Take the next step with postgraduate study at a top university in the UK
Prepare for a Masters degree
The Pre-Masters programme will build the skills for success at postgraduate level.
*Start dates vary depending on the International Study Centre and the student's English language level, please see below for more information.
^Degree study start date vary by each University.
Three good reasons to study a Pre-Masters
1. To develop high-level academic English and study skills
Masters study requires students to be able to use English in the academic environment to a high standard. The Pre-Masters course gives a thorough grounding in these areas, so that students have the confidence to take part in presentations and seminars, and thrive academically.
2. To improve academic knowledge beyond degree or diploma level
Students don’t have to have studied a degree to apply to start a Pre-Masters. Some courses offer entry for students who have studied to diploma level. Pre-Masters courses offer a variety of routes, where modules are designed to ensure students study the specific subjects required.
3. To study a new subject area
If students want to study a completely new field or change career, the Pre-Masters will give them the new academic knowledge required to take their chosen path.
University of Aberdeen
May or September start
Become a part of the Aberdeen Family and find academic success at a top 15 UK University (The Guardian University Guide 2024) with our fast-track twelve-week Pre-Masters Programme.
Our International Study Centre in the heart of the Old Aberdeen Campus offers a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. 100% of students who completed the Pre-Masters Programme at Aberdeen ISC were offered progression to a degree course at the University of Aberdeen in 2023.
Cardiff University
September, November (Enhanced Induction) or January start
Cardiff is the perfect new home for an international student. A proudly multicultural city with a long history of welcoming people from all over the world.
Cardiff University is a respected Russell Group university and is known for its research-informed teaching. 90% of their research is world-leading or internationally excellent as confirmed by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
Durham University
September, November (Enhanced Induction) or January start
Durham University consistently ranks as one of the top 100 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings).
At Durham students join a community of world-leading academics who deliver cutting-edge research and curriculum. Students learn about the very latest developments in your subject area, and will be taught by inspiring teachers who are passionate about learning
University of Huddersfield
June or September start
Student-centred and focused on graduate employment, courses at Huddersfield are tailored to the demands of 21st-century business.
The University is in the UK top 20 for work placements (HESA Student Record 20/21) and 100% of students at the university have the opportunity to undertake professional work experience during their studies.
Kingston University London
September, January, March or May start
Kingston University London offers career-focused courses and excellent teaching, which makes it the perfect place for ambitious students with big plans in business. This is why it is proud to be ranked number one for graduate start-ups out of all higher education institutions in the United Kingdom in the latest Higher Education - Business and Community Interaction survey.
Kingston is also just 25 minutes from the centre of London, the best city for students (QS Best Student Cities 2024).
Liverpool John Moores University
April start
As a welcoming, safe and culturally diverse city, Liverpool is an amazing place to live and learn. Studying at postgraduate level will give students access to high-quality teaching, ground-breaking research as well as extensive links to employers, entrepreneurs and business leaders.
With the combined visa, students can save both time and money, and experience a seamless transition to postgraduate success.
Royal Holloway University of London
March start
Students who choose Royal Holloway will be joining a university ranked among the UK’s top 30 (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024) and also be able to experience the best of the UK.
The scenic campus is located in a safe and peaceful environment, while also being close to the exciting city of London, where you can enjoy world-famous British culture.
The University of Sheffield
September, November (Enhanced Induction), January or March start
As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, The University of Sheffield’s extraordinary academic reputation attracts the best students, teachers and researchers from around the world.
The International College gives international students the perfect introduction to studying abroad. 94% of studentswho completed their Pre-Masters Programme at the International College were offered a place to study Masters degree at University of Sheffield in 2023.
University of Strathclyde
March, September, November (Enhanced Induction) or January start
Established as a ‘place of useful learning’ and a top 20 UK university (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024), the multi-award winning University of Strathclyde is home to one of the largest and best-equipped engineering faculties in Scotland, and the triple-accredited Strathclyde Business School. Students get to live and study in Glasgow, one of the most dynamic and cultural cities in the UK.
The International Study Centre is located in the Graham Hills Building at the University campus. You’ll have access to world-class facilities, receive personalised support and progress monitoring. 97% of students who completed the Pre-Masters Programme at the International Study Centre were offered progression to a degree course at the University of Strathclyde in 2023.
University of Surrey
May, September, November (Enhanced Induction) or January start
The University of Surrey was awarded the accolade of University of the Year for Graduate Employment 2022 (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide). 95% of postgraduates were in employment (or further study) within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022).
Located in historic and beautiful Guildford, and just 34 minutes to London via train, Surrey's campus offers a safe, friendly and vibrant environment with excellent facilities for postgraduate study.
University of Sussex
September, November (Enhanced Induction), January or April start
The opportunity to learn at Sussex gives students the opportunity to change the world. Since its foundation in 1961, the University has been at the forefront of change – pushed for development and demanded more, creating a better future for individuals and communities around the world.
The University of Sussex campus offers a unique combination of tranquility and energy, surrounded by a beautiful national park, yet at the same time just a short train journey from Brighton.
Teesside University
April or September start
In the International Student Barometer 2022, Teesside University was ranked number one out of 32 UK universities for overall happiness. The university delivers a future-facing learning experience with embedded real-life work environments in many courses.
Teesside University International Study Centre is based on a friendly, town-centre campus in Middlesbrough, a large town in north-east England.
“I just finished my degree last year in July. My graduation was in September so right after the graduation I straightaway I did my Pre-Masters. I find the teaching style is really good. Teachers at the International College really know what they are doing and what they are talking about and especially teaching me for research projects.”
Nur Aliaa from Malaysia
Pre-Masters – Business, Law and Social Science
The University of Sheffield International College
"I wanted some kind of preparatory phase before I jumped into my masters. I think the Pre-Masters Programme gets you in that scholar mind-state... It was really good because that pretty much set a foundation for my thinking. The things I'm doing right now, they're a bit different, but they're all full of the same general logic to it.”
Michael from Nigeria
Pre-Masters in Business and Social Studies at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre
Progressed to MSc Investment and Finance
“The Pre-Masters programme taught me a lot about presentation and essay skills. I think the academic quality here is high. I love this university. The reason I came here was because Brighton is famous in China. It has a beautiful seaside. The weather is great. The location of Brighton is really good. I can go to London within one hour. It’s a really good experience.”
Xiaochen from China
Pre-Masters – Management and Finance
University of Sussex International Study Centre
“The course is very good, I’m happy. It’s helping me to understand more about my Master’s later. I recently went on a field trip to research for my journal and to Bath and Manchester for my final project. My lecturer took us to a museum and gave us good information about art. Huddersfield is a small city but it’s very comfortable and quiet. There are a lot of international students here too so it’s a very good environment for studying.”
Elisabeth from Indonesia
Pre-Masters – Art and Design
University of Huddersfield International Study Centre