Thank you for your interest in our pre-sessional English language programme, we're excited that you may be considering joining us.
The pre-sessional English language preparation programme is delivered online by our trusted partner, Study Group.
The programme is designed to improve your English for academic study and develop the skills required for successful undergraduate or postgraduate study at Royal Holloway.
This programme will boost your spoken and written English skills to the required level for direct entry to Royal Holloway, and enable you to meet fellow international students virtually and start to build your own community of support before you arrive in the UK and begin your degree.
Key Information
Study options
You will be offered either the 12, 10 or 8 week course, depending on your English language level and degree entry requirements. All course options are full time and delivered online through Microsoft Teams and Insendi virtual learning platform.
The Pre-Sessional English Programme is aimed at students holding a conditional offer that requires them to improve their English language level as (one of) the conditions before they start their degree programme.
Course content
This programme will use a mixture of delivery methods to provide a supportive and engaging experience. This will include timetabled live classes with a tutor and as well as self-study activities. You will also join enrichment activities and have networking opportunities.
You will gain experience in:
- academic writing and speaking;
- academic listening and reading;
- analytical thinking and problem-solving;
- digital skills for study.
Teaching and learning
This course will aim to:
- Improve your language skills in the areas that will be most important for you during your studies at the University. This will include reading for academic research, speaking to support effective participation in seminars and giving presentations. You will also develop academic writing skills following the conventions needed for Higher Education and listening skills to enhance your ability to understand lectures.
- Develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language to enable you to use the language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- Provide you with the skills needed to reflect on your learning and identify what you can do to improve.
- Ensure you are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and Royal Holloway through demonstrating required minimum English level for degree entry in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Assessment
Your performance will be managed through continual assessment and feedback. You will complete a variety of assessment tasks to evidence your development in English reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Your work will be assessed using the Academic English Skills (AES) module. AES has been independently benchmarked against CEFR and IELTS in 2019 by ENIC (formerly UK Naric) and is accepted by more than 50 Universities in lieu of SELT.
Entry Requirements
You must have a conditional offer for either an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway with one condition being to improve your English score.
Academic IELTS for UKVI (alternatives accepted):
| Duration | Entry level (Exit IELTS 6.0 with no skill less than 5.5) |
Entry level (Exit IELTS 6.5 with no skill less than 5.5) |
Entry level (Exit IELTS 6.5 with no skill less than 6.0) |
Entry level (Exit IELTS 6.5. Writing 6.5. No other skill less than 5.5) |
| 12 weeks | 5.0, no skill less than 4.5 | 5.5, no skill less than 4.5 | 5.5, no skill less than 5.0 | 5.5, Writing no less than 5.5, any other skill no less than 4.5 |
| 10 weeks | 5.0, no skill less than 5.0 | 5.5, no skill less than 5.0 | 5.5, no skill less than 5.5 | 5.5, Writing no less than 6.0, any other skill no less than 5.0 |
| 8 weeks | 5.5, no skill less than 5.5 | 6.0, no skill less than 5.5 | 6.0, no skill less than 6.0 | N/A |
Please note that some degree options may ask for higher entry requirements, please check with Royal Holloway Admissions, your offer letter or the Royal Holloway website.
Dates, fees and funding for 2025 entry
All programmes are £350 per week.
Transcripts for all programmes are due on 8 Aug 2025.
|
Programme length |
Induction period |
Course start date (excludes induction period) |
Course end date |
Application deadline |
Confirmation (acceptance and payment) deadline |
|
12 weeks |
23 Apr - 25 Apr 2025 |
28 Apr 2025 |
1 Aug 2025 |
18 Apr 2025 |
22 Apr 2025 |
|
10 weeks |
7 May - 9 May 2025 |
12 May 2025 |
1 Aug 2025 |
2 May 2025 |
6 May 2025 |
|
8 weeks |
21 May - 23 May 2025 |
26 May 2025 |
1 Aug 2025 |
16 May 2025 |
20 May 2025 |
How to apply
You must hold an internationally recognised English Language qualification at a level that will enable you to benefit from a pre-sessional programme (see entry requirements section above)
To apply, please use the link below, or to find out more about any of our pre-sessional English language programmes, please contact admissions@studygroup.com.
Available support
To find out more about any of our pre-sessional English language programmes, please contact admissions@studygroup.com.
To find out more information about the course and content, please contact Study Group’s Digital Learning team studentsupportdigital@studygroup.com
