Pre-sessional English (PSE) at Heriot Watt

It is a short English assessment designed by Heriot‑Watt University and delivered by our China Office. It helps place you onto the correct online Pre‑sessional English (PSE) programme if you don’t have an accepted English language test. 

The test is available only to students in China who want to join Heriot‑Watt’s online PSE programmes. 

The test costs £65, making it a much more affordable option compared to IELTS or a similar English language test. 

Most students receive their results within a few days, providing a fast alternative to IELTS, especially during busy application periods. 

Yes. The test is accepted specifically for entry to Heriot‑Watt’s online PSE programmes. It cannot be used for on‑campus PSE programmes.  

No. You do not need IELTS meet our entry requirements using this test. However, you do need IELTS for UKVI  or  another SELT if you plan to study on campus in the UK. 

Yes. The test has been designed with support from our China Office. 

This test is only for entry to Heriot‑Watt’s online PSE. Other universities may accept our PSE completion certificate, but not the placement test itself. 

Yes. Students can enrol on Heriot‑Watt’s online Pre‑sessional English (PSE) even if their final destination is another UK university. Many institutions recognise our PSE as an acceptable alternative to IELTS for English‑language entry.

Before applying, we strongly recommend checking that the chosen university accepts the Heriot‑Watt PSE as part of their admissions requirements.

Application deadlines depend on the type of PSE programme:

• On‑campus PSE: Applications normally close 3 weeks before the start date
• Online PSE: Applications normally close 2 weeks before the start date

These deadlines help ensure time for payment, placement and preparation.
Please note that deadlines may change based on demand, so applicants should apply as early as possible to secure a place.

For some applicants, the student number may take up to 48 hours to generate after your offer has been issued.

If your number does not appear after 48 hours, please email englishadmissions@hw.ac.uk

Our admissions team will check your record and update your offer letter.

Your enrolment process will start once your offer becomes Unconditional Firm (UF).

When your start date is approaching, you will receive a Welcome Email. This email includes your Heriot‑Watt Username (HWU ID), which you will use, along with the email address you applied with, to create your password and activate your student account.

After creating your student account, you will be able to register for your PSE programme, using the Student Self Service.

This process is the same for all PSE students.

When you register, you must choose the correct PSE programme codes based on the length of your PSE programme. If you are unsure, or if something is unclear, please email academicenglish@hw.ac.uk.

For students enrolling online, the programme codes are:

• 14‑week PSE: C68EB, C68EC, C68ED
• 10‑week PSE: C68EC and C68ED (Semester 3 programmes only)
• 6‑week PSE: C68ED (Semester 3 programmes only)

Selecting the correct programme codes ensures you are placed into the right level of online PSE support.

If you take another English test or improve your score and want to change to a different PSE intake, we will try to accommodate this before the programme starts. However, this is subject to availability.

To request a change of intake, please email englishadmissions@hw.ac.uk with your full details.

Results will be released for the programmes on the following dates:

• May-July: 21 August 2026
• October: 27 November 2026

Your results will be emailed to you as soon as they are finalised and approved.

Heriot‑Watt assesses PSE performance using the following grade scale:

• A: 70%+
• B: 60–69%
• C: 50–59%
• D: 40–49%
• E: 30–39%

To progress to most degree programmes, you need an overall Grade C average (55%+), equivalent to CEFR B2+ or IELTS 6.0.

Programmes requiring CEFR C1 typically expect an overall Grade B.

IELTS mapping for reference:

• 55%+ = IELTS 6.0
• 60%+ = IELTS 6.5
• 65%+ = IELTS 7.0
• 70%+ = IELTS 7.5

Your certificate will display:

• Your overall PSE grade
• Your individual skill scores (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking — each 25%)
• An IELTS equivalency statement

Many universities accept this certificate as proof of English‑language readiness for degree entry.

Tuition fees can be paid using the University’s secure online payment facility when you enrol. When you choose your programme, there will be a ‘Proceed to Payment’ button for you to begin online payment.

Students who are unable to pay by card should contact globalcollege-student-support@hw.ac.uk for alternative payment options

You will pay your tuition fees when completing your online enrolment. 

If you pay online via our secure online payment facility you will be automatically issued with a receipt. If you did not receive a receipt or have paid via an alternative method then please email student-services-uk@hw.ac.uk. 

Tuition fees can be paid using the University’s secure online payment facility. If you have not yet enrolled then please select ‘Applicant’, if you have enrolled then please select ‘Student’.

Students who are unable to pay be card should contact globalcollege-student-support@hw.ac.uk for alternative payment options.

Payment for your tuition fees is due prior to your enrolment, to ensure the best student experience possible. 

If you pay online via our secure online payment facility you will be automatically issued with a receipt. If you did not receive a receipt or have paid via an alternative method then please email student-services-uk@hw.ac.uk. 

Please contact: academicenglish@hw.ac.uk