There are several different lengths of pre-sessional courses. Choosing the right one for you will depend on your incoming language level and the level you need to achieve for your chosen degree.
The table below shows the length of pre-sessional study you need, based on the gap between your current IELTS level and the English language requirement for your course at Sussex.
16-, 28- and 40-week Pre-sessional Courses
| Course requirements | Pre-sessional course length |
|---|---|
|
IELTS 4.5 overall, with no less than 4.0 in all sections (or equivalent) |
40-week (from September 2021) |
|
IELTS 5.0 overall, with no less than 4.5 in Writing and 4.0 in all other sections (or equivalent) |
28-week (from January 2021) |
|
For conditional degree offers of IELTS 6.0 or 6.5: For conditional degree offers of IELTS 7.0: |
16-week (from April) |
5- and 10-week Pre-sessional Courses
| Course requirements | Pre-sessional course length |
|---|---|
|
For conditional degree offers of IELTS 6.0 or 6.5: Pre-sessional requirement is IELTS 5.0 overall, with at least 5.0 in every section (or equivalent) |
10-week (from June 2021) |
|
For conditional degree offers of IELTS 7.0: |
10-week (from June 2021) |
|
For conditional degree offers of IELTS 6.0: For conditional degree offers of IELTS 6.5: For conditional degree offers of IELTS 7.0: |
Five-week (from August 2021) |
You can apply for an integrated CAS for the 5- and 10-week Pre-sessional courses only, if your offer is conditional on IELTS. If you have an academic condition, you cannot apply for an integrated CAS. You cannot have an integrated CAS if you have a conditional offer of IELTS 7.0.
Please note SCLS accepts all SELTs (Secure English Language Tests) recognised by UKVI for Tier 4 visas. We also accept a wider range of English tests for short-term study visas or students who do not require a visa. Please contact us for more details.
If you do not meet the requirements stated above, please enquire about our Intensive English courses.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - changes to 2021 English course provision
In response to the global coronavirus outbreak, we are looking carefully at all plans for the Pre-sessional course in 2021. The Autumn and Spring terms of Intensive English along with the first and second terms of the Extended Pre-sessional 40 and 28-week course will not be running this academic year (2020-21).
SCLS is currently looking carefully at all plans for Intensive English and Pre-sessional courses. We hope to be able to provide all our international partners and agents with details of the process very soon, but at present we are still assessing the options.
If you are interested in Pre-sessional courses from April 2021 onwards, please see the relevant pages.