Postgraduate research pre-sessional English  Summer courses

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.   

We can only issue you a combined CAS if you have already met your English condition and your research degree offer is unconditional. 

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. 

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

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

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.

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.   

To find out which course you need and to apply, use the entry requirements on the Postgraduate research pre-sessional English page to find the right course option for you, or visit the linked course pages.

Select your course to see full entry requirements, course information, fees and to apply.   

Read about applying on our how to apply page. 

Read about our application deadlines.

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.

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.   

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

Depending on your current level of English and the entry requirements of your degree programme, the admissions team will be able to give you further advice on this when you apply. 

We'll contact you about your pre-sessional application shortly after we receive it.

Types of CAS  

I have an unconditional offer for a research degree     

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

I have a conditional research degree offer, or I haven’t received my research degree offer yet    

If you have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate, you’ll receive a CAS for your pre-sessional course only.    

If you don’t have a SELT, you may be eligible to study the pre-sessional course on an alternative visa, such as Short Term Study or Visitor visa.  

Read more about visas for Language Centre students.   

When you’ll receive your CAS   

We’ll issue your CAS as soon as we can after you have supplied all necessary data (e.g. passport details). You don’t need to contact us to request a CAS.  

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. 

You don’t need to pay a tuition fee deposit for your pre-sessional course.

You need to pay the full tuition fee before your course start date. Please allow three working days for your payment to be processed. You do not need to notify us once you have paid.  

Read more about paying the tuition fee  

If you are a sponsored student, please e-mail your Financial Guarantee to sponsors@leeds.ac.uk.   

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 at pre-sessional@leeds.ac.uk

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 and no longer contact you.  

If you’ve already received your pre-sessional only CAS, please don’t apply for your Student visa with that CAS.   

 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.

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