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Pre-Sessional English - Research (PSER) Programme

If English is not your first language, you may need to join a PSER programme before starting your Research Degree at De Montfort university. This is a specialist programme to prepare international research degree students for research study in UK higher education. The Pre-Sessional English - Research (PSER) Programme can only be used in conjunction with a campus based PhD. It cannot be used with an International PhD (IPhD).

Learning outcomes & Course duration

The PSER programme is a campus based programme. It is 9-weeks of intensive study in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), aimed at prospective students who need to provide evidence of English ability to begin a PhD at De Montfort university. The programme is a mixture of live taught sessions and guided asynchronous study.

The overall aims of the PSER Programme are for students to:

  • Develop ability in the four language skills of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, to the level required for a PhD, equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall and no less than 6.0 in each component.
  • Develop a vocabulary which is appropriate for various academic contexts, both spoken and written.
  • Develop a range of study skills necessary for PhD study.
  • Develop an awareness of UK Academic Culture, including key issues such as critical thinking, plagiarism and autonomy.

Entry Criteria

  • A UKVI IELTS (Academic) known as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate at 6.0 or equivalent, with no component below 5.5 and shall have been taken not more than two years prior to entry.

Benefits of completing the PSER

  • Develop your ability to write in academic contexts.
  • Develop a range of essential reading skills for PhD.
  • Develop your speaking and listening skills.
  • Gain insight into the UK research degree lifecycle.
  • Improve your academic study skills.
  • Increase your English language skills, including improved academic vocabulary.

 Programme Fees

The PSER programme fee is yet to be confirmed for the next PSER. You must make full payment before the programme begins. You must also make a deposit payment of 50% of your Research Degree fees. This information will be outlined within your offer letter. Further information will be available early 2024.

 Deadline & How to apply

The next available PSER for Research Degrees will be available in the summer of 2024. This will be for PhD admission in October 2024. Further information will appear on this webpage early 2024.

Applicants must contact a potential supervisor, prior to applying. This will establish a mutual interest in research and will help your application to be aligned with like-minded academics. Please mention the name(s) of any academic you have contacted on applying. Applications will not be considered unless this has been done.

For further information on applying to the Research Degree PSE programme, please email the PGR Admissions team: PGRadmissions@dmu.ac.uk