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Course details can be found in our Course Dates and Application Process

Application process

Undergraduate students:

If you would like to take a pre-sessional course in order to meet your language condition, you should contact the Admissions enquiry team (with your language certificate) to see if you are eligible for a pre-sessional course - get in touch here.

Postgraduate students:

If you are eligible to take a pre-sessional course and need to improve your language, the pre-sessional should automatically be added as a condition of your offer. You can then choose whether you wish to attend the pre-sessional course or re-take a Recognised English Language Test as a way to meet your language condition. To choose the pre-sessional option, you must apply for the pre-sessional programme you are eligible for using the apply link within your English language condition on your offer letter.  You will then be provided with a pre-sessional offer letter once considered.

If you have already met your language condition, but wish to take a pre-sessional course for the boost in skills and experience, you can contact us via your Applicant Portal to request for the application link to be sent to you. If you have met your language condition, progression to your main programme is guaranteed as long as you meet our attendance requirements.

Recognised English Language Tests - Durham University

How do I pay for the pre-sessional course?

You can check how much your pre-sessional tuition fees are in the table above. Payment for your pre-sessional course tuition fee is required within 2 weeks of the course starting, but we strongly recommend you pay in advance to avoid any issues.

Payment can be made via a range of methods, including bank transfer, direct debit and Flywire options. You can check the details for how to make these payments here.

If you have paid for a pre-sessional course, and obtained IELTS that meets criteria for direct entry, you will be able to decline it and get a refund if you request it before the course starts (or up to 2 weeks after starting the 10-week course and up to 1 week after starting the 6-week course).

If a student leaves the pre-sessional course for any other reason there will be no automatic entitlement to a refund, but a partial refund may be offered at the discretion of the pre-sessional team.

The Durham University Pre-sessional Courses are accredited by BALEAP.