Pre-sessional Programmes: Introduction and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We are conscious that there may still some ongoing challenges with global travel.  We very much hope this won’t be a problem for you, but if it is, and you wish to consider switching to the online Pre-sessional Programme, please note the following:

If you wish to switch to the online Pre-sessional Programme, please let us know.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to switch between programmes so think carefully about which would suit you best. Please note, if you register for the campus-based programme and are then unable to attend we are not able to offer an online alternative.

Good question! Not all programmes have the same requirements and in some schools they ask for higher scores. If you want to join a programme in any of the following schools or departments, please check their requirements: Design, Communication and Media; Social Sciences and Humanities; Sport; Exercise and Health Science. Further information can be found on the Pre-sessional course entry requirement page. Please select your suitable level of study for specific school requirements.

If you wish to study online you will need to be based in your home country. The University is unable to provide sponsorship for a visa to study in the UK on our online programmes. If you wish to study in the UK, our campus-based programmes might be a suitable option please check entry requirements.

On campus accommodation will be available to book soon.

If you are studying a campus-based programme, your CAS will be issued to you by the relevant Admissions Office handling your application in plenty of time for you to obtain a visa and travel to the UK.  You must have paid your CAS or commitment deposit first. 

If you are studying an online programme, a CAS for your degree will be issued when you have successfully passed the programme and your grades have been approved by a Programme Board. You must also have met all other conditions of your offer and provided evidence of this to the Admissions Office handling your application. Your CAS will be issued and will allow enough time for you to obtain your visa and travel to the UK for the start of term. 

If you are studying a campus-based pre-sessional programme and are issued with a CAS to cover your pre-sessional studies only, a CAS for your degree will be issued to you once you have successfully completed your pre-sessional programme.

For campus-based programmes, your CAS will be issued once you have paid your CAS deposit and the payment has been confirmed by Flywire. If the start date of the Pre-sessional Programme is more than three months away, your CAS will be issued to you nearer the start date.

If you submit your new English language test result to us no later than the application deadline for the shorter Pre-sessional programme, you can switch to it.  You do not need to submit a new application.  If you submit your new English language test results to us after this date, we cannot guarantee that you can switch programme, as this will depend on the availability of space on that programme.

If you submit an acceptable English language test result to us which meets the entry requirements for your degree, at least 2 days before the start of their PS Programme: 

• You should continue to attend and fully engage in the whole programme. 

• You will not be required to take the Pre-sessional Programme assessments but will receive feedback throughout the programme on your progress. 

• You will be allowed to progress to your degree programme. 

If you submit an acceptable English language test result to us which meets the entry requirements for your degree, once the Pre-sessional Programme has started: 

• You should continue to attend and fully engage in the whole programme. 

• You will be required to take the Pre-sessional programme assessments, and will progress to your degree programme if you pass these and meet the UKVI minimum requirements.

Once you pay your deposit you have accepted your offer for a Pre-sessional programme.  You should initiate payment of the deposit no later than two days after the deadline for your Pre- programme.  If you do not pay your deposit within this deadline, we cannot guarantee your place on the Pre-sessional programme.

If you withdraw from your Pre-sessional programme, and are firmly accepted to your degree, your deposit will be set against the tuition fees for your degree programme.   It will not be refunded.

When you book a Pre-sessional programme, the degree you tell us you wish to study after you have completed your pre-sessional studies is fixed.  You will not normally be able to switch degree programmes later on.