Pre-sessional English Language Programmes

About the course

The University of Hull English Language Programme (UHELP) is designed for students who do not currently meet the English language requirements for their degree. You’ll focus on English for academic purposes as well as general language skills development. At the end of the course, you’ll have the skills you need to listen to lectures, participate in seminars, give presentations, write academic essays and communicate effectively. You’ll be fully supported throughout the course, with help available through our specially trained language advisers. You will also have access to all of our facilities including the library and dedicated library facilities.

Depending on your current level of English, and what you need for your degree, will determine which course you need to apply for. The course is divided into three 12-week semesters. There are also two summer study programmes, an 8 week programme starting in July, and a 4 week programme starting in August.

How to apply

Get in touch

eflapplications@hull.ac.uk +44 (0)1482 465099

Which course should I apply for?

If you know what your English level is, you can use the tables below to help you decide how long you might want, or need, to study English with us.

The table below provides further guidance to help you decide when to start and how long to study. It’s always a good idea to allow yourself more time than you should need and aim for a higher level of English at the end of your course.

I need to achieve...

and my level now is...

You should start in , and complete

The calculator above is a guideline, if any of your skills are particularly weak, please allow extra time. For example, if you have an overall score of IELTS 5.0 but you have a 4.0 in writing, you would be advised to start in September and complete three semesters from September to September. Please contact us if you need further advice.

What you'll study

The course is divided into four stages. These correspond to your language level at entry and a semester’s worth of study. You will progress onto the next level on successful completion of each stage. If you start at stage 1 in trimester 1, and are attending a two trimester version of the course, you will progress to stage 2 in the next trimester.

The course materials for each stage are integrated to reflect the kind of language you will need when studying full-time at the university. These will focus on specific themes (like the world of work, energy and the environment, and multi-cultural communication) and will develop your language skills in listening to lectures, seminar discussions, academic reading, and writing assignments. At the end of each stage you will be tested on the progress you have made in your language skills and your ability to perform in an academic setting.

Stage 1

IELTS 4.5 - 5.0

Stage 2

IELTS 5.0 - 5.5

Stage 3

IELTS 5.5 - 6.0

Stage 4

IELTS 6.0 - 6.5

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for applicants requiring an IELTS of 6.0 (with nothing below 5.5). If you require a higher level IELTS, please email eflapplications@hull.ac.uk.

3 trimester course: IELTS 4.5 (nothing below 4.0)

2 trimester courses: IELTS 5.0 (nothing below 4.5)

1 trimester course: IELTS 5.5 (nothing below 4.5)

1 trimester fast track course: IELTS 5.0 (reading and writing to at least 5.0 and listening and speaking to at least 4.5)

Mainland Chinese applicants with reading and writing scores below 5.0, can apply for the 12 week Summer China Pre-sessional English Language Programme. Mainland Chinese applicants with an overall IELTS score of 5.5 (with no individual skill element below 5.0) can apply for the 8 week Summer China Pre-Sessional English Language Programme. Both of these programmes are running in Shanghai, China.

July 8 week summer study programme: IELTS 5.5 (nothing below 5.0)

August 4 week summer study programme: IELTS 6.0 (nothing below 5.5)

Fees and funding

Home/EU Fees

3 trimester course: £9,900

2 trimester courses: £6,600

1 trimester courses: £3,300

8 week summer study programme: £2,200

4 week summer study programme: £1,060

International Fees

3 trimester course: £12,600

2 trimester courses: £8,400

1 trimester courses: £4,200

8 week summer study programme: £2,800

4 week summer study programme: £1,360

Course dates

3 trimester course (September to September)

16 September 2019 to 4 September 2020

2 trimester courses

16 September 2019 to 22 May 2020
27 January 2020 to 4 September 2020

1 trimester courses

16 September 2019 to 24 January 2020
27 January 2020 to 22 May 2020
11 June 2020 to 4 September 2020

Summer study programme

10 week course – 22 June 2020 to 28 August 2020
8 week course – 6 July 2020 to 28 August 2020
4 week course – 3 August 2020 to 28 August 2020