Pre-Sessional Programme

The Pre-sessional is a full-time intensive 8-week course run in the summer each year, designed primarily for students who aim to go on to postgraduate study at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC).   

Who should take this course?

The Pre-sessional is designed for students with conditional offers for UNNC postgraduate degree programmes, and who do not yet have the required English language proficiency for direct entry.

The course is also suitable for prospective postgraduates who have received unconditional offers from UNNC or other universities and wish to enhance their academic research and study skills.

Comparison between IELTS and Pre-sessional Course

Why should you take the UNNC Pre-sessional Programme instead of IELTS?

The chart shows you the difference between IELTS and our Programme, giving you useful insights into the benefits of studying on the course. Choosing the UNNC Pre-sessional Programme over IELTS does more than just meet your English requirements—it also helps you develop essential study skills and receive personalised support from expert tutors. Participation in the Pre-sessional will better prepare you for success at UNNC and other overseas universities, so you can start your degree with confidence and thrive from day one:

Course Content

The Pre-sessional Programme is designed to develop both your academic English language competency and academic study skills. On the course you will learn how to:

• Read academic texts effectively and efficiently and undertake research specific to your degree programmes
• Write for your degree programmes, applying appropriate academic conventions 
• Deliver an academic presentation related to your degree programs and participate effectively in an academic discussion
• Listen to academic lectures effectively and efficiently, and take notes as required
• Use appropriate language (grammar and vocabulary) to support clear written and spoken communication

Accreditation

Authoritatively accredited high-quality courses: Pre-sessional courses are accredited by the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP) and validated by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL). We are one of only three institutions in Mainland China, and four outside of the UK, to have achieved this prestigious BALEAP accreditation.

 Demo Class 

Meet the Tutors

Dougal Macbeth

Senior Tutor for Pre-sessionals

Dougal Macbeth is a passionate educational leader and teacher trainer with an academic background in linguistics and second language education. He has a wealth of experience across Australasia, including in Mainland China since 2012, at 211/985 universities, Sino-foreign collaboration universities, and in the corporate sector, working with state owned enterprises and Chinese multinational corporations. His comprehensive expertise includes teacher evaluation and training, educational policy advising, curriculum development, materials writing, and English for Specific Purposes including in Academic, Business, Medical and STEM. More details are available here: Dougal Macbeth - University of Nottingham Ningbo China.

Mahmoud Jeidani

RWRS Module Convener

Mahmoud is an experienced educator with a BA in English Language and Literature as well as an MA and PhD in Applied Linguistics, specializing in preparing students for the linguistic and academic demands of higher education. With a focus on empowering students to excel in their studies, Mahmoud’s teaching philosophy emphasizes equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in university environments. Having taught on Pre-sessional courses in the UK, and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in Hong Kong, Mahmoud has gained an extensive experience in supporting students, bringing a global perspective to his teaching. Mahmoud is particularly interested in the study of English intonation and its relationship to intelligibility, an area that informs both teaching practices and ongoing research. As an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), Mahmoud is committed to maintaining high standards in teaching and continuously developing professional practices. More details are available here: Mahmoud Jeidani - University of Nottingham Ningbo China.

Ada Wang

LDP Module Convener

Ada is an experienced and dedicated English for Academic Purposes (EAP) educator with a rich international background. For the past 3 years, she has been designing and convening EAP modules, tailoring them to meet the evolving needs of academic English learners. Ada has taught a wide range of students, from university students in China to aviation professionals and civil servants in the UK, drawing on her expertise in engaging students through interactive classroom activities focused on academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking. More details are available here: Ada Wang - University of Nottingham Ningbo China.

Comments from Former Students

The Pre-sessional Course at UNNC provides me, a Chinese university graduate with no prior exposure to an all-English instructional environment, with unprecedented opportunities to access a whole new educational system in advance. It has greatly benefited me through systematic training in writing, listening, presentations, and seminars. The responsible and professional tutors who play vital roles in guiding my learning path during this journey have also left a deep impression on me. Additionally, I have made friends with some of my classmates, which has made my upcoming academic life less lonely. Looking back at that journey in the Pre-sessional Course, I still appreciate it immensely, and I feel that it was a valuable experience.

As a postgraduate student about to enter an all-English teaching environment, the Pre-sessional course significantly enhanced my academic writing and expression skills. The course adopted a small-class model, and the teachers were adept at creating a relaxed and positive atmosphere, encouraging every student to participate in discussions. I learned to approach problems from multiple perspectives. What deeply touched me was the thoughtful and frequent well-being activities. This pastoral care made study full of warmth. This enriching and heartwarming experience not only improved my language proficiency but also laid a solid foundation for my upcoming postgraduate studies. 

Pre-Sessional Entry Requirements

Acceptance on the course is based on an applicant’s language and academic performances. 

The course will normally only accept applicants who are within 0.5 of the required IELTS (or equivalent for other accepted language tests) for entry onto their degree programme. The subskill score is not required for students with IELTS overall 6.0. IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.

Please submit your qualified language test report via the Application Hub.

 *Please note that we do not accept an IELTS online test, the TOEFL home edition, or a PTE Academic online test. 

 Unconditional offer holders do not need to submit a language test report for Pre-sessional.

Pre-sessional Completion

To complete the Pre-sessional and be eligible to progress to your chosen degree programme, students are required to: 

• Attend classes
• Complete all course assignments
• Pass the overall course assessment

Successful completion of the Pre-sessional programme is recognised by UNNC as an IELTS equivalency. There is no need for you to retake the IELTS examination before you enrol for your degree programme at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China.

Please note, however, that Pre-sessional completion is no guarantee of an offer from a UNNC UG/PG programme, students must still meet the academic requirements.

The Pre-sessional is not valid for progression to PG programmes in subsequent academic years.

 Applicants who intend to progress to study at an institution other than UNNC should check with that institution’s admission requirements if completion of the UNNC Pre-sessional will be recognised as an IELTS equivalency. CELE does not guarantee the outcome of such recognition. 

When does the Pre-sessional take place?

Provisional Timetable

 Note: The school is committed to continuously improving its curriculum and course content. Any adjustments made may not be separately notified.

Pre-sessional Fees

How to apply

• Application for Pre-sessional 2026 opening soon.
  
• Please submit your qualified language test report on Application Hub. If you have already submitted the required language test report, you do not need to resubmit this.
• Please find here the guidance on how to apply for Pre-sessional Course on the Application Hub.

FAQs

For enquiries, please contact:

E. admissions@nottingham.edu.cn
T. +86 (0574) 8818 0182