9 reasons to study the Pre-sessional English courses

1. A global top 10 university

We're 9th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Start your journey with a Pre-sessional English course and move on to your chosen degree at UCL – a high-ranking university. Find out more.

2. First for Education

The UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE) is part of the IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, a world-leading centre for education and social science.

It has ranked number one globally for Education for the past 11 years (QS World Subject Rankings 2024), so you can be confident of an outstanding educational experience. Find out more.

3. Tailored to your current English level

We offer two different course lengths for postgraduate offer holders – whether in London or online – depending on your current English language qualification and scores.

Our longer course gives you the time you need to prepare. More about the course structure.

4. Exceptional further English language preparation

Successfully completing this course satisfies UCL’s English language requirement for graduate and undergraduate degrees and ensures you’re ready to study for a degree in English.

5. Meet our previous students

97% of CLIE Pre-sessional English students progressed to a UCL degree programme after successfully passing the course in 2023. Read more about our previous students' experiences.

Fireworks at the London Eye on New Years' Eve with a crowd watching

6. Come to the world’s best student city or study from home

For postgraduate offer holders we offer our pre-sessional courses face-to-face and online. For those coming to London, it’s been the world’s best student city for six years running (QS World Cities 2025).

Pre-sessional student working at a laptop

7. Quality teaching

You will be taught by an approachable and dedicated Associate Lecturer who will prepare you for your studies at UCL. Meet the Senior Team.

8. London's global university

You’ll be joining a welcoming, supportive environment of international staff and students.

9. Prepare and integrate

Develop the English language and academic skills you’ll need to study a degree at UCL and be introduced to the UCL community before you start your degree. Course information

9 reasons to study the Pre-sessional English courses

Pre-sessional English courses at UCL