Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes
If your English language level falls below the entry requirement of your chosen degree you will be expected to complete our pre-sessional English language programme. Successful completion of this course will then allow you to progress onto your chosen School of Study.
You can join one of our Pre-sessional English programmes in January, April, July or September and you will be able to study on a course for between 1 and 3 terms depending on your existing level of English and the requirements of your department. These programmes are suitable for students progressing onto undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes.
Course outline
The Pre-Sessional English language programme will:
- develop your English language skills to the required level for your degree course
- develop your study skills to the required level for university study
- encourage and help you develop an understanding of the academic and cultural context of university study in order for you to be fully involved in your degree course.
The primary focus is on developing your English language skills to enable you to manage degree-level study. This includes:
- critical thinking
- listening to lectures
- giving presentations
- taking part in seminars
- academic reading and writing
You can expect to improve your English level by approximately 0.5 IELTS equivalent per term.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our online form.
If you are unable to attend an official English language test, then you can take the University’s own test. More details can be found here.
Terms and conditions for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >
Quality teaching
We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
High calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.
Teaching methods
Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials by highly qualified teachers who are used to dealing with mixed nationalities and vary their teaching methods according to both the tasks and the students.
A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.
Assessment methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.
See the Foundation Curriculum Handbook for further course details.
The successful completion of our pre-sessional English language course will allow you to progress to your chosen degree.
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You may also find it useful to visit the following fee related information on our site:
You do not need to apply separately for this programme, your offer will include the necessary pre-sessional English term(s).
Help and support
If you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form below, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. We are available between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.
If you would like to make any changes to your current application, please contact Admissions using the form below.