The Essex website uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are consenting to their use. Please visit our cookie policy to find out which cookies we use and why. View cookie policy.

University of Essex homepage International Pre-Sessional v2
International students

Pre-Sessional courses (Draft)

Two female students sitting on some steps outside talking

English Language programmes

We offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Language (PSE) courses delivered by expert teachers at the University of Essex International College (UEIC), a Kaplan International Pathways partner or our partners in China (developed by Essex Pathways).

Pre-Sessional English courses are designed to improve your English language level ahead of studying a degree at University of Essex.

University of Essex International College

If you join a UEIC PSE programme you will take Kaplan’s own English language test at the end of the course. If you successfully pass this, the University will remove the English language condition from your degree course offer. You will not be required to take another independent English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson.

We are currently accepting applications for the following courses:

Pre-Sessional English Language with Study Skills (PELSS)

Study mode:

Full-Time

Campus:

Colchester Campus

 

This course provides integrated training in the academic use of English, as well as important study skills to prepare you for degree-level study.

Pre-Sessional English Language (PEL)

Study mode:

Full-Time

Campus:

Colchester Campus

 

This course focuses on improving your English grammar and vocabulary and helps you gain further reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

Academic Skills Preparation Programme (ASPP)

Study mode:

Full-Time

Campus:

Colchester Campus

 

This course is available to unconditional offer holders and will introduce you to the study and research skills common in UK universities.

Courses delivered in China

Pre-Sessional English Language at BZFLS

Study mode:

Full-Time

Campus:

Beijing Zhongguancun Foreign Language School (BZFLS), Beijing

 

This programme focuses on enhancing your English language skills to prepare you for undergraduate or postgraduate degree level study.

Pre-Sessional English Language at GDUFS

Study mode:

Full-Time

Campus:

Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS), Guangzhou

 

This programme focuses on enhancing your English language skills to prepare you for undergraduate or postgraduate degree level study.

Pre-Sessional English Language at UKEC

Study mode:

Full-Time

Campus:

United Kingdom Education Centre (UKEC), Chengdu

 

This programme focuses on enhancing your English language skills to prepare you for undergraduate or postgraduate degree level study.

English classes for dependants

The Department of Language and Linguistics offers free English classes for dependants of international students and staff at the University of Essex. To find out more about eligibility and available classes, please visit the department's website. 

Three female students looking at a laptop together smiling
Pre-Sessional finder

You can study a Pre-Sessional course before the start of your main course at Essex. The right Pre-Sessional course for you depends on your current IELTS score and the subject you'll be studying afterwards. Our Pre-Sessional finder tool will show you the options available to you.

Find a Pre-Sessional course
Your student experience
Your Essex experience will extend well beyond your studies. Whatever your passion, we will provide you with opportunities to develop the things you already love, or break away and do something different.
New International students
Find out all you need to know about life at Essex. Our friendly academic and support staff are here for you throughout your studies. Welcome to Essex.
Life at Essex
What it's like to live at Essex
Accommodation
Find your new home
Open Days
Come see for yourself
WE ARE
ESSEX ARE YOU?
Sign up for a prospectus Get to know Essex
STUDY
Find a course
LIFE
RESEARCH
EXPLORE
CONTACT US
Contact


  • +44 (0) 1206 873333
  • University of Essex
  • Wivenhoe Park
  • Colchester CO4 3SQ

 

 

University of Essex - Where change happens

CONNECT WITH US
© 2025 University of Essex. All rights reserved