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Pre-sessional English language course

As an international student, you may need to improve your English skills before starting your degree. St Mary’s University are in partnership with QA Higher Education to provide online English Language courses which are designed to help you meet the requirements for your chosen St Mary’s degree and to prepare you for university study in the UK. Please note you will be studying alongside students from other universities. 

Key benefits

  • Improve your academic English language skills in a supportive academic environment.
  • Gain valuable study skills to help you succeed in your degree.
  • Connect with other international students.
  • Receive excellent support and advice.
  • Choose a 10-week or a five-week programme, depending on your IELTS score.

Please see QA Pre-Sessional English | QA Higher Education for further details.

2024/25 courses

Pre-sessional courses for progression onto September 2024 degree programmes

Spring 2024

10-week course

  • Induction – 22nd January
  • Results – 23rd April
  • Re-sits Results –  30th April

Five-week course

  • Induction – 19th February
  • Results – 23rd April
  • Re-sits Results –  30th April

Summer 2024

15-week course

  • Induction – 6th May  
  • Results – 27th August
  • Re-sits Results –  3rd September

10-week course

  • Induction – 10th June  
  • Results – 27th August
  • Re-sits Results –  3rd September 

Five-week course

  • Induction – 8th July
  • Results – 27th August
  • Re-sits Results –  3rd September

Which course is right for me?

Which pre-sessional course you should take depends on your current IELTS score and the IELTS requirement for your St Mary’s degree.

The 10-week course is designed for students who need to improve their IELTS score by 1.0, while the five-week course is designed for students who need to improve their score by 0.5.

See where your scores fit on the following list by selecting the IELTS score that your course requires.

IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section

  • 10-week course: IELTS 5.0 overall with no less than 4.5 in any section.
  • Five-week course: IELTS 5.5 overall with no less than 5.0 in any section.

IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section

  • 10-week course: IELTS 5.5 overall with no less than 5.0 in any section.
  • Five-week course: IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section.

IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any section

  • 10-week course: IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section.
  • Five-week course: IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section

Further information

If you have any questions please contact international@stmarys.ac.uk.

The pre-sessional English course is taught online. This means that you can complete the pre-sessional in your home country before applying for the Student Visa for your degree course (if you need one). You will receive the CAS for your visa application after you successfully complete the pre-sessional course.

If you have questions about English language tests or visas, please contact us at internationaladmissions@stmarys.ac.uk.

During the course, you will be taught by specialist language tutors and you will spend approximately 24 hours (16 hours plus 8 hours of scheduled drop in sessions per week) in online classes. You will also have some periods of self-directed learning. In addition, you will be required to study for several hours each evening and at weekends. You will study general English and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). You will be regularly assessed through written assignments, presentations and exams. Topics of study will include:

  • presentation skills: organising and structuring a presentation, using vocabulary
  • seminar skills: presenting, developing and supporting an argument, and participation in discussions
  • study skills: tips and strategies essential to your university success
  • academic English skills: reading and writing summaries, vocabulary, discussion
  • academic writing skills: paraphrasing, coherence, grammar, avoiding plagiarism
  • listening: note taking, understanding organisation
  • project work: using the library, extended reading
  • introducing you to the University, Twickenham and the surrounding area
  • 1-1 meetings with your tutor to discuss your work and progress
  • strategies to develop your independent learning
  • helping you to settle in to your new environment and meet other students.

During the course, you will carry out a number of tasks in class time as well as producing a portfolio of your work. You will join with other students from countries and cultures around the world in a lively, friendly, and co-operative learning environment. Our maximum class size is 18 students. 

From the start of your pre-sessional English programme, you will receive high-quality online teaching and a supportive learning experience, including access to student support services online. Once we are able to welcome students to campus for their full degrees you will benefit from St Mary’s green, leafy campus and excellent teaching facilities. On-campus accommodation or housing in the local area may be available. You will have access to campus amenities, including:

  • the Library, which has a range of materials and IT equipment to support your learning.
  • the Students’ Union, which runs welfare campaigns and social activities for students, as well as clubs and societies.
  • Student Services, including our Wellbeing Service.
  • first-class sports facilities, including a Fitness and Conditioning Suite.
  • an orientation programme upon arrival and support during your course.

St Mary’s enjoys a beautiful campus location in a highly desirable part of West London. There is a wide choice of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and recreational spaces in the local area. The University has easy access to London, one of the world's most exciting cities. 

Students who successfully complete either pre-sessional course are considered to have met the St Mary's English language requirements. Progression to your degree course from the programme depends on your fulfilling the following: 

  • starting the programme on the correct date
  • attending all classes on your timetable
  • participating fully in all classes
  • making sufficient progress in your language
  • completing all homework, assessments and other tasks set by your tutors.

Following successful completion of the course, you will begin your St Mary's degree programme. Our experience, supported by current academic thought, shows that student’s ability to use English increases when they practise it alongside their other studies. 

For this reason, all students who complete the pre-sessional courses are encouraged to make full use of the St Mary's in-sessional English support programme. St Mary's students also have access to a Learning Development Lecturer focused on English for Academic Purposes.