Pre-Master's courses

“The Pre-Masters gave me a way to build my skills without feeling overwhelmed. After taking time away from education, I did not want to go straight into a Master’s degree without preparation. The course helped me improve my academic English, research skills and understanding of writing for postgraduate studies. It gave me the foundation to work from and made the transition into further study more manageable.”

Jeffry, Indonesia, Pre-Masters Diploma: English Language and Study Skills followed by MSc Digital Marketing, Student

Find out more about Pre-Master's courses

What Pre-Master’s courses are available?

There are four Pre-Master’s courses offered by Oxford Brookes. All of the programmes focus on improving study skills and content knowledge.

The Pre-Master’s Diploma is studied across two semesters (24 weeks) from January to August, or September to May. Applicants are required to hold IELTS level 5.5 (with 5.5 in each skill).
The Two Year Master’s is a Pre-Master’s Diploma (24 weeks) followed by direct entry onto a master’s. Entry is from January to August, or September to May. Applicants are required to hold IELTS level 5.5 (with 5.5 in each skill). You only need one visa and one application for the entire course.
The Pre-Master’s Certificate: English Language and Study Skills is studied across one semester (12 weeks), from September to December, January to May, or May to August. Applicants are required to hold IELTS level 6 (with 6 in reading and writing and 5.5 in all other skills).
The Pre-Master’s Certificate: Study Skills is studied across one semester (12 weeks), from January to May. Applicants are required to hold IELTS level 7, because this programme is designed for native (or near-native) English speakers.

Please refer to the individual course pages for more information on entry requirements.

Which Pre-Master’s course do I need to take, and how do I apply?

The Pre-Master’s course you should take will depend on your current academic level and the master’s course you are applying for. We would encourage you to submit an application for your choice of course so our Admissions team can complete an assessment.

If you opt to apply for direct entry to your choice of master’s but don’t meet the entry requirements, our Admissions team may make an alternative offer for one of our Pre-Master’s courses. You will then start your master’s after successful completion of the Pre-Master’s at the required grades.

Please refer to the individual course pages for more information on entry requirements. For assistance with your application contact our admissions team on admissions@brookes.ac.uk.

What is the difference between a Pre-Master’s and a Two Year Master’s?

The Pre-Master’s Certificate and Diploma programmes are designed to improve your academic level and can help you meet the entry requirements of your chosen master’s. The applications are made separately and you will need individual visas for the Pre-Master’s and master’s courses.

The Two Year Master’s is a single programme, with a Pre-Master’s and master’s combined. This programme is suitable for those who already meet the degree requirements of their chosen master’s, but wish to improve their study skills before starting their master’s. You will need one application and one visa.

What happens after the Pre-Master’s?

A Pre-Master’s course will prepare you for a master's degree in many subject areas. Following successful completion of the Pre-Master’s at the required grades, you will be able to progress onto your master’s. Some master's degrees may have further requirements such as work experience or a portfolio. Individual course pages will outline any further entry requirements, and if a Pre-Master’s is a possible pathway onto the course.