Pre-master's courses

  • A pre-master’s course will prepare you for success in your master’s degree. You will improve your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level.

    You should consider taking a pre-master’s course if any of the following applies to you:

    • You want to meet the academic or language requirements for a master’s.
    • You want to boost your confidence and experience UK university life before your master’s.
    • You have not studied for some time and want some extra preparation.
  • Ousama-Zahr-Lebanon

    I can see I’m making exceptional progress in terms of how to conduct research, how to put together a research paper, the proper unbiased way of analysis and the generation of results. This pre-masters course also focuses on how to improve my presentation skills and guides us on proper discussion and group interaction, helping me connect with people from all over the world.

    Ousama Zahr - Lebanon, Pre-master’s followed by MSc Management and Entrepreneurship

  • 5 benefits of our pre-master’s courses

    1. Once you enrol you will have a guaranteed pathway to your master’s by passing with appropriate grades.
    2. Study from just 12-24 weeks depending on your needs.
    3. You have access to the same high- quality facilities and support services as our degree students.
    4. You will have a personal academic adviser to support your studies and help you make the right decisions in your course.
    5. You will study and become friends with people from all over the world, making your time on your course unforgettable.

  • Find out more about pre-master's courses

  • After your pre-master's

    A pre-master’s course will prepare you for a master's degree in many subject areas, see the course page to find out more. Some master's degrees may have further requirements such as work experience or a portfolio. A pre-master's does not provide these but will still develop the study skills and academic language level you need. 


  • 12-week pre-master's courses

    These short, one-semester courses provide the extra preparation you need for your master's degree. One of these pre-master's courses is for native or near-native English speakers.

    • 1 semester
    • Start in January, May, or Sepember
    • IELTS 6.0 (6.0 in Reading/Writing; 5.5 in Listening/Speaking)
    Find out more about the Pre-master's Certificate: English Language and Study Skills
    • 1 semester
    • Start in January
    • IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in all skills) or native/near-native speaker
    Find out more about the Pre-Master's Certificate: Study Skills

  • 24-week pre-master's course

    The Pre-Master's Diploma lasts one academic year if you need longer to prepare for a master's degree.

    • 2 semesters
    • Start in January or September
    • IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in each skill) required
    Find out more about the Pre-Master’s Diploma

  • Two-Year Master's

    Combine a pre-master's with a master's degree in a single programme. You only need one visa and one application for the entire course.

  • Combine your pre-master's with a master's degree in a single programme. You only need one visa and one application for the entire course.

    • 2 years
    • Start in January or September. You will progress automatically to your master's degree after passing your first year.
    • IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in each skill) required
    Find out more about the Two-Year Master's