Pre-sessional English (PSE) at Bath

The PSE course aims to improve your accuracy and fluency in English, focusing on building the language and skills you need to be successful in your studies.

The course prepares you for study on your main degree programme by:

• Increasing your confidence in using your English in academic contexts across all four skill areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
• Developing independent learning as well as teamworking skills to prepare you for seminars, group projects and presentations.
• Providing you with opportunities to practice and develop your academic English skills so you can succeed in your programme of study and beyond.

Course approach and content

PSE classes are practical, interactive and designed to prepare you for university study at Bath. You will be encouraged to develop a pro-active and cooperative approach to learning and will often be asked to work in pairs and groups with other students to complete activities in an organised and timely manner. You will also be expected to work as an active participant to achieve your aims and undertake some independent, self-directed study. In this way you will become a more confident and fluent user of English while developing other important skills such as teamworking and digital skills, all necessary for you to succeed in the next stage of your academic journey.

The course focuses on increasing your confidence and abilities in:

• critical thinking
• creating strong academic arguments
• listening and reading in academic contexts
• speaking and writing clearly.

The course assessments will evaluate your progress and proficiency across these learning objectives. They are designed to reflect not only your perceived competency in specific skill areas but also your overall engagement with the programme.

How you will study

All our classes are on campus in Bath.

Classes take place in the morning, Monday to Friday. There are also scheduled afternoon sessions which may include tutorials, workshops, guest speaker lectures, and social activities.

Relaxing

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is famous for its architecture, its history, and for being the UK’s only thermal spa. Our World Heritage City is small but lively, safe and very student-friendly.

During your time with us, you will have lots of opportunities to visit Bath and other sites of cultural and historic interest. You will also have the opportunity to meet other students from different cultural backgrounds and form lasting friendships.

"The university organised trips to visit Oxford and Bristol. It was a fantastic experience to explore the local cultures and histories." (Junzhi Lai, MBA)

Accommodation

Bath offers a range of accommodation options.

Please email the Student Living Team for more information.

Visas

As an international student, you may need a visa to study in the UK.

For further information about visas and how to apply for one, visit our Student Immigration Service pages.