Improve your English language skills for Pre-Masters

If you meet the academic entry requirements for our Pre-Masters Programme but need help with your English language, you can join our English Language Preparation programme delivered fully online first. The programme is designed to develop your English language skills and introduce you to essential academic and study skills before travelling to the International Study Centre to begin your Pre-Masters programme.

Depending on your current ability and the level you require for your chosen academic programme at the International Study Centre, you will study a 16, 10 or 6-week English language programme. You will be studying the English programme in a diverse online classroom with international students from all around the world, studying at a range of our International Study Centres.

Our innovative learning platform enables you to study more effectively through interactive tasks and activities in addition to live sessions delivered by highly experienced tutors, allowing you to review and challenge yourself at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.  

Benefits of studying Online English Preparation

Our English language course is designed to develop your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking while boosting your confidence in communicating with classmates and tutors ahead of starting your academic programme.  

We offer a range of programme lengths available to suit your needs and requirements, with dedicated support and guidance from our expert tuition staff. Whatever your length of study, our preparation courses will make sure you are ready to make the next step onto one of the International Study Centre programmes.

At the end of the online course your English language level will be assessed to ensure that you meet the English language level requirements for your face-to-face academic programme. You are not required to take an additional UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT) to obtain a student visa before you come to campus.

Key facts

Age19+ (Students must be 20 years old at the start of their academic programme)​​ 
Duration

6 weeks​​

10 weeks​​

16 weeks​​

Fees

6 weeks: £2,100​​

10 weeks: £3,500​​

16 weeks: £5,600​​ 

Intakes

6 weeks: Jan/June/Sept

10 weeks: January/May/August

16 weeks: March/July

Term dates6 weeks:
12/01/2026 - 20/02/2026
23/02/2026 - 03/04/2026
08/06/2026 - 17/07/2026
06/07/2026 - 14/08/2026
14/09/2026 - 23/10/2026
26/10/2026 - 04/12/2026

10 weeks:
12/01/2026 - 20/03/2026
11/05/2026 - 17/07/2026
17/08/2026 - 23/10/2026

16 weeks:
30/03/2026 - 17/07/2026
06/07/2026 - 23/10/2026

English language entry requirements

Academic IELTS for UKVI or accepted equivalent

6 weeks: 5.5 overall (5.5 in all other skills)

10 weeks: 5.0 overall (5.0 in all other skills)

16 weeks: 5.0 overall (5.0 in writing, minimum 4.5 in all other skills)

English language exit requirements6.0 (minimum 6.0 in writing and no skill below 5.5)

100%

of students who completed their English Language Preparation Online programme in 2024/25 academic year, progressed to their onward academic programme at their chosen International Study Centre.

What our students say?

"The course was informative and well-structured. Overall, it was a valuable and engaging course.

"I think the course is very comprehensive, and I have learned a lot."

Aberdeen students talking in a communal space

How to apply

Ready to join us at the International Study Centre? Learn more about the application process and what you need to do before you arrive.

Students in a science lab

International Study Centre

Your journey to the University of Aberdeen starts at the International Study Centre. We offer a welcoming and supportive environment to help you thrive at university. Our pathway programmes are designed specifically for international students to succeed at a high-ranking university.

Join us today

Our student enrolment advisors are available to answer your questions and help you with your application. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Aberdeen family.