Presessional English (Online)
About This Programme
Presessional English (Online) at the University of Birmingham Dubai prepares students who hold a University of Birmingham offer to reach the English level their offer requires and to build the academic English skills needed for university study. For applicants with a conditional offer it is an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar test, and it is open to offer holders aged over 16. The course runs for 6 or 10 weeks online, taught from the University's Edgbaston campus in the UK through its own learning platform and Zoom, with classes from 9am to 1pm UK time. Students take three modules, Reading and Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Academic Orientation or English for Specific Academic Purposes, in classes of no more than 18 with regular one-to-one tutorials. In 2026 the online courses ran from 8 June and 6 July to 14 August; as of September 2026 the course page lists no later dates.
Course Highlights
- An alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar test for applicants with a conditional University of Birmingham offer.
- Classes of no more than 18 students, taught by tutors qualified and experienced in English for Academic Purposes.
- Regular one-to-one tutorials to discuss progress, and tutor feedback on reading and writing tasks.
- A focus on the academic English skills needed in higher education, with discussion, speaking and listening tasks.
- Online classes from 9am to 1pm UK time on the University's own learning platform and Zoom, with social activities in English outside the classroom.
What You'll Study
The course is taught online from the University's Edgbaston campus in the UK, using its own virtual learning environment and Zoom, with classes from 9am to 1pm British Summer Time. Teaching mostly consists of lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops, on a curriculum written by the University's own academic staff: interactive class discussion and listening tasks set by a dedicated class tutor, guided reading and writing tasks with feedback, full academic support throughout, and regular one-to-one tutorials. Classes have at most 18 students, and all tutors are qualified and experienced in teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Assessment mixes coursework, portfolio assessments and progress tests. Teaching staff listed on the course page are Hayley Maxwell, Director of English for Academic Purposes (Birmingham International Academy); and Richard Gidwaney and Veronica Raffin, Presessional Programme Managers.
Course modules
Three modules over the course, each assessing language skills; students must meet the English language entry requirements of their degree programme through their scores in these modules. Successful completion needs the required final mark in all assessed work (examinations and assessed coursework), at least 90% attendance, and meeting the University's requirements for reasonable diligence.
- Reading and Writing
- Speaking and Listening
- Academic Orientation/English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP)
Entry Requirements
For applicants with a conditional offer, completing the course is an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification.
Programme Details
Start Date
2026 online courses: 8 June (10 weeks) and 6 July (6 weeks), both to 14 August 2026; later dates not yet published
Typical Offer
Open to University of Birmingham offer holders aged over 16
Duration
6 or 10 weeks
Subject Area
Language Studies
Campus
Online
Course Type
Pre-sessional English
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
Online
Tuition Fee
AED 28,508 total
GBP 5,700 as published, converted at 5.0014 (UAE Central Bank, 19 August 2026)
GBP 5,700 for the 10-week online course or GBP 3,420 for the 6-week online course (Summer 2026 fees); the University's fee table also lists courses of other lengths, from 4 to 32 weeks. The 2026 online courses ran from 8 June (10 weeks) and from 6 July (6 weeks) to 14 August 2026, and the page lists no later dates yet. Applications are made online through the University application system, where online presessional courses are marked DL (Distance Learning), and the University advises applying as early as possible.