Top tips for a successful Pre-sessional course at UAL

What is Pre-sessional English?

Pre-sessional English is made up of courses that will help you improve your English language skills to meet the language requirement of your main degree conditions.

You can take the course either online or on campus in London, depending on your language requirement and what level you need to improve. This course will also teach you the vital academic skills to succeed at UAL.

These courses provide a fantastic opportunity to adapt to academic life in London before you start your course.

Benefits of studying Pre-sessional English

• Experience and adapt to academic study in the UK ahead of your degree.
• Improve your academic English language skills, including reading, writing, listening and speaking.
• Get used to the University facilities such as libraries and learning platforms.
• Settle into UAL life before your degree begins.
• Meet other students and build a community of friends.

How to be successful on the Pre-sessional course

Wondering how to make sure your Pre-sessional course is a success? Here are some tips from our Head of English Language: Pre-sessional, Vicky McWilliam.

• Pre-sessional is designed to encourage students to share ideas and inspiration, so expect to be asked to speak up from day one!
• If you can 'tune your ear' to spoken English before you start your course, you will be better-prepared. Try listening to 5 minutes of English every day. It will start to sound more natural, the more you do this.
• Try reading something in English every week. This can be anything which interests you. Look at articles, magazines, blogs - and try guessing what information you will find.

Wenhao Zhang at the Pre-sessional Exhibition 2025

Extra resources

Here are some of our favourite resources to help you practice your English before you arrive!

Time Out – Best British Movies

BBC Culture – Greatest British Novels

Telegraph – Best British Television

Secret London – Myths and Urban Legends about London