken the decision to teach presessional modules in the summer term online only. Successful completion of online modules will meet the language entry requirements in the normal way. To encourage successful completion, the University of Leicester is pleased to announce a £1,000 bursary* for presessional students taking online modules. This will be deducted from students’ tuition fees when they progress to a University of Leicester academic programme

The ELTU will also deliver term one 2020/21 presessional courses (starting in October 2020) online. A decision will be made and announced in early July as to whether campus-based courses will also be delivered from October.

Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for more detailed information.

*The £1,000 scholarship is only valid for University of Leicester academic courses starting in September 2020 and January 2021

Presessional Programme Study general and academic English in the UK to prepare for university study		Online Presessional Programme Study general and academic English online during the Covid-19 lockdown to prepare for university study
From IELTS 4.0 to IELTS 6.0 with minimum IELTS 4.0 in all skills. (We accept other qualifications. Check our entry levels page.)	Entry levels	From IELTS 5.0 to IELTS 6.0 (We accept other qualifications. Check our entry levels page.)
Tier 4 Visa, Dependant Visa, or EU passport.	Visa	No visa required (study at home)
2 - 40 weeks of study, depending on your entry level. Various start dates throughout the year, with university entry in September or January.	Duration	6 - 20 weeks of study depending on your entry level. Programmes start in July or August and end in September or December, with university entry in September or January.
Students who successfully complete the presessional programme can start their undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the University of Leicester without having to take an IELTS test.	Outcome	Students who successfully complete the presessional programme can start their undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the University of Leicester without having to take an IELTS test.

Why study at Leicester?

Quality checked by the British Council
Qualified, experienced teachers
Access to University facilities including the award-winning David Wilson Library
Access to University computer and Wi-Fi network
Accommodation available in University halls of residence
Programme of social events and activities
Student Welfare Service who can advise on visas, as well as providing information and help on a wide range of practical and personal issues.

British Council Accreditation UK

The English Language Teaching Unit is regularly inspected by the British Council, to ensure that our courses meet the high standards of the Accreditation UK scheme.