Studying in a different country and language can be challenging so it is important to make sure you are suitably prepared.
Our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills (PEASS) courses aim to prepare international students for study in UK higher education.
The courses are for students who do not meet the University’s English language requirements. They may be also be of benefit to students who wish to learn more about the academic environment at a UK university before starting their studies.
The University offers 10 and 5-week pre-sessional programmes throughout the year to allow students to join main academic programmes with a September or February start date.
To help support students during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, our summer Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills (PEASS) courses can either be studied online or on campus.
The University of Lincoln’s PEASS courses are designed to help students meet the minimum language requirements required for their academic programme, adapt to an unfamiliar academic culture in order to succeed in UK higher education, use academic English effectively in speech and writing, and work independently during their studies.
Our carefully designed courses focus on developing a student's academic English skills, including presentation and seminar techniques, essay writing skills and using sources. Support and advice will also be given on applying for visas, visa extensions, and accommodation options before the end of the course.
To help support students during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, our summer and winter Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills (PEASS) courses can be studied online. You can join the online course from your home country.
• You do not need a visa for the online course (if you study in your country)
• You do not need to hold a UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT), but you must have a University of Lincoln approved English Language Test. Accepted tests include LanguageCert, Duolingo, IELTS Indicator, TOEFL iBT at Home, and PTE Academic.
• If you have already applied for our pre-sessional course we will contact you to talk about the best options for you. You do not need to apply again.
• If you fully participate and pass the online pre-sessional course assessments you will be able to progress directly onto your chosen University of Lincoln course.
Please apply as soon as possible using our usual online application form. If the situation changes, we will update this web page with further information.
| Online PEASS course | Start | End | Fees | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Winter 10 weeks |
Monday 12 October |
Friday 18 December |
£3,300* |
Friday 2 October |
|
Winter 5 weeks |
Monday 16 November |
Friday 18 December |
£1,650* |
Friday 6 November |
If you successfully pass the 5 week or 10-week winter PEASS programme, you will receive a PEASS Scholarship. The scholarship will cover the full cost of your winter PEASS tuition fees.
To qualify for a PEASS Scholarship you must:
If you receive a PEASS Scholarship, the cost of your PEASS programme will be refunded from your Master’s degree tuition fees during enrolment in February 2021.
• Daily live sessions in small classes (max 14 students per tutor)
• Live breakout tasks within your class
• Weekly topic packs, which will include authentic academic reading texts, audio recordings, mini-lectures, and worksheets. These are for independent study and will also form the basis of your continuous assessments.
• Weekly materials for independent private study, including relevant vocabulary and grammar points, key skills, sample essays and presentations in a range of formats, including presentation slides, videos, and worksheets.
• Live online seminar sessions (3-5 students per tutor)
• A weekly 30-minute one-to-one tutorial with your tutor
• Personalised support and written feedback on a weekly basis during your one-to-one tutorial, including advice on continuous assessment elements such as timed writings, essay drafts, listening tasks, reading comprehension exercises, presentation practice, as well as participation in seminars and student chat forums.
• Learn about life in the UK. With guidance, you will research and present some learning content on a specific aspect of British culture. This could take the form of a video, virtual tour, or quiz.
You will be continuously assessed on each of the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You will receive further details of these assessments nearer to the time of your course. You will also be expected to complete a brief reflective learning journal each week, for discussion with your tutor.
Your assessments will consist of:
• A fully researched essay on an assigned academic topic
• A brief individual presentation (which you can record in your own time) on the topic of your research essay
• Timed writing tasks (continually assessed, on the topics included in your weekly topic pack)
• Listening tasks (continually assessed, on the topics included in your weekly topic pack)
• Small group seminars (continually assessed, on the topics included in your weekly topic pack)
| Accepted English qualifications | 5 Weeks PEASS online | 10 Weeks PEASS online |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5/5.0 | 5.0/4.5 |
| IELTS indicator | 5.5/5.0 | 5.0/4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 59 (R12, L11, S17, W18) | 45 (R7, L6, S14, W15) |
| TOEFL iBT at Home | Same as TOEFL iBT | Same as TOEFL iBT |
| PTE Academic | 50/42 | 42/36 |
| LanguageCert ESOL SELT | B1 High Pass | B1 Pass |
| LanguageCert online | B1 High Pass | B1 Pass |
| Duolingo | 90 overall/no subscore below 80 | 80 overall/no subscore below 70 |
| IELCA / IELCA Home Test | B1+ (25) | B1 (20) |
| Password | 5.5/5.0 | 5.0/4.5 |
| Accepted English qualifications | 5 Weeks PEASS online | 10 Weeks PEASS online |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0/5.5 | 5.5/5.0 |
| IELTS indicator | 6.0/5.5 | 5.5/5.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 (R18, L17, S20, W20) | 59 (R12, L11, S17, W18) |
| TOEFL iBT at Home | Same as TOEFL iBT | Same as TOEFL iBT |
| PTE Academic | 58/51 | 50/42 |
| LanguageCert ESOL SELT | B2 Pass | B1 High Pass |
| LanguageCert online | B2 Pass | B1 High Pass |
| Duolingo | 100 overall/no subscore below 90 | 90 overall/no subscore below 80 |
| IELCA / IELCA Home Test | B2 (30-35) | B1+ (25) |
| Password | 6.0/5.5 | 5.5/5.0 |
For courses which require IELTS 7, please contact englishlanguage@lincoln.ac.uk
The University of Lincoln offers Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills (PEASS) courses at the Brayford Pool campus in Lincoln. These courses last for five weeks and 10 weeks. If you would like to join one of our PEASS courses, please apply as soon as possible using our usual online application form.
Students applying for a PEASS course on campus require a UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT) with the grades as below:
| IELTS requirements for course | SELT score for 5-week PEASS | SELT score for 10-week PEASS |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 (min 5.5) | 5.5 (min 5.0) | 5.0 (min 4.5) |
| 6.5 (min 6.0) | 6.0 (min 5.5) | 5.5 (5.0) |
For courses which require IELTS 7.0, please contact the English Language Centre.
The table below refers to the University of Lincoln’s Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills (PEASS) courses which are taught at the Brayford Pool campus in Lincoln.
| PEASS course | Start | End | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Winter 10 weeks |
Monday 16 November 2020 |
Friday 5 February 2021 |
£3,300 |
|
Winter 5 weeks |
Monday 4 January 2021 |
Friday 5 February 2021 |
£1,650 |
If you successfully pass the 5 week or 10-week winter PEASS programme, you will receive a PEASS Scholarship. The scholarship will cover the full cost of your winter PEASS tuition fees.
To qualify for a PEASS Scholarship you must:
If you receive a PEASS Scholarship, the cost of your PEASS programme will be refunded from your Master’s degree tuition fees during enrolment in February 2021.
You may be aware that UK government regulations currently require travellers from certain countries arriving in the UK from overseas from 8 June 2020 to self-isolate for 14 days, as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19. Whilst these regulations remain in force, to make this process as comfortable as possible, the University of Lincoln will meet you at the airport on your arrival in the UK, and transport you free of charge to Lincoln where you can stay in your accommodation.
It is important that you arrive in the UK 14 days before the start of your Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills (PEASS) Summer course. This means you will need to arrive by Friday 24 July if you are enrolling onto the 10-week Summer course, or Friday 28 August if you are enrolling onto the 5-week Summer course.
International students who have chosen and arranged University-managed accommodation for the duration of their studies will be able to move straight into their room as soon as they arrive in Lincoln; no extra charge will be made for the 14 extra days of accommodation before the start of the academic year. If you wish to arrange your University accommodation, please contact accommodation@lincoln.ac.uk.
All international students in University-managed accommodation will be provided, throughout their 14-day period of self-isolation, with food and drinks to suit cultural preferences. We will also be providing a welcome pack consisting of bedding, towels and toiletries, and kitchen equipment, including a rice cooker. Essential IT equipment will also be available if required.
If you are joining a 5 or 10-week campus based PEASS course and require a visa to study in the UK, it is important that you complete the CAS request process prior to the correct deadline.
10-week on-campus PEASS CAS Request Deadline
| Visa Application Type | CAS Request Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Standard Visa Application |
Monday 19 October |
|
Priority Visa Application |
Monday 2 November |
|
Super Priority Application |
Monday 9 November |
5-week on-campus PEASS CAS Request Deadline
| Visa Application Type | CAS Request Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Standard Visa Application |
Monday 7 December |
|
Priority Visa Application |
Monday 18 December |
|
Super Priority Application |
Monday 21 December |
Please note that the above information is subject to change, and is dependent on visa processing turnaround times and any special measures that may be in place as a result of Covid-19.
Please contact our International Enquiries team at internationalenquiries@lincoln.ac.uk if you are experiencing difficulties in meeting any deadlines.
Assessment is composed of a combination of the work you do throughout the course and end-of-course assessments. You will be given clear guidance throughout the course to prepare you for these assessments. Students will undertake five assessments in the final week of their PEASS course which will be used as evidence of English language ability:
· Research essay (undertaken over several weeks)
· Reading-into-writing examination
· Listening
· Seminar discussion
· Oral presentation
Students must pass these five elements in order to progress to the degree programme with the following scores:
· IELTS 6.0 – each element must be marked at 40% or higher
· IELTS 6.5 – each element must be marked at 50% or higher
· IELTS 7.0 – each element must be marked at 60% or higher
In addition to the summative assessments above, there will be formative assessment throughout the PEASS course which provides the opportunity to develop learning in a variety of tasks.
If you have a conditional offer for a programme which is dependent on your level of English, you will need to pass assessments at the end of the PEASS course. When you have successfully passed the PEASS course we will assist you in enrolling on your degree programme.
If you have an unconditional offer for a programme and you are taking the PEASS course to improve your English, your offer will not be affected. However, you will still be expected to complete all assessments within the PEASS course.
We offer PEASS students the opportunity to rent on-campus, self-catering accommodation for the duration of their course. Students can benefit from full access to University facilities during this time, including the Library and on-campus Sports Centre. Our accommodation is within walking distance of your classes and all local amenities, such as supermarkets. Apartments and rooms include weekly visits to undertake cleaning of all common areas, rooms, and bathrooms.
| PEASS course type | Accommodation period | Accommodation Fees |
|---|---|---|
|
Winter 10 weeks |
TBC |
TBC |
|
Winter 5 weeks |
TBC |
TBC |
Whatever your start date, please email accommodation@lincoln.ac.uk if you require further information.
10-week on-campus PEASS CAS Request Deadline
How to do I apply for a PEASS course?
To be eligible for a PEASS course, you must already hold an offer to study with the University of Lincoln. To apply for a PEASS course you need to complete the PEASS application form (click the blue 'Apply Online' button at the top of the page). Providing that you meet the necessary entry requirements, we will send you an offer for the PEASS course as soon as possible.
I have an offer for my main course which is conditional on 'successful completion of the PEASS course'. What does this mean?
This means that you have met all the conditions your main course except the English language qualification. You are required to pass the PEASS course before you can progress onto your main course.
What do I need to apply for my visa?
You will need a Certificate of Acceptance of Study (CAS) to be able to apply for a visa. There are two different types of CAS available:
1. CAS for PEASS plus main course
2. CAS for PEASS only
CAS for PEASS plus main course
You can receive a CAS for PEASS plus main course if:
- Your offer for the main course is unconditional and you are taking PEASS as an introduction to UK study skills
OR:
- English is the only outstanding condition of your main course offer AND you currently have B1 in one or more element(s) of IELTS. At the end of the PEASS course, you must have progressed to at least B2 in all 4 elements to be able to progress onto the main course.
CAS for PEASS only
In all other cases, students must have a separate CAS for PEASS. Upon successful completion of the PEASS course and receipt of any outstanding documents, students will be issued with a new CAS for their main course.
How do I apply for an extension to my visa?
The University’s Advice Service has specialist advisors who will help you with your visa extension application whilst you are here at the University. The University’s Advice Service is based in the Student Support Centre and will be on hand to guide you through the process during the PEASS course.
How much will it cost to extend my visa?
Please go to the UKVI website for current costs
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
How long will it take?
Postal applications usually take 2-3 months to return from UKVI. This can be longer during peak times.
Please note that you must submit your visa application to UKVI before your current leave to remain expires, so that you do not become an overstayer. It does not affect your application if your leave expires while the UKVI are processing your application.
‘In person’ applications are decided on the day. If successful your residency permit will be sent to you a few days after your application has been processed. You do need to pre book an appointment; at peak times the appointments can get booked up weeks in advance.
The University's Advice team will be on hand to guide you through the process during the PEASS course.
Is accommodation guaranteed for the PEASS course?
Yes, unless you tell us otherwise we will automatically reserve a place for you in our accommodation for the duration of the PEASS course and let you know when the booking system is open.
Do I have to stay in accommodation?
No, you do not have to stay in the on-campus accommodation. However, due to the intense teaching of the course we recommend that you do.
What is the accommodation like?
We provide modern, en-suite, self-catering accommodation on campus, with 24-hour security and access to University facilities, such as the Library and Sports Centre. The campus is in the centre of the city, so you do not need to use public transport to get to/from lessons.
Can I stay on in the accommodation after I finish the PEASS course?
On-campus accommodation is guaranteed for the duration of the course only. The University has many different options for accommodation which you can choose to live in after you have finished the PEASS course, including on-campus. You will be advised of your different options during the PEASS course.
Do I have to re-take the IELTS at the end of the course?
No, if you successfully pass the PEASS course you will have fulfilled your English language condition.
How do I progress onto my main course?
If you have a conditional offer for your main course, then you must successfully complete the PEASS programme in order to progress onto your main course.
If you already have an unconditional offer for your main course then you can progress onto your main course at the end of the PEASS programme.
What happens if I fail the course?
We will monitor your performance throughout the course and if we think that you need extra help to pass we will give you some advice about how to improve your English language. However, your success on the course depends upon how much work you put into it.
If you fail the course you will not have met the conditions of your main course and we will be unable to issue you with a CAS for your main course.
Can I continue to get help with my English after the PEASS course?
Yes. We strongly recommend that students continue to practice and improve their English language whilst studying in the UK. The English Language Centre (ELC) is a free support service for EU and international students studying at the University of Lincoln. We offer a wide range of support for international students including several courses each term and a one-to-one academic writing support service.
The English Language Centre team are available throughout the academic year, from Monday to Friday. Further details of our service can be found on the In-sessional Support page.