There are several Pre-sessional course lengths to choose from, depending on your current level of English and the language requirements you need to meet for your degree offer:
- 16-weeks
- 11-weeks
- 6-weeks
Use our Pre-sessional English calculator to see what English language score is required for your degree and which Pre-sessional course you should take.
During the course you’ll focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking English in an academic setting, and develop useful academic skills like notetaking, library-based research, essay writing, discussion, presenting, critical reading and active listening.
You’ll also have regular tutorials during which you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues related to your studies on the course.
Combined Pre-sessional
We also offer a Combined Pre-sessional course, which includes a blend of online and on-campus learning. The first four weeks of the course take place online, so you can start from the comfort of your own home. You then come to King’s to study the remaining part of the course on campus.
There are three course lengths available, depending on your needs: 16-weeks, 11-weeks and 6-weeks. The Combined Pre-sessional courses provide you with all of the same benefits as the face-to-face Pre-sessional, whilst also giving you the flexibility to begin the course online.
Extra preparation
Do you meet the academic conditions for your degree and the English language requirements, but feel like you could improve your academic English before starting your degree?
The 6-week Pre-sessional course is a great choice to build your confidence and help you to be better prepared before starting your studies.
If you need a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you may also be eligible for an integrated CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies), covering your Pre-sessional course and your main degree.
Please contact our Admissions team for more information.
Term Dates
Pre-sessional Course Timetable
| Programme | Start date* | End date |
|---|
|
16-week Pre-sessional**
|
NA |
NA |
|
11-week Pre-sessional**
|
NA |
NA |
|
6-week Pre-sessional
|
NA |
NA
|
*This includes a mandatory course induction.
**For students beginning in 2020 please see Presessional taught online start dates here.
Teaching
The Pre-sessional course is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and classes, some of which will be online. Regular tutorials are arranged throughout the course, during which you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues related to your studies on the course.
This is a full-time intensive course. A typical week includes contact hours, however, some weeks will see more contact hours than others.
You are expected to spend a similar amount of time on self-study.
Assessment
Typically, students may be assessed by means of any of the following:
- Essay(s)
- Viva(s) (a written or oral explication of a piece of research)
- Oral presentation(s)
- Exam(s)
- Seminar(s)
- Portfolio(s) of work, written and/or oral
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give a good indication of what to expect. However, they may change if the course content changes.