Pre-sessional English
Before you study your degree, you should consider taking a Pre-Sessional Academic English programme (PSE). Our pre-sessional programmes are the best way to bring your English up to the level required for university study and develop the study strategies to enable you to perform to the best of your ability on your degree. Successful completion* of one of our pre-sessional programmes at the required level will guarantee you direct entry to your chosen degree.
*Other institutions accept the outcomes for the Heriot-Watt pre-sessional course. Please check with the admissions team for the university and degree you wish to study.
Accreditation
Heriot-Watt's pre-sessional English programme is accredited by BALEAP, the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes.
The BALEAP Accreditation Scheme (BAS) is designed to establish and sustain the standard required of specialist English for Academic Purposes provision to enhance the student experience.
Programme structure and dates
We offer both online and on-campus pre-sessional English programmes.
The length of your pre-sessional English programme will depend on your current English level and the demands of the degree you plan to study. We offer 14-week, 10-week and 6-week pre-sessional programmes.
For the 14-week programme, the first 4 weeks of the course are delivered online, and final 10 weeks are taught and assessed either online or on campus. Students wishing to transfer to campus have a week between weeks 4 and 5 (1 – 5 June) to do that.
For the 10-week programme, students can study either online or on campus.
For the 6-week programme, students can study online or on campus.
| Programme | Duration | Start Date | End Date | Results Date | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSE14 | 14 weeks | 04 May 2026 | 14 August 2026 | 21 August 2026 | £6,344 |
| PSE10 | 10 weeks | 08 June 2026 | 14 August 2026 | 21 August 2026 | £4,528 |
| PSE6 | 6 weeks | 06 July 2026 | 14 August 2026 | 21 August 2026 | £2,728 |
| PSE6 | 6 weeks | 19 October 2026 | 20 November 2026 | 27 November 2026 | £2,728 |
PSE entry requirements
PSE entry requirements for undergraduate (Heriot-Watt and non-Heriot-Watt)
- 14 Week: IELTS 5.0 (no element below 4.5)
- 10 Week: IELTS 5.0 (writing 5, no other element below 4.5)
- 6 Week: IELTS 5.5 (no element below 5)
PSE entry requirements for postgraduate (Heriot-Watt STEM* and Design** only)
- 14 Week: IELTS 5.0 (no element below 4.5)
- 10 Week: IELTS 5.0 (writing 5, no other element below 4.5)
- 6 Week: IELTS 5.5 (no element below 5)
PSE entry requirements for postgraduate (Heriot-Watt non-STEM and Actuarial, and non-Heriot-Watt PG)
- 14 Week: IELTS 5.0 (writing 5, no other element below 4.5)
- 10 Week: IELTS 5.5 (no other element below 5)
- 6 Week: IELTS 5.5 (no element below 5.5)
* STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) includes all programmes in the following subject areas:
- Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics
- Bioscience and Bioengineering
- Brewing and Distilling
- Building, Planning, Real Estate and Urban Design,
- Chemical Sciences
- Civil, Structural, Safety and Water Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Management and Surveying
- Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (Sensors, Signals and Systems)
- Energy and Renewables
- Marine, Environment and Climate Change
- Mathematics
- Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering and Geoscience
- Photonics and Quantum Sciences
** Design
Design includes all programmes in the following subject areas:
- Communication Design
- Constructed and Virtual Environments (Interior Architecture and Design)
- Fashion, Textiles and Design
Aims of the programme
The aim of the PSE is to improve your use of English for Academic Purposes, build your confidence in using English and equip you with the academic study skills you will need to be successful in your chosen degree. The PSE is also designed to develop your awareness of your chosen discipline through a range of subject specific ESAP (English for Specific Academic Purposes) course materials and assessments.
| LO1 | Demonstrate detailed understanding of a wide range of lengthy, complex texts, reading with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes. |
| LO2 | Research and plan written tasks effectively, by identifying and incorporating reliable and relevant source materials. |
| LO3 | Communicate complex ideas effectively in writing using an appropriate structure and showing awareness of purpose, style, register and audience. |
| LO4 | Express ideas and opinions with precision, by presenting and responding to complex lines of argument convincingly and providing relevant explanations, arguments and comments. |
| LO5 | Produce work that demonstrates an understanding of good academic practice and scholarship, including strategies to avoid plagiarism. |
| LO6 | Follow and take effective notes on academic lectures, talks, reports and other forms of academic/professional presentations which are propositionally and linguistically complex. |
Assessment and progression
Your English Language reading, speaking, writing and listening skills are assessed through four integrated skills assessments. You will be assessed in the final weeks of the 6-week course and each assessment is based on authentic learning activities and types of assessments students encounter at university.
To progress to your degree at university you must achieve a minimum grade C (50%) equivalent to CEFR B2.*
* Other institutions accept the Heriot-Watt pre-sessional course. Please check with the admissions team about the university and the degree you wish to study.
How to apply
Find out how to apply for Pre-sessional English.
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