Language for Science: General Science, Pre-Sessional Programme

Course content

This programme is an English language content-based pre-sessional on which you will study language in the context of your subject. This will include studying academic resources and textbooks on key technical concepts in your chosen field, to help you develop your English language and core academic skills.

You will also examine tasks of the type you will encounter on your Masters programme, which have been developed in collaboration with your school. This will help to enhance your understanding of the academic requirements of studying in the UK and develop your ability to communicate at an appropriate academic level within your field of study.

You'll use the language you learn to express yourself through spoken and written assignments.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information on typical modules, read Language for Science: General Science in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

The first 4 weeks focus on key language, skills and academic themes within the field of Science. In the next 6 weeks you will explore your particular subject in more detail, focusing on the language and skills that you will need for your postgraduate programme. Each unit will be based around academic content. You'll then work on understanding this content and the language used, alongside that of core texts, through a series of language classes and seminars. You'll have the chance to work both individually and with others, and you'll also produce pieces of independent work.

Classes will typically take place between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday (you can find out dates when the University will be closed at the Almanac). Typically maximum class sizes are between 16 and 18 students per class, however this may vary suited to the type of class. The minimum age for students studying on this course is 18 years old.

Assessment

The final assessments will be based specifically on the core areas of academic language and subject specific literacy. They will ensure that all 4 skills of speaking, writing, reading and listening are covered appropriately for the discipline requirements and as required of a SECURE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST (SELT). We will also assess your developing ability to present a critical argument in the context of an independent academic study using appropriate language.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

If your degree requires an overall IELTS score of 6.5, to study this language course you will need a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0. You can have two components with scores below 6.0, but no scores below 5.5.

If your degree requires an overall IELTS score of 7.0, to study this language course you will need a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5. You can have two components with scores below 6.5, but no scores below 6.0.

If your degree requires an overall IELTS score of 6.0, to study this language course you will need a minimum overall IELTS score of 5.5, but no scores below 5.0. You can have one score, other than writing, below 5.5.

For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

How to apply

Students applying to study on a taught postgraduate programme

If you have applied for a taught postgraduate programme at the University of Leeds and you are eligible for a summer pre-sessional, you will be contacted by the Language Centre. If you are not applying for a taught postgraduate programme at the University of Leeds and you would like to apply for this pre-sessional, please visit application.leeds.ac.uk/sign-up. Please contact the Language Centre (langc@leeds.ac.uk) if you have any questions about this.

Students applying to study on a research postgraduate programme

Please apply to the Language Centre using the application form on the Applying for English language courses webpage.

Fees

UK/EU: £3,500

International: £3,500

Read more about how to pay.

Additional cost information

All programme and learning materials are included in the tuition fees. The Language Centre provides a weekly programme of optional leisure activities during the summer, some of which are free, and some have a cost, typically no more than £30.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs