The 20-week pre-sessional English (PSE) programme is for students intending to study at Lancaster University who are required or wish to improve their English language and study skills before starting their academic studies.
This full-time programme will be delivered both in person (on campus) and online.
If you are taking the 20-week pre-sessional as a condition of your offer, you will need to successfully complete the programme and related assessments to progress to your academic course. The requirements for progression will be detailed in the offer letter.
In-person study dates: Monday 27 April – Friday 11 September 2026
Online study dates: Monday 27 April – Friday 11 September 2026
£8,250
The fees for the pre-sessional programmes are payable in full as soon as you have completed the university registration process. An email will be sent to your Lancaster email after the programme begins, informing you that your invoice is ready to view on the Lancaster University Payment Portal. If you would prefer to pay in advance, you can log into the Lancaster University Payment Portal and select "Pay in Advance".
This full-time programme will give you the opportunity to improve your English language proficiency and also to acquire the academic skills that you will need to achieve your potential at Lancaster University.
Delivered in small classes, this programme offers a personalised environment that maximises opportunities to practice, ensuring students have the best possible support to improve their English language and study skills. The course includes a total of 24 hours per week of teaching, learning, and assessment activities: 13.5 hours of live sessions (classes), a 15–30 minute one‑to‑one tutorial with a tutor, and 10 hours of self‑study and independent learning portfolio work. Live sessions normally start at 09:30 BST and finish by 13:00 BST from Monday to Friday.
The course will be divided into two parts, with the first 10 weeks focusing on general English language improvement and the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and the second 10 weeks on English for Academic Purposes.
The main aims of the first part are:
You will be joining the 10-week PSE programme, the main aims of this part are:
The programme is taught through live in-person or online sessions that seek to prepare you for university life in the UK by upgrading your academic Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Study skills. You will be introduced to university-style tasks and learning methods, while having the chance to practise your language skills both in and out of the classroom. A mixture of study trips (for in-person courses) and other social activities are offered to help you integrate with other students and give you a taste of life at a UK university - even for online students! The programme is delivered using the latest technology and digital platforms, which are designed to enhance independent study and maximise language learning. You will have continued access to these platforms during your first year of undergraduate and postgraduate study.
At the end of Part I, there will be a test to progress to the Part II of the programme. To successfully complete Part II, you will be required to pass a series of examinations and coursework designed to demonstrate proficiency in the four core language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
The assessment structure comprises the following:
You will not be required to take an additional external English Language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL, at the end of this programme.
If you are studying with us in-person, we will email you close to the start of your pre-sessional programme with information about arrivals, accommodation, and shuttle options from Manchester Airport.
Travel information to campus can be found on our Maps and Travel page.
You do not need to apply for accommodation for our pre-sessional courses. Once you accept your course offer, we will automatically assign you to a room on campus and you will live with other students attending the course. Your room will have a private bathroom and shared kitchen. Accommodation and living costs are not included in the tuition fee. Please contact us if you do not need the accommodation on campus.
The cost for pre-sessional English programmes and Study Start accommodation in 2026 is £196.63 per week for an ensuite room with a private bathroom.
For information about studying a pre-sessional English programme, visit our Pre-sessional English programmes page.
How to applyFor general pre-sessional English enquiries such as entry requirements and eligibility, please contact the admissions team.
For detailed enquiries such as the content, logistics and arrivals for the 20-week pre-sessional programme, please contact the Pre-sessional English team.
For enquiries about your main degree programme, please contact your department.
For students who require a 0.5 uplift in their IELTS.
For students who require a 1.0 uplift in their IELTS.
For students who require a 1.5 uplift in their IELTS.
For students who require a 2.0 uplift in their IELTS.
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