What is a pre-master's?

Pre-master's courses range from 10 weeks to 12 months, and are for international students who have not quite met the required education or skills level to do a UK master's degree. They are designed to prepare students for studying at a postgraduate level in the UK, including improving English language and study skills, alongside acquainting international students with UK university teaching methods and cultures.

Do I need to study a pre-master's?

It is always best to double check on whether or not you will be required to complete a pre-master's course before you can do a UK master's degree. 

As a general guideline, however, there are a few points that would make studying a pre-master's necessary:

- Your undergraduate degree results do not meet the required standard for postgraduate study.

- Your English language skills do not meet the required level.

- Your study, research, or presentation skills do not meet the required level.

- You are originally from a country (and studied your undergraduate degree there), whereby completing a pre-master’s course is obligatory if you wish to study for a master's in the UK. Contact Team AppUK today if you are unsure if this applies to you.

There are international colleges at many universities all across the UK that offer pre-master's courses as pathways into postgraduate study programmes. Read on for our pick of the top international colleges for pre-master's programmes in the UK!

Cambridge Ruskin International College (CRIC)

University: Anglia Ruskin University

Location: Cambridge, Chelmsford (Essex), England

Cost: £6,500 - £9,500 (dependent on length of course)

The length of a pre-master's course at CRIC is one semester (around 3 months). The pre-master's course aims to assist students in developing core academic skills related to their chosen postgraduate degree. Areas in which the college offer pre-master's pathways include Art and Design, Business, Computing and Technology, and Engineering. Courses can be studied at either the Cambridge or Chelmsford locations, with students then progressing on to the university campus in the same city. Pre-master's intakes are three times a year; September, January, and June.

Entry requirements vary depending on student's home countries. You can find more details here.

International College at Robert Gordon University (ICRGU)

University: Robert Gordon University

Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

Cost: £6,600

All pre-master's programmes at ICRGU last for 10 weeks, and are designed to provide students with the specific skills, knowledge, and focus in order for them to successfully complete their chosen master's degree. They offer postgraduate programmes in Accounting and Finance, Built Environment, Business and Management, Computing, and Law, with students then progressing onto master's programmes in the same areas of study. They have three intakes across the year; June, October, and February.

Find out more about the entry requirements here.

Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)

University: Birmingham City University

Location: Birmingham, England

Cost: £8,200 - £16,500 (dependent on length of course)

The length of pre-master's courses at BCUIC are dependent on the student's previous educational background. The programmes range from one, to two or three semesters. All programmes include modules on ICT skills, critical thinking, and research methods surrounding the subject area of the master's students will then go on to complete. Courses offered include Architecture, Art, Art Management, Built Environment, Business, Design, Engineering and Management, Fashion, Law, and Media. The college has three intakes across the year; September, January, and May.

Find more details on entry requirements here.

Edinburgh International College (EIC)

University: Edinburgh Napier University

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Cost: £6,950

Pre-master's programmes at EIC are one semester in length, and equip students with broader skills in research, time management and presentation methods, alongside key abilities they will need for their chosen master's degree. The programmes offered by the college include Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Film, and Tourism, Hospitality, Festival and Events Management. There are three intakes across the year; September, January, and May (pre-master's in Film has two intakes in January and May).

Find information on the entry requirements here.

Hertfordshire International College (HIC)

University: University of Hertfordshire

Location: Hatfield, England

Cost: £7,950 - £10,950 (dependent on length of course)

At HIC, all pre-master's programmes are either one or two semesters long, depending on the previous education level and ability of students. All courses aim to provide students with both the practical and academic skills they need in order to complete a master's in their chosen subject. The college offers postgraduate programmes in Animation and Gaming, Art and Design, Business and Management, Fashion, Film, TV and Music Production, Life and Medical Sciences, and Tourism. Intakes are September, January, and May, with actual start dates dependent on the length of course.

Find out more about the entry requirements here.