Pre-sessional Programme

The Programme is open to all those for whom English is not a first or main working language. It is specially tailored for those who intend to study at the University of Chichester and who need to improve academic and language skills by the equivalent of 1.0 or 0.5 of an IELTS grade. Many applicants will already hold an offer to the University which they will fulfil with the exception of the English language (IELTS) requirement.

The Programme is also open to you if, for other reasons, you wish to improve your academic language and study skills before beginning a degree programme in the medium of English. Please note, though, that the completion of this Programme does not, in itself, lead to a University award.

• Personal language development, including academic English related to your future degree programme
• Study skills for working in UK University education
• Opportunities to explore similarities and differences between your home study culture and study in the UK
• Experience of working with University of Chichester staff, our learning & teaching approaches & resources & finding out how we do things
• Weekly individual tutorial guidance on your progress and personal development strategies
• Weekly group discussion sessions with UK & other international students

The Programme is delivered using interactive small group workshops, individual tutorials and guided self and group study. The Programme introduces you to and makes full use of University learning and teaching resources.

It is delivered by a small specialist team of tutors who regularly teach on Chichester undergraduate and graduate programmes and are experienced in working online and with international students.

The Programme is based around a minimum of 18 (online) contact hours per week over 5 or 10 weeks. Weekly individual tutorials and end-of -programme assessments are in addition to this time. Sessions usually last for 90 minutes.

To complete the Programme successfully, you will need to devote approximately 36 hours per week to the programme (i.e. one additional hour of self-study for each hour you spend in class).

Our interactive online sessions are timed to suit the time zone(s) of most participants, with a delivery schedule between 8.00 a.m. to 13.00 p.m. (UK times) Monday to Friday. The programme is delivered to small groups of students (maximum group size 18).

Please note that to complete the Programme successfully, you will need to take a full and active part in sessions. This includes being ready to respond to your tutor, ask questions, and take part in group work in English with other students.

You need to attend all timetabled sessions with your camera on, your full face on screen and be able to use your microphone whenever you need to. We record sessions, so you are able to watch them again if you wish.

Applicants who have met the general entrance requirements of their programme but who have an IELTS score 1.0 or 0.5 below that required (or equivalent other qualification) may be admitted to the University’s Pre-Sessional Programme.

Assessment is included within the three main elements of the Programme.

You will need to show, in each element, that, by the end of the Programme, you have reached the level of language competence you need to begin your degree studies at Chichester. Provided this is the case, the University will, on completion of the Programme, confirm your offer for further study.

Should your work not meet the required standards you will be offered guidance and the opportunity to resubmit once.

Assessment tasks will be completed immediately following completion of the Programme.

Administrator for Pre-Sessional Programme

​Email: international@chi.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1243 812194

International, Academic & Language Support (IALS) is a free support package for International Students studying for a degree at Chichester.

It offers students whose first language is not English, special help with the development of their English language skills. The free support includes:

• An orientation programme specially designed for the needs of international students.
• Social gatherings, excursions and other informal contact with international students.
• A regular point of contact with a member of staff who can supply answers to your questions about academic life in the UK.
• A language profiling service so that you, and your department(s), may be advised on the best options for language support*.
• Individual tutorial support, (up to 3 hours per student per semester), to help you plan, carry out and check assessed work*.
• English language classes
• The use of extra time and bilingual dictionaries in University examinations*.

* Open only to those for whom English is not a first language