International
Presessional Programme
For the best possible start to your studies in the UK, join our presessional programme.
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Our presessional English language programme is suitable for you if you are planning to undertake degree-level study. The course provides the ideal introduction to UK academic studies by equipping you with the language and study skills essential for success. You will develop your knowledge of academic English, learn how to manage tasks more effectively in your future university studies and find out more about the University and UK academic convention.
Online
- Duration – 15 weeks | 10 weeks | 8 weeks | 5 weeks
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Dates and times
10 week course: Monday 8 June - Friday 14 August 2026
5 week course: Monday 13 July - Friday 14 August 2026
Course Fees
£1,200 - £2,600 Fees vary according to course length. See below for full details of costs.
Course information
Who is this course for?
York St John University offers online pre-sessional study, with course durations of 10 weeks (online) or 5 weeks (online), for a September 2026 entry.
What will I learn?
The main themes of the course are:
Academic language development: You will practise listening, speaking, reading and writing skills for communication in academic contexts and develop your language fluency, accuracy and vocabulary.
Academic language and study skills: You will study areas including seminar skills, listening and note-taking, writing essays, approaches to extended reading and delivering oral presentations. You will also learn practical skills for assignments, such as referencing, searching for sources and applying academic style.
York St John University and the campus: The course will also spend time focusing on introducing you to the university and guiding you on integrating into British academic culture and student life in York.
What skills will I develop?
The skills you will practise include:
- Listening and note-taking
- Speaking and seminar skills
- Reading for assignments
- Academic writing
- Referencing and paraphrasing
- Applying an academic style
- Presentation skills
Entry requirements
You must be over 18 when you join the programme.
If you are undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree requiring you to achieve IELTS 6.0 to join, you will need to complete either:
- 5 week programme - requires IELTS 5.5 overall, with no skill lower than 5.0
- 10 week programme - requires IELTS 5.0 overall, with no skill lower than 4.5
If your course requires a higher IELTS you will need a higher score to enter the Presessional programme.
You must have an approved English Language Test to apply for the online Presessional. Examples are:
- IELTS Academic
- Pearson
- TOEFL IBT
- Cambridge English Tests
- LanguageCert
You will not need a visa to study the online course.
Dates and fees
Course dates
For students starting an undergraduate or postgraduate programme in September 2026 the course dates are as follows:
10-week online:
- Application deadline: Friday 29 May 2026
- Start: Monday 8 June 2026
- Finish: Friday 14 August 2026
5-week online:
- Application deadline: Friday 3 July 2026
- Start: Monday 13 July 2026
- Finish: Friday 14 August 2026
Your enrolment and induction will take place the week before the start of the programme. Further details will be provided within your offer confirmation.
Course fees
- 5 weeks: £1,200
- 8 weeks: £2,000
- 5 weeks: £1,200 (online and overseas)
- 10 weeks: £2,000 (online and overseas)
- 15 weeks: £2,600 (online and overseas)
How to apply
Register your interest
For further information or to apply, please register your interest in the York St John Presessional programme using the form below.
How to pay
Information on how to pay for your programme is available on our Paying fees for EU and International students page.
