The 20-week Pre-Sessional English (PSE) programme is for postgraduate 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 programme is for postgraduate students and 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 5 May – Friday 19 September 2025
Online study dates: Monday 5 May – Friday 19 September 2025
£9,250
This 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.
The course will be divided into two parts, with the first 10 weeks focussing 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 programme 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.
You will not be required to take an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test at the end of this programme. Instead, you will take the course assessments which, if you successfully pass, we can use for the English language requirement for your visa application. The programme will assess your progress throughout the course using a range of formative (practice) and summative (final) assessments to check that you are meeting the learning outcomes of the programme. Regular feedback will be provided throughout the programme. Assessments include both coursework and exams.
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 2025 is £191.10 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, please contact the admissions team.
For detailed enquiries such as the content, logistics and arrivals for the 20-week pre-sessional programme, please email pse20@lancaster.ac.uk.
For enquiries about your main degree programme, please contact your department.
For postgraduate students who require a 1.5 uplift in their IELTS.
For students who require a 1.0 uplift in their IELTS.
For students who require a 0.5 uplift in their IELTS.
