Online Pre-Sessional
Course (OPSE)
Accredited by the British Council and NEAS, in partnership with Oxford International
The University is committed to support candidates to further develop their English language skills to succeed in our academic programmes.
The courses are accredited by the British Council and NEAS and are built on Oxford International’s 30 years of experience in teaching English as a second language to international students worldwide.
The Pre Sessional English courses are offered over 6, 12 or 16-weeks depending on your current English ability level. It provides you with an initial period of intensive English language training and assessment in preparation for your degree.
You would be assessed based on the English Language test provided with your application for the main programme. If eligible, you will be made a conditional offer for the appropriate postgraduate programme.
Undergraduate students must be holding an offer for an Undergraduate programme at Richmond before applying for the PSE and Postgraduate students must be holding an offer for a Taught Masters programme at Richmond before applying for a Pre-sessional English course.
Undergraduate applicants
IELTS or Equivalent | Course | Outcome | Cost |
4.5 (4.0) | 16 weeks | 6.0 (5.5) | £3,200 |
5.0 (4,5) | 12 weeks | 6.0 (5.5) | £2,400 |
5.5 (5.0) | 6 weeks | 6.0 (5.5) | £1,400 |
(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)
Postgraduate applicants
IELTS or Equivalent | Course | Outcome | Cost |
5.0 /4.5 | 16 weeks | 6.5 /6.0 | £3,200 |
5.5/5.0 | 12 weeks | 6.5 /6.0 | £2,400 |
6.0 /5.5 | 6 weeks | 6.5 /6.0 | £1,400 |
(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)
What you will learn
The course covers the main building blocks of language such as grammar and vocabulary and develops reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in English, as well as mediation skills.
Furthermore, the courses provides you with opportunities to practice key academic skills, such as giving presentations or essay writing, which will help you in your future academic studies. This is delivered through engaging topics relevant to your future academic journeys.
Intended learning outcomes
The main outcome is to demonstrate notable language improvement, reaching communicative competences expected at the intended exit level across all language skills, and the expectation that students will be able to:
- Write opinion essays on a variety of topics and develop writing process strategies to produce coherent texts
- Demonstrate thorough reading comprehension skills using a variety of reading sub-skills and the ability to think critically when responding to a variety of texts
- Have a greater understanding of vocabulary and be able to actively follow listening input and take notes
- Express yourself effectively and improve presentation skills
In addition, you will learn to navigate digital tools such as a VLC (Virtual Learning Campus / VLE) and communicate with peers and teachers online. You will gain the ability to work collaboratively with peers, evaluate one’s work critically, and engage actively in academic settings.
Read more information in the course description (pdf).