Pre-sessional English (PSE) at Heriot Watt
For over 25 years, Heriot‑Watt’s fast, flexible Pre‑sessional English (PSE) programmes have helped thousands of international students prepare for university study – whether they are joining Heriot‑Watt or another UK university including University of Glasgow, University of Bristol, Glasgow School of Art, University of Exeter and more.
Our PSE is trusted by students, universities and global partners as a rigorous, BALEAP-accredited, IELTS‑equivalent pathway into UK higher education with 98% pass and progression.
Online and on-campus 6, 10 and 14‑week programmes offer a high‑quality experience designed for modern academic requirements.
With weekly tutorials of 2-4 students, subject aligned tasks, and academic skills aligned with the Heriot‑Watt Graduate Attributes, students will be prepared for future success.
Online & on campus Pre-sessional English Programmes
Start dates and fees
| Programme | Duration | Delivery | Start Date | End Date | Results Date | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSE14 | 14 weeks | Online & on-campus* | 04 May 2026 | 14 August 2026 | 21 August 2026 | £6,344 |
| PSE10 | 10 weeks | Online or on-campus | 08 June 2026 | 14 August 2026 | 21 August 2026 | £4,528 |
| PSE6 | 6 weeks | Online or on-campus | 06 July 2026 | 14 August 2026 | 21 August 2026 | £2,728 |
| PSE6 | 6 weeks | Online or on-campus | 19 October 2026 | 20 November 2026 | 27 November 2026 | £2,728 |
*14 week PSE: first 4 weeks online, final 10 weeks online or on campus.
Pre-sessional English eligibility
To apply for the PSE programme, you must have a valid IELTS or equivalent 4-skills English test, with a minimum score of 5.0 or 5.5 depending on your chosen pathway.
OR
Heriot‑Watt English Placement Test (China only)
Available for China students only. This is a fast, reliable and affordable (£65) alternative to IELTS for online PSE entry with results sent directly to students. Designed by academics in Edinburgh and delivered by the Heriot‑Watt China Office: Chinaeastasia@hw.ac.uk
FAQs
Heriot-Watt English Placement Test (HWEPT)
It is a short English assessment designed by Heriot‑Watt University and delivered by our China Office. It helps place you onto the correct online Pre‑sessional English (PSE) programme if you don’t have an accepted English language test.
Entry requirements, deadlines and placement information
| PSE | IELTS | TOEFL | New TOEFL | PTE Academic | Oxford ELLT | LanguageCert Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 week | IELTS 5.0 (no component below 4.5) | 44 (R6, L6, S13, W10) | Overall score of 3.5 with no component lower than 3 | 53 (no element below 48) | 4 with no component lower than 3 | 50 overall with no component below 40 |
| 10 week | IELTS 5.0 (writing 5, no component below 4.5) | 44 (R6, L6, S13, W13) | Overall score of 3.5 with writing at 3.5 and no component lower than 3 | 53 (Writing 53, no element below 48) | 4 with writing at 4 and no component lower than 3 | 50 overall with writing at 50 and no component below 40 |
| 6 week | IELTS 5.5 (no component below 5) | 59 (R12, L10, S14, W17) | Overall score of 4 with no component lower than 3.5 | 59 (no element below 53) | 5 with no component lower than 4 | 60 overall with no component below 50 |
How to enrol, choose programme and change intake
Your enrolment process will start once your offer becomes Unconditional Firm (UF).
When your start date is approaching, you will receive a Welcome Email. This email includes your Heriot‑Watt Username (HWU ID), which you will use, along with the email address you applied with, to create your password and activate your student account.
After creating your student account, you will be able to register for your PSE programme, using the Student Self Service.
This process is the same for all PSE students.
Results, grades and IELTS equivalency
Results will be released for the programmes on the following dates:
- May-July: 21 August 2026
- October: 27 November 2026
Your results will be emailed to you as soon as they are finalised and approved.
Tuition fee payment guide for online and on campus PSE
Tuition fee advice – Online delivery
Tuition fees can be paid using the University’s secure online payment facility when you enrol. When you choose your programme, there will be a ‘Proceed to Payment’ button for you to begin online payment.
Students who are unable to pay by card should contact globalcollege-student-support@hw.ac.uk for alternative payment options
Tuition fee advice – On-Campus delivery
Tuition fees can be paid using the University’s secure online payment facility. If you have not yet enrolled then please select ‘Applicant’, if you have enrolled then please select ‘Student’.
Students who are unable to pay be card should contact globalcollege-student-support@hw.ac.uk for alternative payment options.
Institutions & partners
Please contact: academicenglish@hw.ac.uk
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