The pre-sessional English short 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 short programme as a condition of your offer, you will need to successfully complete the four or five-week pre-sessional to progress to your academic course.
In-person study dates: Monday 24 August – Friday 18 September 2026 (4 weeks)
Online study dates: Monday 17 August – Friday 18 September 2026; includes induction week 17- 21 August 2026 (5 weeks)
£2,950
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".
Delivered in small classes, these programmes offer 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 25 hours per week of teaching, learning, and assessment activities: 15 hours of live sessions (classes), a 15–30 minute one‑to‑one tutorial with a tutor, and 10 hours of self‑study. Live sessions normally start at 09:30 BST and finish by 13:00 BST from Monday to Friday.
The course is full-time, with periods set aside for self-directed study.
The programme provides thorough training in language and academic skills that will enable students to best achieve their academic potential at Lancaster University. The main aims of the programme are:
The course typically includes the following components
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 four or five-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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