Skip to main content University of Leeds homepage

Masters pre-sessional English  Summer courses

In summer, our Masters pre-sessional courses are tailored to your subject area. 

With our summer courses, you’ll be able to: 

  • study course content developed by teaching staff from the Language Centre and from your academic department
  • learn the academic English you’ll need specifically for your degree
  • get to know other postgraduate students studying your discipline and build a community of peers
  • become familiar with University facilities such as libraries, study spaces and learning platforms, and settle into life in Leeds. 

Find the right course for you 

To find the right pre-sessional for your degree go to your Masters course page via Course Search and select the 6 or 10 week pre-sessional course in the ‘Applying’ section, under ‘Improve your English’, or browse the following lists of summer pre-sessional courses.

Summer courses in 2025

6 week courses

You could also study a pre-sessional online – find out more about our Online Academic English pre-sessional 6 week course. 

10 week courses 

You could also study a pre-sessional online – read more about our Online Academic English Pre-sessional 10 week course.

Frequently asked questions 

Which English language certificates do you accept?  

We accept a range of English language certificates for entry to our pre-sessional courses. Find out more about which English language certificates we accept.  
  
Please carefully consider which test you take, as it may affect the type of visa you are eligible to apply for. The Language Centre normally recommends a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Read more about visas.   

Can I combine scores from more than one English language test to meet the pre-sessional entry requirements?

No, the entry requirements must be met through your most recent English language qualification, or via your most recent IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test and One Skill Retake.    

Do I need to retake an English language qualification following the pre-sessional?   

No, you won’t need to retake another English language test if you successfully complete the pre-sessional.

Can I apply without an English language qualification?  

Yes, you can apply without an English language qualification, but you’ll need to provide an eligible qualification before the relevant deadline.   

How long will the results of the pre-sessional course be valid for?   

Our pre-sessional course result is valid for two years from the date of completion. 

Please be aware that English language requirements for our courses are subject to a yearly review, and you may be asked to provide further English language qualifications to meet the requirements of your degree course. 

Can I change from a longer pre-sessional course to a shorter pre-sessional if I provide a new English language qualification? 

Yes, if your new English language qualification meets the entry requirements for the shorter duration pre-sessional and there are places on the course. You’ll need to meet the deadlines for any of the courses you apply for.      

How do I apply? 

Read about applying on our how to apply page. 

What are the application deadlines?

Read our deadlines for pre-sessional courses.

My degree course offer is unconditional. Can I apply for this pre-sessional course?

Yes, you can study a pre-sessional course even if you meet the English language requirements of your degree. A pre-sessional course will help you develop your skills, get used to academic study in the UK, and settle into Leeds.

Can I change from the 10 to the 6 week pre-sessional if I provide a new English language qualification? 

Yes, if your new English language qualification meets the entry requirements for the 6 week course and there are places on the course. You’ll need to meet the deadlines for both courses. 

Can I study the longer 10 week pre-sessional even if I am eligible for the 6 week course?

Yes, if you feel you would benefit from studying a longer duration course, you can study the 10 week course. 

When will I receive a response to my application?  

During peak times, it may take us longer to respond to your application. We'll review your pre-sessional English application after you've received a decision on your Masters application.

I’m applying for a 10 week on-campus pre-sessional course. What type of CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) will I receive, and when will I receive it? 

The type of CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) you will receive depends on whether you have met the academic conditions of your Masters offer and whether you hold a Secure English Language Test (SELT).  

We will issue your CAS as soon as we can after you have supplied all necessary data (e.g. passport details). You also need to pay your tuition fee deposit or provide appropriate evidence of full funding. You do not need to contact us to request a CAS.  

Types of CAS 

I have met the academic conditions of my Masters course 

You’ll receive a combined CAS that includes your pre-sessional English and your Masters course.     

I haven’t met the academic conditions of my Masters course yet and I hold a SELT 

You’ll receive a pre-sessional only CAS. If you meet your academic conditions by 1 June 2025 you can request a combined CAS via the application portal.   

 I haven’t met the academic conditions of my Masters course yet and don’t hold a SELT   

Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor you for a pre-sessional on a Student visa and issue a CAS.     

In this case, you can either:    

  • Provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at CEFR B2 level, taken in the last two years of the course start date to receive a pre-sessional only CAS.

  •  Retake an approved English language test, preferably a SELT.    

  • Upload your academic documents via the applicant portal by 1 June 2025 to meet the condition of your Masters offer and receive a combined CAS..  

  • If you already have an alternative visa, provide us with a copy of it.  

  • Study our online 10 week pre-sessional course  

Depending on which of the previous options you choose we can then advise you on the offer and the type of CAS you will receive.     

When you’ll receive your CAS   

We’ll issue your CAS as soon as we can after you have supplied all the necessary information (e.g. passport details). You’ll also need to pay your tuition fee deposit or provide appropriate evidence of full funding. You do not need to contact us to request a CAS.

I’m applying for a 6 week on-campus pre-sessional course, what type of CAS will I receive and when will I receive it?    

The type of CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) you will receive depends on whether you have met the academic conditions of your Masters offer and whether you hold a Secure English Language Test (SELT).   

Types of CAS 

I have met the academic conditions of my Masters course      

You’ll receive a combined CAS that includes your pre-sessional English and your Masters course.    

I haven’t met the academic conditions of my Masters course yet     

If you meet the academic conditions of your Masters offer by 6 July 2025, you’ll receive a combined CAS.     

I can’t meet the academic conditions of my Masters offer by 6 July 2025 

You’ll need to provide a valid Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate and request a pre-sessional-only CAS via the application portal by 29 June 2025.    

Please note that once you request a CAS for your pre-sessional English course only, you won’t be able to request a combined CAS for your pre-sessional and Masters courses even if you meet your academic condition by the deadline.    

When you’ll receive your CAS  

We’ll issue your CAS as soon as we can after you have supplied all the necessary information (e.g. passport details). You’ll also need to pay your tuition fee deposit or provide appropriate evidence of full funding. You do not need to contact us to request a CAS.  

I’m applying for the online 6 or 10 week pre-sessional course. What type of CAS will I receive, and when will I receive it?   

You will receive a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for your degree programme after successful completion of your pre-sessional course is confirmed. This will be after the end date of your pre-sessional course. You won’t receive a CAS for the pre-sessional course.  

Do I need to pay a tuition fee deposit?

On-campus courses  

If you require a Student Visa, you’ll need to pay a tuition fee deposit; or provide your final award letter if you are a sponsored student. Please allow three working days for your payment to be processed. You do not need to notify us once you have paid or provided your award letter. 

Read more about paying tuition fee deposits  

Online pre-sessional course  

You don’t need to pay a tuition fee deposit for your online pre-sessional course and upon successful completion of the online course, you will not be asked to pay the tuition fee deposit for the Masters course.

When and how should I pay the tuition fee? 

Read about paying fees on our How to Pay page. 

Can I start the on-campus summer course online if my visa application is delayed? ​​

No, there will be no option to start online for the on-campus course. If you cannot arrive in time for the on-campus pre-sessional you should email the Language Centre’s programme support team via langc@leeds.ac.uk

What should I do if I no longer want to study the pre-sessional?  

Studying a pre-sessional offers many benefits, including improving your English language level and experiencing and adapting to studying in the UK before your degree begins.  

However, if you no longer plan to study on the pre-sessional course, please decline your offer in the portal so we can update our records.

If you also decline your Masters course offer, your right to a refund of your tuition fee deposit is limited. Read more about tuition fee deposits.   

If you’ve already received a combined CAS, please don’t apply for your Student visa until we confirm that your CAS has been updated to show you will not study the pre-sessional. If your combined CAS has already been used, please decline the pre-sessional offer and email the Student Visa Advice Team on studentvisaadvice@leeds.ac.uk.   

When are the term dates and holidays?  

Spring semester  

  • Teaching dates: 27 January – 28 March 2025 

  • Break: 29 March – 27 April 2025 

  • Teaching dates: 29 April – 9 May 2025  

  • Assessment dates: 12 – 23 May 2025 

Summer courses  

  • 10 week course teaching and assessment dates: 1 July – 5 September 2025  

  • 6 week course teaching and assessment dates: 28 July – 5 September 2025  

  • Summer 6 week online course teaching and assessment dates: 23 June – 1 August 2025 

If you’re studying an on-campus course, you’ll need to be on campus for all teaching and assessment dates.  

The University will be closed for public holidays – see a list of dates when the university will be closed.

Can I get a refund if I don’t attend the pre-sessional? 

For details about your right to refund and cancel, see our Language Centre refund policy.

Academic year courses 

If you want to study during the academic year, we offer Masters pre-sessional courses starting in September/October or January. Visit our academic year courses page for more information. 

Contact us

If you have any further questions, please email the Language Centre via pre-sessional@leeds.ac.uk. 

Related links

Accommodation Academic English courses for current students Languages for all Talk to a student

Contacts