Aberdeen Campus Pre-sessional (PSE) Courses 2023
Please note that the information below is subject to change. Should we not be able to deliver campus-based courses, we will automatically move you to a fully on-online PSE course.
Our pre-sessional courses aim to help you make the transition to study at the University of Aberdeen and focuses on the language and skills that you will need including:
- Planning and structuring longer pieces of writing
- Using source material in your writing
- Developing strategies and skills for effective academic study
- Participating in seminars and giving academic presentations
Advantages of taking these courses include:
- Successful completion removes the language condition on your offer
- Extremely high pass rates
- Preparation for life and study at Aberdeen University
- Making friends and meeting other international students
Additional Support Once Your Academic Studies Have Started
As a PSE student you will be eligible to take additional free English skills classes. The Language Centre delivers a wide range of support including academic writing and bespoke courses that focus more specifically on the demands of different degree programmes. For more information, visit the In-Sessional Academic English Skills Support page.
Next Campus Based Courses:
2023
10 week PSE - 9 October – 15 December 2023 (application deadline 11 September 2023)
5 week PSE - 13 November – 15 December 2023 (application deadline 16 October 2023)
2023/2024
40 week PSE - 9 October - August 2024 (application deadline 11 September 2023)
2024
30 week PSE - 15 January 2024 - 30 August 2024 (application deadline 11 December 2023)
20 week PSE - 1 April 2024 - 30 August 2024 (application deadline 1 March 2024)
10 week PSE - 24 June 2024 - 30 August 2024 (application deadline 24 May 2024)
5 week PSE - 29 July 2024 - 30 August 2024 (application deadline 28 June 2024)
Join our online Live Chat Events to find out more:
30 weeks campus - link to follow
20 weeks campus - link to follow
10 weeks campus - link to follow
5 weeks campus - link to follow
FAQ
- What kind of visa do I need to take a campus-based course?
-
You will need a student visa and so must have a SELT (Secure English Language Test). For details of how to apply for a visa and a full list of SELT please see: Student visa : Apply - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you do not have a SELT, you may be able to take our full-time online course.
Student can apply for the campus pre-sessional English course with a standard CAS or with a joint CAS.
Standard CAS Pathway - Students get one CAS for the pre-sessional course and another CAS for degree studies. Students can apply with UKVI IELTS or UKVI PTE and upon the successful completion of the pre-sessional language course a new CAS is issued in the UK and students can apply for a visa extension.
- Which language certificates can I use to apply for this course?
-
Students can apply for the pre-sessional English course with a standard CAS or with a joint CAS.
Standard CAS Pathway - Students get one CAS for the pre-sessional course and another CAS for degree studies. Students can apply with UKVI IELTS or UKVI PTE and upon the successful completion of the pre-sessional language course a new CAS is issued in the UK and students can apply for a visa extension.
Joint CAS Pathway (only available for 10 and 5 week PSE course) – Students who have met their academic conditions and meet B2 (see below) UKVI English language requirements in all 4 skills may be eligible for a joint CAS. In order to be eligible for a joint CAS you must have one of the following: IELTS (UKVI or non UKVI), PTE, or TOEFL IBIT. A joint CAS covers the pre-sessional course and degree study (only one visa application). Please note that joint CAS requires a higher financial evidence (language course fees, degree course fees and living cost for up to 9 months). Please note that sponsored students who choose this pathway will be asked to pay the deposit which will be refunded once a formal sponsorship letter is received. Please contact the Language Centre if you think that you meet these criteria at lc-application-submission@abdn.ac.uk .
Postgraduate
Standard CAS Pathway - Students will get another CAS for degree study upon the successful completion of the language course, and apply for a visa extension once the new CAS is issued in the UK)
40-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
Language Cert B1 UKVI Overall
4.5
44
N/A Listening
4
43
N/A Reading
4
43
N/A Writing
4.5
47
N/A Speaking
4
43
N/A 30-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
Language Cert B1 UKVI Overall
4.5
47
Pass Listening
4.5
47
33 Reading
4.5
47
33 Writing
4.5
47
33 Speaking
4.5
47
33 20-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
Language Cert B1 UKVI Overall
5
52
High Pass Listening
5
52
38 Reading
5
52
38 Writing
5
52
38 Speaking
5
52
38 10-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
Language Cert B2 UKVI Overall
5.5
57
Pass Listening
5.0
52
29 Reading
5.5
59
33 Writing
5.5
59
33 Speaking
5.0
52
29 5-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
Language Cert B2 UKVI Overall
6.0
59
Pass Listening
5.5
59
33 Reading
5.5
59
33 Writing
5.5
59
33 Speaking
5.5
59
33 Joint CAS Pathway - Students who have met the academic condition in full will have a joint CAS which covers their PSE and degree study
10-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE (same as 5 weeks, choose as you prefer)
IELTS
TOEFL iBIT (including Home Edition)
PTE (same as 5 weeks, choose as you prefer)
Overall
5.5
59
5.5
74+
59
Listening
5.5
59
5.5
17+
59
Reading
5.5
59
5.5
18+
59
Writing
5.5
59
5.5
19+
59
Speaking
5.5
59
5.5
20+
59
5-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
IELTS
TOEFL iBIT (Including Home edition)
PTE
Overall
6.0
59
6.0
78+
59
Listening
5.5
59
5.5
17+
59
Reading
5.5
59
5.5
18+
59
Writing
5.5
59
5.5
19+
59
Speaking
5.5
59
5.5
20+
59
Undergraduate
Standard CAS Pathway - Students will get another CAS for degree study upon the successful completion of the language course, and apply for a visa extension once the new CAS is issued in the UK)40-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
Language Cert B1 UKVI Overall
4
43
N/A Listening
4
43
N/A Reading
4
43
N/A Writing
4
43
N/A Speaking
4
43
N/A 30-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
Language Cert B1 UKVI Overall
4.5
47
Pass Listening
4.5
47
33 Reading
4.5
47
33 Writing
4.5
47
33 Speaking
4.5
47
33 20-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
Language Cert B1 UKVI Overall
5.0
52
High Pass Listening
4.5
47
38 Reading
4.5
47
38 Writing
4.5
47
38 Speaking
4.5
47
38 10-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
Language Cert B2 UKVI Overall
5.0
52
Pass Listening
5.0
52
29 Reading
5.0
52
33 Writing
5.0
52
33 Speaking
5.0
52
29 5-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
Language Cert B2 UKVI Overall
5.5
59
33 Listening
5.5
59
33 Reading
5.5
59
33 Writing
5.5
59
33 Speaking
5.5
59
33 Joint CAS Pathway – All students, except Medicine, who have met the academic condition in full will have a joint CAS which covers their PSE and degree study
10-week Pre-Sessional English - Not applicable please see the arrangement for 5 weeks pre-sessional course.
5-week Pre-Sessional English
UKVI IELTS
UKVI PTE
IELTS
TOEFL iBIT (Including Home Edition)
PTE
Overall
5.5
59
5.5
74+
59
Listening
5.5
59
5.5
17+
59
Reading
5.5
59
5.5
18+
59
Writing
5.5
59
5.5
19+
59
Speaking
5.5
59
5.5
20+
59
- How can I apply for the course?
-
- Please complete the application form and the terms & conditions document.
- Submit the form and the signed terms & conditions to lc-application-submission@abdn.ac.uk along with a copy of your language and certificate, passport and proof of payment. In order for us to process the payment we must receive the full course fees. If possible, please submit the application in MS word format.
Please note that you will not be able to change your course, withdraw or receive a refund for the course you have applied for after the applications have closed.
Courses 2024 Applications Open Applications Close 40 weeks open for applications 11 September 2023 30 weeks open for applications 11 December 2023 20 weeks open for applications 1 March 2024 10 weeks open for applications 24 May 2024 5 weeks
open for applications 28 June 2024 Courses 2024 Applications Open Applications Close 10 weeks open for applications September 2024 5 weeks
open for applications October 2024
Payment Methods
- You can pay by credit card, debit card or Paypal via our online store.
- Bank transfer details can be found on the application form.
- What are the dates and fees?
-
Course Induction Course Starts Course Ends Fee 40 weeks TBA 9 October 2023 30 August 2024 £15,200 (deposit £3,800) 30 weeks TBA 15 January 2024 30 August 2024 £11,400 (deposit £3,000) 20 weeks TBA 1 April 2024 30 August 2024 £7,600 (deposit £1,520) 10 weeks TBA 24 June 2024 30 August 2024 £3,800 (deposit £760) 5 weeks TBA 29 July 2024 30 August 2024 £1,900 (deposit £380) Course Induction Course Starts Course Ends Fee 10 weeks TBA October 2024 December 2024 £3,800 (deposit £760) 5 weeks TBA November 2024 December 2024 £1,900 (deposit £380) The deposit is not refundable. We ask that you pay the full fees prior to the start of the course.
- What should I do if I am a sponsored student?
-
We require a sponsorship letter which specifies that it is for the University of Aberdeen online/on-campus pre-sessional course prior to the start of the course.
If you start your course and have not provided the official sponsor letter or we do not receive payment of your tuition fees from your sponsor fees, you will be invoiced in person.
- What is the last day that I can apply for the course?
-
Please note that you will not be able to change your course, withdraw or receive a refund for the course you have applied for after the applications have closed.
Course On-Campus Application Close Online Application Close 40 weeks 11 September 2023 N/A 30 weeks 11 December 2023 N/A 20 weeks 1 March 2024 N/A 10 weeks 24 May 2024 N/A 5 weeks 28 June 2024 N/A Course On-Campus Application Close Online Application Close 10 weeks September 2024 N/A 5 weeks October 2024 N/A