You need a good understanding of English for most of our degrees. Our pre-study courses help you improve your English ready for your classes and assessments.
There are different courses to suit your current level of English, and the standard you need for your degree.
Fees and dates
All our pre-study courses finish in time for you to start a degree in September or January.
The start date, duration and cost vary depending on your English language level and requirements.
Check tables at the bottom of this page to find the right option for you.
Where to live
If you want university term-time housing for your degree, we can help you find somewhere to live during your pre-study course.
When you apply for your term-time housing, put your pre-study course dates in the 'additional notes' section. Our accommodation office will then get in touch with you.
If you would prefer non-university housing, our accommodation page has advice on finding places to live in Sheffield.
Apply for a language course
To apply, download and complete an application form. You can select your choice of pre-study course on the form.
Find your degree's English language requirement below to see options for you.
Scores are given as IELTS for UKVI, but we also accept equivalent scores from Pearson PTE Academic UKVI. These are the only qualifications that can be used in applications for a Student Visa to study a Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes course at Sheffield Hallam University.
Degrees requiring 6.0 overall
With a minimum of 5.5 in each skill.
For undergraduate and postgraduate courses starting in September/October 2025:
Your current IELTS for UKVI score
Apply for
Start date
Fee
Overall 5.0, with 4.5 or more in all skills
10 weeks
9 June 2025
£3,450
Overall 5.5, with 5.0 or more in all skills
5 weeks
14 July 2025
£1,725
Your current PTE Academic UKVI score
Apply for
Start date
Fee
Overall 29, with 23 or more in all skills
10 weeks
9 June 2025
£3,450
Overall 36, with 29 or more in all skills
5 weeks
14 July 2025
£1,725
For undergraduate and postgraduate courses starting in January/February 2026:
Your current IELTS for UKVI score
Apply for
Start date
Fee
5.0, with 4.5 or more in all skills
10 weeks
22 September 2025
£3,600
5.5, with 5.0 or more in all skills
5 weeks
27 October 2025
£1,800
Your current PTE Academic UKVI score
Apply for
Start date
Fee
Overall 29, with 23 or more in all skills
10 weeks
22 September 2025
£3,600
Overall 36, with 29 or more in all skills
5 weeks
27 October 2025
£1,800
Related content
You’ve not added any courses yet!
When you find a course you like select 'Add to course compare' to compare it with up to two other courses.