Postgraduate Research Pre-Sessional
Enhance your research knowledge and skills, English language proficiency and academic skills on this course for prospective research students at Edge Hill University whose first language is not English.
Overview
Course length: | 4 weeks full-time |
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Start dates: | September 2025 September 2026 |
Location: | Edge Hill University |
Example offers: | Applied to join a postgraduate research programme at Edge Hill University and your first language is not English View full entry criteria |
Subject(s): | Research |
Faculty: | Arts and Sciences |
Department: | Language Centre |

Our Postgraduate Research Pre-Sessional course is designed for MRes, PhD or Professional Doctorate applicants at Edge Hill University whose first language is not English. If you possess an IELTS score half a band lower (overall or in one or two elements) than the standard entry criteria required for your intended postgraduate research programme, the Postgraduate Research Pre-Sessional course is ideal.
The innovative programme, designed and delivered between the Graduate School and the Language Centre, will enhance your academic English skills, particularly academic writing, while introducing you to the key concepts required for postgraduate research. You will focus on producing a segment of your literature review in your chosen research area. This can feed directly into your studies on completion of the course.
Course features
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International students can apply
What you'll study
The course will prepare you for postgraduate research in UK higher education. It will enhance your academic English skills and improve your confidence in academic reading, writing and speaking. You will attend lessons focusing on academic literacies, particularly academic writing and speaking, and discover key research concepts.
How you'll study
The course is delivered through a mixture of group lectures and seminars and independent study.
How you'll be assessed
Assessment will be through the submission of a written assignment, based on a review of the literature in your chosen research area, and an oral presentation on the same theme.
Who will be teaching you
The Language Centre is accredited with the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK, as well as BALEAP, the global forum for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) professionals.
You will be taught by a team of highly experienced English language specialists. Academic staff from the Graduate School will also provide input on some of the key fundamentals of research design and concepts that are required to embark on a postgraduate research programme.
Entry criteria
If you have applied to join a postgraduate research programme at Edge Hill University and your first language is not English, this Postgraduate Research Pre-Sessional course could be ideal to enhance your academic writing, reading and speaking skills in English.
You should have an IELTS score, or equivalent, which is half a band lower than the required entry level, either overall or in one or two elements.
How to apply
There is no direct application process for the Postgraduate Research Pre-sessional which can only be studied if you are progressing onto a postgraduate research programme at Edge Hill University.
You should apply for your chosen postgraduate research programme and send us your academic IELTS certificate as part of the application process. If you are offered a place but have an IELTS score half a band below the required level, either overall or in one or two elements, you will be offered the opportunity to complete the 4-week Postgraduate Research Programme as part of your offer conditions.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
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Facilities
The Language Centre is located in Creative Edge, a state-of-the-art £17million building offering highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities.
Where you'll study
Finance
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
£1,850
for the course
International
£1,850
for the course