Complete Guide to Pre-Masters Courses

Pre-masters courses are preparatory programmes that help students get ready for study at the postgraduate level. They equip students with the academic and language skills necessary to undertake a Masters degree.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about pre-Masters courses, including what (and who!) they are for, how long they take to complete, and more.

What is a pre-Masters?

The purpose of a pre-Masters course is to prepare students for postgraduate study. Many are intended for students who do not yet meet the entry requirements for their chosen Masters degree.

Pre-Masters courses have a heavy focus on foundational skills such as critical thinking, effective research, and academic writing. They are generally quite broad in scope and can lead to postgraduate degrees in a range of disciplines. For example, you might take a course in Science and Engineering, or Business and Economics. Within this, you can choose modules that are relevant to the specific Masters you plan on progressing to.

Some pre-Masters courses are specifically designed for international students looking to acquire the English language skills needed for postgraduate study in the UK. These combine a focus on academic skills with English language tuition, and help students familiarise themselves with the UK higher education system.

Courses may also include internships, employability workshops and networking opportunities.

If you pass the course, you’ll usually be able to progress straight onto your Masters degree of choice at the same university. You can also choose to apply for a postgraduate degree at another university with the added advantage of a pre-Masters qualification on your transcript (this will not automatically guarantee you a place, however).

Who should take a pre-Masters course?

You might consider taking a pre-Masters course if:

• You don’t yet meet the academic requirements for your chosen Masters degree
• You’re looking to apply for a Masters degree in a different subject area to the one you studied at undergraduate level
• You’re an international student wanting to improve your English language skills
• You’ve been out of education for a while and want to brush up on your academic skills before progressing to the postgraduate level

How long does a pre-Masters course take?

Pre-Masters courses can vary considerably in length. They generally take either 1 semester (12 weeks) or 2 semesters (24 weeks), though some are completed over an entire academic year.

Some universities offer integrated pre-Masters and Masters programmes. These usually take 2 years to complete.

What are the entry requirements for a pre-Masters course?

To be accepted onto a pre-Masters course, you’ll usually need the following:

• An undergraduate degree from a recognised institution. Most universities will accept students with a third-class degree, though some may require a 2:2
• Proof of language proficiency. The most common requirement for a pre-Masters course is an IELTS score of at least 5.5 in all sections

Some courses will only accept students over the age of 21 (though younger applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis).

Entry requirements will vary from university to university, so make sure to check them carefully before applying!

How much does a pre-Masters course cost?

The cost of a pre-Masters course can vary quite widely. Generally, UK students can expect to pay between £3,495 and £9,500 for an entire course. Not all universities charge higher fees for international students, but those that do may charge as much as £18,000-23,000.

Ready to start applying? You can browse pre-Masters courses here on FindAMasters