Thank you for your interest in our pre-sessional English language programme, we're excited that you may be considering joining us.
The pre-sessional English language programme, endorsed by Royal Holloway, is delivered online by our trusted partner Study Group, and specifically designed to improve your English for academic study. Tailored for our Undergraduate and Postgraduate study, the course will prepare you and enable you to develop the academic English skills required to successfully embark on your degree at Royal Holloway.
You will enhance your academic English skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You will also have the opportunity to study in a digital context with other international students before progressing to your degree at Royal Holloway.
To find out more information about the course and content, please contact Study Group via email using the contact details provided on this page.
Key Information
Study options
You will be offered either the 12, 10 or 8 week course, depending on your English language level and degree entry requirements. All course options are full time and delivered online through Microsoft Teams and Insendi virtual learning platform.
The Pre-Sessional English Programme is aimed at students holding a conditional offer that requires them to improve their English language level as (one of) the conditions before they start their degree programme.
Course content
This programme will use a mixture of delivery methods to provide a supportive and engaging experience. This will include timetabled live classes with a tutor and as well as self-study activities. You will also join enrichment activities and have networking opportunities.
You will gain experience in:
- academic writing and speaking;
- academic listening and reading;
- analytical thinking and problem-solving;
- digital skills for study.
Teaching and learning
This course will aim to:
- Improve your language skills in the areas that will be most important for you during your studies at the University. This will include reading for academic research, speaking to support effective participation in seminars and giving presentations. You will also develop academic writing skills following the conventions needed for Higher Education and listening skills to enhance your ability to understand lectures.
- Develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language to enable you to use the language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.
- Provide you with the skills needed to reflect on your learning and identify what you can do to improve.
- Ensure you are able to meet the requirements of the UKVI and Royal Holloway through demonstrating required minimum English level for degree entry in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Assessment:
- Your performance will be managed through continual assessment and feedback. You will complete a variety of assessment tasks to evidence your development in English reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Dates, fees and funding for 2024 entry
Programme length |
Programme dates |
Induction dates |
Application deadline |
Tuition fees |
Payment deadline |
10 Weeks |
16 Sep - 29 Nov 2024 |
11 - 13 Sep 2024 |
13 Sep 2024 |
£350 per week |
15 Sep 2024 |
8 Weeks |
30 Sep - 29 Nov 2024 |
25 - 27 Sep 2024 |
27 Sep 2024 |
£350 per week |
29 Sep 2024 |
How to apply
The Pre-sessional English Language Programme Online (PELPO) is only available to offer holders of undergraduate or postgraduate courses at Royal Holloway, University of London.
You must have submitted an application for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway and received a conditional offer to study (with English Language being one of the conditions). Once you have applied for a degree at the University and received an offer, you will then be provided with an option to undertake a PELPO if you meet the requirements of the course.
To be considered for one of the PELPO options available, you must already hold an internationally recognised English Language qualification at a level that will enable you to benefit from a pre-sessional programme (see entry requirements section below).
For direct applicants, please express your interest of booking the PELPO using this form.
For agent-route applicants managed by Study Group, please ask your agents to submit your PELP applications via the agent portal.
Entry Requirements
You must have a conditional offer for either an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway with one condition being to improve your English score.
Academic IELTS for UKVI (alternatives accepted):
Requirement to join university course - IELTS 6.0 with no skill less than 5.5
- If your level now is 5.0, no skill less than 4.5, you need a 12 week course
- If your level now is 5.0, no skill less than 5.0, you need a 10 week course
- If your level now is 5.5, no skill less than 5.5, you need an 8 week course
Requirement to join university course - IELTS 6.5 with no skill less than 5.5
- If your level now is 5.5, no skill less than 4.5, you need a 12 week course
- If your level now is 5.5, no skill less than 5.0, you need a 10 week course
- If your level now is 6.0, no skill less than 5.5, you need an 8-week course
Please note that some degree options may ask for higher entry requirements, please check with Royal Holloway Admissions, your offer letter or the Royal Holloway website.