Oxford Advanced Pre-sessional Course for Graduate Students



Overview

This enriching and intensive nine-week programme is designed to prepare students (both native and non-native speakers of English) for postgraduate study. Taught by subject specialist academics, you will study in the heart of Oxford, with full access to the facilities and collections of the Bodleian libraries.

The course aims to prepare you for the demands of graduate studies and is suitable for graduates from any discipline, as well as non-graduates with relevant professional experience and a flexible, inquiring mindset.

Courses in academic writing and research skills are complimented with classes in international relations, history and philosophy to help you:

  • develop your academic writing and speaking skills
  • critically engage with complex written and spoken texts
  • identify and apply effective reading strategies to a variety of texts
  • deliver presentations with confidence and clarity
  • participate effectively in seminars

Programme details

The course comprises of 15 hours of classes per week alongside guided self-study.

Academic Literacy Module

From day one we will teach you how to make optimal use of your time and resources, develop effective self-management skills and structure your own learning.

Courses include:

  • Academic literacy in practice
  • Planning, researching and writing a master’s dissertation
  • Advanced pronunciation practice
  • Academic and professional presentation skills
  • Weekly individual academic literacy tutorial

Additional optional classes for non-native speakers of English:

  • Oxford Test of English (Advanced) test practice, followed by an Oxford Test of English (Advanced) test. 

Academic Module

This module comprises introductory courses in philosophy, international relations and history and assumes no previous subject knowledge. It includes the following courses:

Open Lectures

You will be encouraged to attend the open lectures and seminars in areas of personal academic interest offered across the University. 

Timetable

You will have 10 classes each week. Please click here for a sample course timetable.

Certification

Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded a digital University of Oxford certificate of course completion.

You will also receive a transcript showing the grades achieved for your individual assignments.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee includes all tuition and course materials £6975.00

Funding

We are, unfortunately, unable to offer any bursaries or scholarships for the Advanced Pre-Sessional Course 2026 at present. 

Payment

The fees for this course are £6975.00. Your fees include:

  • All tuition
  • Academic and cultural orientation
  • All course books and study materials
  • Weekday morning teas/coffees
  • End of course field trip  

Please note that accommodation is not included.

Assessment methods

  • Two essays of 2,000 words
  • Formative assessment during the course

Application

The deadline for applications is 9 March 2026 at 2pm (UK time).

You should email us:

  • Your completed application form
  • A copy of passport pages indicating citizenship
  • Copies of your University/College transcript(s)
  • Personal Statement of max 500 words
  • IELTS (Academic) Test Results Certificate (if required, 6.5 score minimum)*, or Oxford Test of English (Advanced) Certificate
  • A recent CV
  • A passport-style photo for identification purposes

*You can request a language test waiver if you have studied a full-time, degree-level course within the last two years where the teaching and assessment was conducted entirely in English. Please email us if you have any questions.

In addition to the above, please provide the name, affiliation and email address of an academic or professional referee. Your application will not be considered unless you provide all the documentation requested above including contact details of your referee.

When we have received your completed application form and all related documentation, you will be contacted by the Course Administrator who will advise you if you are invited to the next stage of the selection process, an interview with the Course Director.

Please be aware that successful completion of the course would not automatically make you eligible for a master’s degree at Oxford. If you have any questions about the course content, structure or requirements then please contact us at ipfd@conted.ox.ac.uk.

You may also find our frequently asked questions helpful.

Selection criteria

We welcome applications from native speakers of English, as well as from international students whose first language is not English. The course is open to both graduates and non-graduates. Professional experience would be considered in lieu of academic qualifications.

Accommodation

We are not able to offer accommodation for the duration of the course, and students should be aware that it is ultimately their own responsibility to secure accommodation.

However, we are happy to provide students with advice on finding suitable accommodation in Oxford. Please contact us at ipfd@conted.ox.ac.uk.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support