Not sure if you meet the entry requirements to study at postgraduate level in the UK? Then read this article and learn a little more about Pre-masters programmes and the way they will assist you with your future study and career ambitions.

Pre-masters programmes are an excellent way to gain more exposure and knowledge in a subject or industry you are curious about. Pre-masters allow students to gain an understanding of the curriculum of their intended masters programme as well as gain priceless knowledge from experienced professionals. Pre-masters programmes are specifically designed for international students who do not  meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a masters programme in the UK. It  is often a perfect option for people that have already got considerable work experience and need to deepen their skills and expertise in a specific field but don’t have a first degree. 

If you’ve had your eye on studying a postgraduate qualification, and particularly a masters degree you’d have encountered pre-masters programmes in your research. Sometimes it’s not always easy to know the differences between the qualifications and courses on offer and why you’d need to apply or enrol for a pre-masters programme. We hope that the following information will help answer your questions.

What are Pre-Masters programmes?

Pre-masters programmes provide international students with a path to a wide variety of postgraduate degrees at UK universities.  In addition to a particular subject focus such as business, law or engineering, these programmes offer you the tutorial tools needed for study at postgraduate level in the UK.  These tools include academic writing, attentive listening skills, and knowledge of specific subject & academic vocabulary, all of which will give you the confidence for your future studies. 

Pre-masters programmes generally take one academic year (9 months) to complete and lead to entry to postgraduate study in September or January.  

What are the entry requirements for a pre-masters?

To enrol on a pre-masters programme, you will need to satisfy a variety of entry requirements. These can vary from programme to programme and also depend on the postgraduate subject area that the pre-masters leads to.  Common entry requirements include:

• Recognised higher/advanced diploma in a related discipline
• Degree from your country in any discipline
• Significant work experience in a related field 

You will also need to show that you have an English level equivalent to IELTS 6.0 (some programmes may accept an English level of IELTS 5.5)

What subjects will I study on a pre-masters programme?

Pre-masters programmes have two main objectives, to prepare you for study at postgraduate level in English and to give you a background in the subject area that you intend to study.

So the pre-masters that you choose will depend on the subject you want to study a masters degree in. Therefore if you want to study an MA in Business Management you would take a pre-masters in Business that will give you an introduction to topics such as Finance, Business Strategy,  Leadership, Enterprise & Innovation and Sustainable Risk Management. 

To help you prepare for study at masters level you will also study the specific English academic skills you will need.  So for a pre-masters in Business, these would include skills such as academic writing (including essay writing, bibliography referencing, and structuring a business case), vocabulary and specialist terminology required in business fields.  You will also learn critical thinking and analytical skills which will help you to clearly present complex business arguments.

Why study a pre-masters?

Studying at a masters degree level is a major step even if you have already studied at the subject at undergraduate level.  This is an even greater step if you decide to change direction and study a different subject than you studied at undergraduate level.

Through a pre-masters programme, you will develop a solid knowledge of the topics  which you’ll need for postgraduate study. Plus by the time you complete the course you will have learnt how to write essays, compose bibliographies, and clearly outline your ideas, strategies and theories.  Finally and importantly you will have  improved  your English proficiency to the level required for your masters programme and ensure that you get the most from your future study.

Where to study your pre-masters?

 If you take your pre-masters in an English-speaking country you’ll get the opportunity  to live in a foreign country whilst studying. 

One important point to consider when deciding to take a pre-masters or masters programme in a foreign country is which country or city you choose to study in.  There is a large range of options out there to choose from so we recommend that you do some research to find a course and also a destination and student environment that suits you the best.  This research will help to avoid any disappointment when you arrive.

Good luck with your pre-masters and future study and I hope that this article has helped.