Whether you need to improve your English before starting your degree, or simply want to practice your language skills, apply for one of our Pre-sessional English (PSE) courses.
With a range of courses available on-campus or via distance learning, our PSE courses are delivered by the School of Education, Languages and Linguistics, supported by our Centre for Continuing Professional Development. They are accredited by the British Council and BALEAP, providing our students with a benchmark for high-quality learning.
We also offer additional English language support during degree studies.
If you are looking for our English degree courses, visit our course search page.
On-campus Pre-Sessional English Courses
|
Course length |
Dates and English Language requirements |
Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 10-weeks | Monday 22 June 2026 – Friday 28 August 2026 For students with an IELTS result (or equivalent) 1.0 bands below their degree requirement. |
£4,500 |
| 6-weeks | Monday 20 July 2026 – Friday 28 August 2026 For students with an IELTS result (or equivalent) 0.5 bands below their degree requirement. |
£2,850 |
| 4-weeks |
Monday 3 August 2026 – Friday 28 August 2026 |
£1,550 |
Your Course
You will join us and your fellow students in the UK with a dedicated tutor for 25 hours per week. You will be in a class with a maximum of 20 students; however, we aim to ensure that classes do not normally exceed 16 students. You will have access to our virtual learning environment, online resources, the University Library, and regular tutorials with your tutor.
Your weekly teaching will include:
-
Classroom-based seminars and activities
-
Academic skills workshops
-
Weekly personal tutorials with a dedicated tutor
-
Independent and group-focused work
-
Self-directed study and homework
At the end of your PSE course, you will be assessed in your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
You must pass all assessments, and demonstrate a good level of engagement and attendance to meet your degree language requirements. You do not need to take an additional English Language Test.
CAS / VISA eligibility for on-campus PSE students
We offer on-campus PSE students a Single CAS for their PSE course, or a Joint CAS which includes both your PSE course and your degree course. To be eligible for a Joint CAS you must meet certain criteria. Please review your PSE offer letter or contact us for more information.
Accommodation
All on-campus Pre-sessional students can apply for university accommodation in our halls of residence (fees apply). Please refer to your PSE offer email for more information about booking accommodation during your studies.
If you would prefer to find your own accommodation, check our accommodation pages for more information.
Airport collection service
We offer an airport pick-up service from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Distance Learning Pre-Sessional English Courses
|
Course length |
Dates and English Language requirements |
Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 15-weeks | Monday 18 May 2026 – Friday 28 August 2026 For students with an IELTS result (or equivalent) 1.5 bands below their degree requirement. |
£4,520 |
| 10-weeks | Monday 22 June 2026 – Friday 28 August 2026 For students with an IELTS result (or equivalent) 1.0 bands below their degree requirement. |
£3,600 |
| 6-weeks | Monday 20 July 2026 – Friday 28 August 2026 For students with an IELTS result (or equivalent) 0.5 bands below their degree requirement. |
£2,250 |
Your Course
When studying online from home you will engage with your classmates in weekly seminars, have weekly tutorials with your dedicated tutor, and carry out independent study online using Moodle, our virtual learning environment (VLE). You will be expected to study for 25 hours per week. You will be in a class with a maximum of 20 students; however, we aim to ensure that classes do not normally exceed 16 students. You will have access to our virtual learning environment, online resources, and the University Online Library.
Your weekly teaching will include:
-
Group seminars
-
Academic skills workshops
-
Weekly personal tutorials with a dedicated tutor
-
Activities and set tasks using Moodle, our virtual learning environment
-
Self-directed study and homework
At the end of your PSE course, you will be assessed in your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
You must pass all assessments, and demonstrate a good level of engagement and attendance to meet your degree language requirements. You do not need to take an additional English language test.
CAS / visa eligibility for distance learning PSE students
Upon the successful completion of your PSE course, and if you have met all other conditions attached to your degree offer, your CAS will be issued.
Students can only study distance learning or on-campus. Students cannot start a course via distance learning and later join on-campus. On-campus students are expected to have received their visas an d be in class on the first day of their Pre-Sessional English course.
I had such a great experience in the Pre-Sessional English course on not only academic skills but also in real life, which will definitely help me to have confidence for my future journey.
Qualifications we accept
Details of English Language tests the University accepts can be found on this webpage.
How to apply for Summer 2026
If you are required to study a Pre-sessional English course, log into your degree course Applicant View. On your dashboard, just below your main course application, look for a red button labelled "Apply for Pre-sessional English Programme." Clicking this button will open a drop-down menu, where you can select your preferred course. Alternatively, you can apply for our PSE courses based on your needs:
4-week PSE Course Applications
To apply for our interest-only 4-week Pre-sessional English course please click on this link
Non-UoP Applicants
If you hold a degree offer from another institution that recognises our Pre-sessional English course, you can apply for our distance learning PSE course using this link. Please upload a copy of your degree offer and English language test certificate when applying.
*The application link will be for the 10-week Pre-sessional English course. This will be updated depending on your English language requirements when your application is processed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm that their institution accepts the University of Portsmouth Pre-sessional English course as proof of English language.
Please note: the Pre-sessional English administration team will place you on the appropriate programme based on your English language requirements. If necessary, the Pre-sessional administration team reserves the right to transfer students between PSE courses and delivery methods as required. Students must be aged 18 years or over on the first day of their PSE course.
Deferring
Once you have successfully completed a Pre-sessional English course with us, you will be able to enrol on your chosen degree course immediately, or defer your entry for up to two years. Your results are valid only for the University of Portsmouth.
I have improved my English a lot because of the PSE course, and I very much enjoyed the learning experience! I am very grateful to my tutor who would patiently answer my questions.
Contact us
Please email pse@port.ac.uk