Pre Sessional 2015
Pre Sessional 2015
Pre Sessional 2015
&
Frequently Asked Questions
(MBS Post-graduate Taught Admissions)
In circumstances where applicants do not meet Manchester Business Schools (MBS) English language admission
requirements, they may be recommended to study a Pre-sessional Language course delivered at the University
Language Centre in Manchester.
This formal recommendation is an alternative option to retaking an English Language test (IELTS or TOEFL etc.) and
ONLY comes as a condition in an official offer to study an MBS masters programme. To be recommended,
applicants will need to meet the minimum requirement for a pre-sessional programme in a valid and recognised
language test, as outlined on our website.
http://www.mbs.ac.uk/masters/courses/requirements-for-study/language-requirements.aspx
The minimum requirements for a pre-sessional offer are:
IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with no individual element below 6.0
PEARSON: Minimum 59 overall with no individual element below 51
Please note TOEFL tests are no longer accepted for pre-sessional courses.
The Pre-sessional Course
The Pre-sessional courses are designed to help develop the language skills needed to progress to a university
postgraduate programme. They are also a fantastic opportunity for international students to adjust to life in the UK
and become familiar with the University surroundings and Manchester city, before embarking on the Masters
programme.
Pre-sessional courses last for between 3 and 20 weeks and focus on improving academic English. All courses cover
areas such as academic writing, note-taking and presentation skills. The length of course required will be determined
by MBS with advice from the ULC.
Please note: MBS only offer the option to study 5 or 10 week programmes, depending on the applicants current
English Language test score.
Please also note: MBS have their own English language entry requirements that are different to those stated on the
University Language Centre website (http://www.ulc.manchester.ac.uk/english/full-time/pre-sessional/).
For example: It may be that an applicant meets the requirement for a 5 week Pre-sessional course (as per the ULC
website) but have been offered a 10 week course by MBS, this is NOT a mistake and is due to the fact that MBS sets
its own English language requirements that are a reflection of the academic demands of Post-graduate study at MBS.
How to apply
Applications for pre-sessional courses are submitted through the University online application facility, similarly to
applying for an MSc programme. You can find a link to this with How to Apply instructions on the University
Language Centre website (http://www.ulc.manchester.ac.uk/english/full-time/pre-sessional/apply/), please read this
carefully. (Applicants are advised not to apply for a pre-sessional course until they have received an official offer to
study on a Masters programme at MBS).
***You will need to use the same University ID number quoted on your offer letter***
Pre-sessional FAQs
Q. What happens if I meet your language requirement before the Pre-sessional course?
Full payment of the Pre-sessional course is required after application. If you meet your overall language requirement
and no longer need to study a Pre-sessional course and wish to cancel your PS course you must contact the ULC at
least 20 days before the course starts and any fees paid can be transferred as a down-payment towards your main
course fees.
Please refer to the ULC
sessional/booking-conditions/
Booking
conditions:
http://www.ulc.manchester.ac.uk/english/full-time/pre-
Q. Can I accept my offer with MBS and make a decision whether to study a pre-sessional course later?
Yes, but you will need to let us know if you decide to book and we will update your record.
Please remember that Pre-sessional courses are extremely popular and have limited places so there is no guarantee
of a place. We advise early booking and will advise of the application deadlines shortly.
Pre-sessional FAQs
Course dates
Application deadline
10 week
10 week
5 week
Further
information
can
be
found
on
the
University
(http://www.ulc.manchester.ac.uk/english/full-time/pre-sessional/datesfees/)
Language
Centre
website
Q. What happens if I choose to retake an IELTS test but do not meet the overall requirement, can I choose to study
a Pre-sessional course then?
Yes, if it meets MBSs minimum requirement for an offer and is before the application deadline (see above). MBS will
update your offer according to your new score.