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Your Bridge to Academic Success at the University of Nottingham Malaysia 

The Pre-Sessional English (PSE) Programme is a university-delivered academic English course for students holding a conditional offer to an undergraduate or postgraduate taught programme at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. 

Modelled after the highly regarded pre-sessional English courses at our home campus in the UK, our programme supports students in developing the academic language, communication strategies, and study skills needed to succeed in British higher education.

 

 

 

What is Pre-Sessional English? 

This is a university-delivered academic English course designed to help students strengthen their English language skills to meet the UNM's English proficiency requirements. Taught by experienced academic English instructors, this course is more than language training, it’s a foundation for confident participation in university life. 

You will develop the ability to:

  • Engage in academic writing and structured argumentation
  • Critically read and evaluate academic sources
  • Speak confidently in seminars and academic discussions
  • Actively listen to lectures and take effective notes
  • Conduct basic academic research and cite appropriately
  • Adapt to UK-style assessment formats, including presentations and essays
 Modules
  • Introducing Academic Texts
  • My Study Plan
  • Reading and Interpretation
  • Working in Groups
  • Academic Writing 1
  • Listening & Interaction Skills 1
  • Critical Reading 1
  • Reflective Practice 1
  • Academic Writing 2
  • Listening & Interaction Skills 2
  • Critical Reading 2
  • Reflective Practice 2
 

*Modules are subject to change

 

Why Choose UNM's Pre-Sessional English Programme? 

 

CELE Pedagogy

Learn from Language Specialists

Gain academic English skills from experienced instructors trained to UK standards.

Multi Entry Point

Multiple Entry Points

Choose from 10, 20, or 30 weeks based on your IELTS or equivalent band gap.

Small Group

Small Groups and Personal Tutorials

Enjoy personalised attention and tailored feedback in an intimate, supportive classroom setting.

Academic & Digital Literacy

Academic and Digital Literacy Training

Learn to navigate tools like Turnitin, Moodle, Teams.

Field Trips & Real World Engagement

Field Trips and Real-World Engagement

Language learning through cultural exposure and collaboration.

 

 

 

Who Should Apply?

PSE-who-should-apply

Students holding a conditional offer to an undergraduate or postgraduate taught programme at UNM

PSE-who-should-apply-student-ielts

Students whose current English level is up to 1.5 IELTS bands below the required entry standard (IELTS 4.0 - 6.0) 

PSE-who-should-apply-UK

Applicants motivated to prepare for study in a British academic context

 

 

Programme and Fee Structure

The course is designed to support students at different English proficiency levels. Based on your IELTS score or equivalent, you will be placed in a 30-, 20-, or 10-week course to help you progress to the required band for your degree. Each intake is carefully aligned to provide sufficient time to build academic English skills before your undergraduate or postgraduate studies begin. 

Alongside your academic studies, you'll have the opportunity to experience the rich and diverse culture of Malaysia and put your working English to practice through a programme of field trips and extra-curricular activities.

Programme DurationIELTS Entry RangeTarget IELTS bandIntakeFee (Malaysians)Fee (International)
10 Weeks IELTS 5.5 – 6.0 Improve by 0.5 band 22 Jun 2026 RM 7,000 RM 8,000
20 Weeks IELTS 5.0 – 5.5 Improve by 1.0 band 2 March 2026 RM 12,000 RM 13,000
30 Weeks IELTS 4.5 – 5.0 Improve by 1.5 bands 3 Nov 2025 RM 18,000 RM 20,000

*Additional fees may apply, including a one-time application and registration fee, general amenities fee, and student visa and insurance charges for international students. IELTS test fees are not included in the tuition; group booking options may be available.

By the end of the course, you will be better equipped to meet the academic demands of your undergraduate or postgraduate studies at UNM. To ensure you’re ready for the next step, an IELTS test will be required at the end of the programme to confirm your English proficiency before progressing to your degree. This final assessment provides a clear benchmark of your improvement and readiness for success in a UK-style academic environment.

 

 Important Dates
ProgrammeApplication DeadlineVisa Submission Deadline (International students only) Class Start Date
10 Weeks 1 May 2026 15 May 2026 22 Jun 2026
20 Weeks 2 Jan 2026 16 Jan 2026 2 March 2026
30 Weeks 12 Sep 2025 26 Sep 2025 3 Nov 2025
 

 

 

FAQs

What is the aim of the Pre-Sessional English Programme?
To prepare you for success in your degree programme by developing the English skills, academic strategies and confidence needed in a UK-style learning environment. Targeted particularly for students who have an IELTS band range or equivalent of 4.0 - 6.0 and need to improve it to meet the University’s English requirements.  
Will I take the IELTS exam during this programme? 
Yes. Students will take the IELTS exam at the end of the final level to progress into their undergraduate or postgraduate taught programme. 
Can I leave early if I meet my IELTS requirement? 
No. Early exit is not permitted. Students must complete the full duration they enrol in. No fee refunds apply. 
Who is eligible to join? 
Only students with a conditional offer to a UNM undergraduate or postgraduate programme whose English scores fall below the required level. 
Will this course waive my IELTS requirement? 
No. Currently, an external IELTS exam is required at the end of the Pre-Sessional English course. 
What if I still don’t meet the English requirements after finishing the programme? 
You may resit IELTS or retake the Pre-Sessional English programme. For international students, EMGS allows for two years of language preparation. Your undergraduate or postgraduate offer remains valid during this time. 
What support is available during the course? 
You’ll be assigned an academic tutor and have access to UNM's full range of learning support services. A peer buddy system is in development. 
Who teaches the Pre-Sessional English course? 
The course is delivered by our academic English teaching team, aligned with the Centre for English Language Education (CELE) standards from the UK.