Skip to main content

Pre-sessional courses at the University of Bath

If you have received an offer to study at Bath but you need to improve your English first, a Pre-sessional English (PSE) course will prepare you.

Pre-sessional students attending an English language lesson on campus.
Develop the English language and academic skills you need for your degree course at Bath

Pre-sessional English (PSE) at Bath

The PSE course has three parts:

  • English language
  • Academic skills
  • University life

English language

The English language part of the course aims to improve your accuracy and fluency in English. It focuses on building the language you need to be successful in your studies and beyond the University. Classes are practical, interactive and tailored to your needs.

Academic skills

The academic skills part of the course aims to develop the skills you need to succeed in your degree programme.

It focuses on increasing your confidence in:

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

University life

The University life component brings language and skills together through a range of topics and tasks. It focuses on integrating these elements with employability skills, digital skills and life skills.

"My master's classes and independent study, particularly reading and speaking, have greatly benefited from the Pre-sessional course." (Ching-Hung Liao, MSc Finance)

How you will study

All our classes are on campus in Bath.

English language classes take place in the morning, Monday to Friday.

The academic skills part of the course comprises classes, seminars and tutorials. Our tutors have prepared the materials to make sure the transition to your degree course is as smooth as possible.

Weekly University life sessions and useful self-directed group tasks run throughout the course.

All three parts of the course require substantial preparation and independent study time.

Group work is also an important part of the PSE course. You will often work in pairs and groups to complete activities. This improves your confidence and fluency in speaking and develops other important skills such as teamworking and digital skills.

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.

How to apply for a Pre-sessional course

Find out more on how to apply

Contact us

If you have any questions about Pre-sessional courses at the University of Bath, please contact us.