Frequently Asked Questions

You can apply for the insessional programme if you are an international or EU student, registered at the University of Nottingham, whose first language is not English, and who has met the university's minimum English language entrance requirements. Socrates/Erasmus and Foundation students are also eligible.

The University's minimum English language entrance requirements are:

• IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.0 in any element)

• TOEFL 550 or 213 (computer-based). No less than 4.0 in TWE or essay rating

• TOEFL (Internet based) 79 (no less than 17 in any element)

• Assessment on a CELE Presessional course which states that you have met the minimum University of Nottingham English language entrance requirements.

NB: Several university departments require a higher language entrance score than the minimum stated above

NB: Please note that the insessional programme is a support (non-assessed) programme for students who have met the university's English language entrance requirements. It is not appropriate for students whose language competence is below the minimum University requirements. Students whose language level is below the required minimum, need to reach the IELTS or TOEFL scores above, or attend an intensive full time presessional course.

Broadly, the language and study skills areas covered are:

• academic writing skills

• academic reading

• listening

• grammar and vocabulary

• academic and conversational speaking

• pronunciation

We also offer one-to-one help with any individual queries relating to language and study skills. If writing is your problem, we can discuss any difficulties you may be having.

In addition, have a look at our guidance on self study.

CELE also offers credit bearing modules in English Language for international and exchange students.

In Semester 1 (October ~ December) you can choose three modules. Only one of these can be a 6-week Academic Writing Class.

In Semester 2, you can choose three modules in Term 2 (February ~ March) and one further module in Term 3 (April ~ June). There are no restrictions on how many Academic Writing Classes you can choose.

NB: The above modules are face-to-face modules, taught in classes. However, you can also access our online modules and other web based language learning resources and you can book individual consultations.

Think about which areas you need to improve in and read the module descriptions carefully.  Check days and times against your Department timetable to make sure there is no clash.

In Semester 1, if you have not previously attended a CELE Presessional or writing course, and would like help with writing, you should attend the 3-week or 1-day Introduction to Academic Writing first, before attending a further 6-week writing module

In Semester 2, all classes are six weeks long apart from Examination Writing (2 weeks) and Dissertation Writing (4 weeks). These last two classes are held after the Easter break.

There is no charge for attending timetabled classes on the main Insessional programme, or for individual consultations (a maximum of 5 per student per semester).

A fee is normally charged for specially tailored classes arranged for a particular School.

Classes are held at different locations across the University Park and Jubilee campuses

We also run language support classes at the Sutton Bonington campus.

Yes. You can discuss any language or study skill problem with a CELE tutor by booking a 30-minute consultation.  If writing is your problem, the website allows you to send a section of it (1,000 words maximum) to the tutor, so the tutor can read through it, give you feedback and help you overcome any difficulties with it when you come for the consultation. You need to send the writing 48 hours before your consultation. Please note that CELE tutors can help you overcome your difficulties, but they do not proofread.