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IFG has campuses in central London and also Abu Dhabi in the UAE.  The London campus is 5 minutes walk from Bond Street underground (subway) station and our Abu Dhabi campus is in a brand-new building in an area well known for coffee bars and restaurants.  IFG also has a worldwide network of partner teaching centres so that students in Nigeria, Ghana, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Mongolia & Russia can study for an IFG qualification in their own country.

IFG’s main offer is a suite of 9-month University Foundation Programmes –  Business Management, Social Sciences (including Law), Engineering, Computer Science and Medical.   The programmes are recognised by IFG partner universities as equivalent to UK ‘A’ Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) and so meet the entry requirement for direct entry to undergraduate (bachelor) study.  They therefore offer a direct route to university in the UK and Australia for International students who have completed 11 or 12 years of education in their own country.

There are many international education companies offering pathway programmes, but what makes IFG standout is the one-to-one support they give to students when choosing where and what they want to study after completing their IFG pathway programme. IFG has a wide range of university partners offering a variety of degree-level courses and making the right choice is one of the most important decisions that international students will make in their life.   It is therefore especially important to IFG that students are given all the support they need to make the right choice.  Also, IFG recognises that international students want to improve their academic English and study skills while preparing for university and that is why IFG programmes have embedded English language development modules.  These modules help develop language skills as well as prepares students for the style of teaching & learning they will encounter at university.

Stefan concluded the open day by giving an overview of IFG pre-masters and other courses and pre-PhD offers and was available for any questions.

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We all know that mastering the complex and sophisticated writing and speaking skills required for success is not something that happens overnight and even for the best students requires a lot of hard work.  Enrolling on a General English Language programme or a specific English Language Exam Preparation programme is of course a good first step.  However, there are also many day-to-day, and often fun activities,which can also help improve your English outside of the classroom and at no extra cost.

1. Watch English language films
   Netflix shows can help you grasp the language better, get used to colloquial, conversational forms of English, and develop a feel for the language. However they may not always increase your debating skills or use of formal English, so also try to pick out words that sound quite casual and then look up their more academic or formal equivalents. Documentaries are a good starting point and there are tons online, we recommend starting with anything by David Attenborough.
2. Get familiar with English language news
   Try to read a variety of English language publications, such as newspapers, magazines, and online news sites. This variety of news sources will not only keep you up to date with current events but also help you build your vocabulary. Another benefit is that you will feel more at ease with the spelling of words and the situations and context in which they are used.
3. Listen to English music while reading the song lyrics
   We all like listening to music and if you stream music then you can also follow the lyrics at the same time.  Try listening with the lyrics a few times and then try without to see if you can follow the words.  Then sing a long and see if you get the words right.  Karaoke is an excellent way to practice this with friends.
4. Create your own dictionary
   Make a list of helpful terms and phrases in a notebook or on your computer. Also Include any unfamiliar words you come across or hear. Don’t just concentrate on the word but look up its synonyms and other uses as well.
5. Have English language chats with friends or other students
   Even though listening and reading exercises might be beneficial, you still need to interact with English and hone your speaking abilities. If you are fortunate, you may know a few native English speakers who can assist you, but if not, attempt to meet up with someone else who is also learning the language.
   When chatting with a native speaker outside of class or even with your teacher during your English Language Programme, pay attention to the natural phrases that they use. It is important to remember that there are always a number of natural responses to any question – even to a simple question like ‘how are you?’
6. Play online games in English
   Who doesn’t enjoy playing games?All learners, whatever their level, should routinely play English games as they provide a welcome and relaxing change from typical classes or assignments. There are many good online sites and offer an enjoyable way to practice your English.
7. Picture association
   Thinking of visuals that symbolise a word or idea in English is known as image association. Many people learn best by visualising words and so the use of flashcards with the words and an image can be a fantastic way to remember new words and phrases.
8. Practice speaking in front of a mirror
   When learning English or any foreign language it can feel quite weird and even a bit embarrassing to speak in public. Often this is because we are unsure of how we sound when we make sounds that are not present in our native tongue or sometimes, we just don’t want to make mistakes in front of people.
   So to boast your confidence try speaking in front of a mirror and pay attention to how your lips move. This will help to boost your self-confidence and your English pronunciation.
9. Record yourself speaking English (and listen!)
   Spend a few minutes every day recording your English. It doesn’t matter what you record – talk about your day, read a passage from an English book or newspaper, or just use some new English phrases you have learnt.
   This exercise is all about correcting your mistakes – so listen to the recording straight away and note any grammatical errors, mispronounced or misused words and then try again, focusing on the mistakes you made. Also remember to save the recording as you can play back earlier ones to remind you of the progress that you have made. This can be very motivational if you are evert having a tough time with your English study and in need of a pick-me-up!
10. Practice reading techniques
    Skimming and scanning are reading techniques that help to speed up your reading.  They are also extremely useful skills for the reading section of English tests such as IELTS and will definitely help you improve your score.
    Both are techniques that you will use in your own language without even realising it and so doing in English may be easier than you think.
    Skimming helps you to read something quickly to get the main idea. Instead of reading every word, you just focus on the title or topic heading, the first sentence in each paragraph and the last sentence.
    Scanning is useful for finding specific information. Think of the information you are looking for and then quickly look for the words related to that information.

 What do you think of our English language advice? Learning a language takes time, effort, and lots of practice. But we hope that these ideas and techniques will help to reach your goals faster.

But please remember that however you learn the important thing is to enjoy your study and make learning English fun!

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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.

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Our intriguing country will inspire you.

The United Kingdom is a diverse and lovely country with exciting adventures around every corner.

From Shakespeare to Tolkien to J.K Rowling, our landscapes have inspired writers ranging from Shakespeare to Tolkien to the majesty of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast. You’ll see incredible sights like the white cliffs of Dover, the Brecon Beacons, and the ancient, mythical runes of Stonehenge, a World Heritage Site that has stood since around 3,000 BC. If you’re seeking an urban flavour, towns and cities with everything from old castles to the most modern architecture and transportation networks will delight you.

This fascinating blend of old and new is what makes the UK such an interesting place to visit – and why we’re one of the world’s top tourist attractions.

Learn about a world-class cultural scene

The United Kingdom is the birthplace of cultural icons ranging from Hamlet to Harry Potter, and no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

We’re one of the best places on the planet to enjoy music, and we’ve given the world legends like the Beatles, Adele, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and Dua Lipa. So, whether you want to go partying at Manchester’s Printworks, get muddy at Glastonbury Festival, or keep things refined at London’s Royal Opera House, we have concerts and nights out to make your heart sing.

Fashion’s brightest stars have also left their mark at our universities. If you enjoy Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, or simply appreciate shopping for budget labels, you’ll discover fantastic apparel and style in stores all around the country.

We’re also home to some of the most memorable sporting moments. After all, the United Kingdom invented football, tennis, rugby, cricket, and many more sports. It means you could be rooting for Manchester City or Liverpool in the English Premier League one week and then watching the stunning Wimbledon singles final the next. You could even get involved with the clubs, teams, and societies that can be found at every UK institution.

You’ll also be able to get student discounts in stores, restaurants, online, and when travelling.

Consume as if you were a king or queen

The United Kingdom is a foodie’s dream, with Michelin-starred restaurants, the world’s best bars, award-winning rural pubs, and every type of foreign cuisine. Such broad culinary influences are unsurprising when you consider the various ethnicities that have made the UK their home, and you’ll find good and inexpensive food in every village, town, and metropolis.

In reality, some of the most well-known restaurants in the United Kingdom serve southwest Indian, Chinese, and West African cuisine. Our stores and supermarkets offer to accommodate a wide range of specialised and religious diets, and with a wide range of delivery options available, you’ll be able to effortlessly cater for a night in with friends (or a late-night study session!).

Where old traditions collide with new shocks

The UK’s heritage dates back centuries, and if you’re familiar with some of our well-known customs, we’re sure to surprise you with many more.

Have you ever seen the Guy Fawkes Night fireworks? Have you ever danced a Scottish ceilidh on celebrated Hogmanay? Or did you spend the summer solstice at Stonehenge? Here’s your chance to accomplish just that while also becoming a part of something very unique.

And, because many of our colleges have been around for decades, they have fascinating traditions of their own. Others of the very oldest may require you to wear a gown to dinner, much as at Hogwarts, and some may even allow you to play Quidditch.

To study in the UK can be the new fun, even our newest institutions have entertaining traditions that you may participate in. And, no matter where you study, you’ll find societies and clubs where you can explore new interests and meet new people.

Could you and your pals, for example, stroll backward in the morning? Or how about sailing a cardboard boat down one of England’s ancient rivers? Or do you want to leap into the frigid sea at dawn to ensure good luck in your exams?

Where we celebrate diversity and where everyone is welcome

We are very proud to be a contemporary, accepting society in which all ways of life are honored and everyone is welcome (in fact, discrimination against anyone based on race, nationality, or religion is illegal under our laws). To study in the UK as an international student, you will meet people from all over the world.

We also speak a variety of languages. Because, while the United Kingdom is the birthplace of English, Scots, and Welsh, you’ll hear people speaking languages ranging from Hindi to Mandarin, as well as every European language. This is especially true in our larger towns and cities, where over 300 languages are spoken alone in London.

Furthermore, every university in the United Kingdom is deeply committed to meeting their students’ religious and cultural needs on campus. That is, you will feel entirely safe, supported, and capable of making the most of your stay here.

It’s one of the numerous reasons why over 400,000 international students choose to study in the UK each year. Could you possibly be one of them?

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