Two Year Master's Programme
Accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English
Overview
Combine your master's and pre-master's in one application
This new Two Year Master's Programme is designed to develop your English language, study skills and knowledge of your subject area in the first year, then for you to progress to your chosen master's course at Oxford Brookes in the second year. On successful completion of the two year programme you will be awarded the master's degree of your course eg MSc, MA.
The programme gives you the opportunity to apply for your chosen master's course if you do not meet the English language requirements for direct entry, or you need to improve your study skills and content knowledge. You will only need to make one application and you can apply for one visa to cover the whole two years of study.
Many full-time master's courses at Oxford Brookes University can be taken as this two year programme (See Progression and degree options for further information).
Teaching, learning and assessment
Learning methods include:
- lectures, seminars and tutorials
- group and individual project work and presentations
- supervised independent learning
- critical thinking tasks.
Assessment is by means of a range of coursework, including essays and papers, in-class writing tasks, project work and presentations, listening and summary assignments, and the compilation of reflective portfolios.
Teaching hours
You will have 16 class hours each week, with additional time needed for homework, projects, assignments and independent study, making the total amount of study per week about 36 hours. Classes are Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays), usually between 9am and 4pm. Some subject modules may be 5pm and 8pm. Most classes are 3 hours long including a 10 minute break.
Accreditation and quality
Your Pre-Master's will be taught by highly qualified academic staff in Oxford Brookes International. They are specialists in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), who have many years of teaching experience in the UK and overseas.
We are accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English as a foreign language. The report from our last inspection stated:
The British Council inspected and accredited Oxford Brookes International in October 2009. The Accreditation Scheme assesses the standards of management, resources and premises, teaching and welfare and accredits organisations which meet the overall standard in each area inspected (see www.britishcouncil.org/accreditation for details).
The large English language teaching department of this university offers courses in academic English for adults.
Points of excellence were noted in aspects of general management, academic resources, course design and learner training.
The inspection report stated that the organisation met the standards of the Scheme.
In detail
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483874
pathways@brookes.ac.uk
This programme combines our Pre-Master's Diploma with a master's course at Oxford Brookes University.
Year 1
In your first year you will study our Pre-Master's Diploma to improve your English language and study skills to the level needed for postgraduate study. You will also choose from a wide range of subject modules to improve your academic knowledge.
You will be taught in a supportive multi-cultural environment to allow you to familiarise yourself with the teaching styles and life at an English speaking university. You will benefit from the expertise and experience of our teaching staff in preparing international students for university study.
Year 2
In the second year you will transfer to your chosen master's course. On successful completion of the two year programme you will be awarded the master's degree of your course eg MSc, MA.
The following information is about your pre-master's in your first year. For more information about the content of the second year please see your chosen master's course entry in our online prospectus.
Modules
In your first year you will take:
- six compulsory language and study skills modules
- two subject modules in a subject of your choice.
Compulsory modules:
- Reading and Research improves your skills in academic research, reading and analysis. You will develop the skills required to locate appropriate sources through library catalogues, databases and the internet, and to assess the academic credibility, validity and usefulness of those sources. You will practise intensive text comprehension skills, note-taking and summarising, critical thinking, reasoning and self-reflection.
- Academic Writing enables you to write an academic case study, essay and a report. You will learn to effectively summarise and evaluate secondary sources, to apply your reading to a specific issue or question and how to use correct citation techniques. You will also develop the skills necessary for writing at a postgraduate level including planning, brainstorming, editing, text organisation and rewriting.
- Basic Seminar Skills enables you to practise the listening and speaking skills needed for group presentations, listening to lectures and news, and engage in critical discussions.
- Advanced Reading and Research Skills will widen your research skills and develop the necessary reading skills as preparation for writing and seminar assignments at a master’s level. You will learn to apply your reading to a specific issue or question, and to evaluate and summarise secondary sources for use in writing assignments. You will also develop your knowledge of quotation, paraphrasing and citation techniques, and to write a bibliography following academic conventions.
- Extended Writing Project gives you the opportunity to carry undertake a research project leading to an extended research paper in your own subject area, and to a reflective essay on the process followed. The research can be undertaken using only secondary sources, or both secondary and primary sources. It is a double module, ie 6 hours a week (2 x 3 hours) to enable you to get practice and support with writing through classes, tutorials, lectures, workshops and online discussion forums.
- Advanced Seminar Skills develops your listening, seminar and presentation skills to and advanced level, building on the skills learnt in the Basic Seminar Skills module. You will practice listening to lectures with note-taking and summary writing activities. You will get varied speaking practice in pair and group discussions, consensus activities and a formal debate. You will develop your presentation skills with a researched individual presentation in your your own subject area.
Subject modules:
Your subject modules will improve your knowledge of your subject area, and give you experience of studying at a UK university.
A wide range of options are available from the university's modular programme. The subjects you choose will depend on your master's subject in the second year.
- Business (including e-Business, International Management, International Business Law, Hospitality and Tourism, Accountancy, Marketing, and Economics)
- Social Sciences and Law (including Politics, International Relations, Law, International Human Rights, Sociology, Psychology, and Anthropology)
- Education (including Communication and Media, Language and Linguistics, Sports and Coaching, Philosophy, and Religion, Culture and Ethics)
- Built Environment (including Architecture, Construction, Real Estate, Planning, Environmental Sustainability)
- Technology (including Computing, Mathematics, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering)
- Life Sciences (including Biotechnology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Sports Science)
- Health and Social Care (including nursing, social work and public heath)
Please note: the choice of subject modules depends on availability and may change without notice.
If you start in January you will take an independent study module instead of a subject module during the summer semester.
Course dates
You can start the programme in September or January.
If you choose to start this course in January you will continue your pre-master's studies through the summer so you can transfer to a master's course starting in September.
September 2012 start
Semester 1: 17 September – 21 December 2012
Semester 2: 21 January – 17 May 2013
Start your Master's on 16 September 2013
January 2013 start
Semester 1: 21 January – 17 May 2013
Semester 2: 31 May – 24 August 2013
Start your Master's on 16 September 2013
Key facts
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483874
pathways@brookes.ac.uk
Taught by
Course length
Full-time: Two years - Pre-Master's Diploma plus master's degree
Teaching location
Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane site
Start date
September
2012
January
or
September
2012
Contact
Mark O'Keeffe (International Admissions Manager)
pathways@brookes.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 484301
Admissions Office
admissions@brookes.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 483040
Progression and degree options
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483874
pathways@brookes.ac.uk
The following master's are currently available as part of this programme. You do not need to specify which master's subject before you start the programme. You will receive support and guidance during your first year in making this choice.
Two Year Master's Degree - Business
- MSc Accounting
- MSc Finance
- MSc International Business Economics
- MSc Business and Enterprise
- MSc Business Management
- MSc eBusiness
- MSc Human Resource Management
- MSc International Management
- MSc International Management and International Relations
- MSc International Trade and Logistics
- MSc Marketing
Two Year Master's Degree - Technology, Design and Environment
- MSc Computing
- MSc Digital Media Production
Two Year Master's Degree - Humanities and Social Sciences
- MA International Studies
Other subjects
Other master's options may be available on a case by case basis. Please contact the Programme Administrator, Krisztina Jaksa on pathways@brookes.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1865 483623 for further infromation.
Tuition fees
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483874
pathways@brookes.ac.uk
The tuition fees for the pre-master's year are:
- £8,640 (2011/12)
- £9,500 (2012/13)
This fee is the same for international, EU and UK students.
In your second year the tuition fees are those for the relevant master's course.
Apply / Entry reqs
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483874
pathways@brookes.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Academic
- Second class honours degree or equivalent overseas qualification
English language
- IELTS 5.5 with 5.5 in all skills;
- TOEFL ibt 72 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening and 20 in speaking;
- or equivalent
If you do not meet the English language requirements you could take our University English course before starting this programme.
English language requirements for visas
This course is classed as a B2 level for visa purposes. To apply for a student visa you will need to meet the minimum B2 English language requirements.
How to apply
You should apply for this programme through UKPASS, the online application service. Use one of the following links to go to the application form. You will need to register with UKPASS
Please check the master's available to you in the Progression and degree options section before applying.
- Two Year Master's Degree - Business
- Two Year Master's Degree - Technology, Design and Environment
- Two Year Master's Degree - Humanities and Social Sciences
Contact the Programme Administrator, Krisztina Jaksa on pathways@brookes.ac.uk if you would like advice on your application.
More information about applying through UKPASS
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
