School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS)
Presessional English: About the courses
In order to help you with your degree course, you will be given all the extra support you need.
Experience here at the University of Portsmouth, supported by contemporary ideas about second language learning, suggests that students’ ability to use English improves best when they study it alongside their other studies. Therefore, all students who successfully complete Programmes 1 and 2 will continue to enjoy language support in the first year of their studies. You will also have access to Learning Support Tutors for help you may need with English or your academic studies.
Our new Pre-sessional Plus English language programmes consist of an intensive block of study of either nine weeks (Programme One) or six weeks (Programme Two) during the summer. In addition, students on these courses will study English for Academic Purposes (EAP) for two hours per week during both teaching blocks.
Read more about English for Academic Purposes.
Language requirements
To comply with UK law, we will not be able to offer you a place on the Pre-sessional Plus programmes if any individual IELTS score is more than one band below your offer (Programme One) or half a band below your offer (Programme Two) as your English level may be considered too low to enter a degree course.
Whatever your score, you should make every effort to improve your English before coming to Portsmouth. Please do not wait until you arrive.
Progression
Progression to your degree course from Programme One or Two depends on you starting the programme on the correct date and:
- attending all classes on your timetable
- participating fully in all classes
- completing all homework, assessments and other tasks set by your tutors
Dates
| Programme | Programme dates | Deadline for Applications | Deadline for Deposits |
|---|---|---|---|
| One (9 weeks) | 8 Jul to 6 Sep 2013 | 7 May 2013 | 7 June 2013 |
| Two (6 weeks) | 29 Jul to 6 Sep 2013 | 28 May 2013 | 28 June 2013 |
| Three (4 weeks) | 12 Aug to 6 Sep 2013 | 12 June 2013 | 12 July 2013 |
Visas
It takes up to six weeks for UK visas to be processed, so please bear this in mind when you are preparing your application. If you do not have your visa in time, you may not be able to join the course. Therefore, you are strongly advised to apply by the deadline above.
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this page. However, you are advised that this information could be subject to change.