Academic communication
Research reading, structured writing, seminars and presentations.
Programme 03 · Postgraduate preparation
Pre-Master’s Preparation
Prepare for postgraduate study through academic communication, independent research and subject-focused learning. Choose a 10, 20 or 30-week route that fits your starting point.
Programme facts
- Designed for
- Adults preparing for a relevant master’s degree or postgraduate study.
- Duration
- 10, 20 or 30 weeks
- Weekly study
- 18 guided hours
- Delivery
- Face-to-face, hybrid or fully online. Hybrid delivery combines online and in-person learning, with arrangements varying by cohort and location.
Entry and suitability
What you need before you begin.
- You should normally hold an undergraduate degree, or be in the final year of one, in a subject relevant to your intended master’s degree.
- For the 30-week route, we may consider a relevant three-year diploma with suitable work experience on an individual basis.
- Indicative English entry: 10 weeks, IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no skill below 5.5; 20 weeks, 5.5 with no skill below 5.0; 30 weeks, 5.0 with no skill below 4.5. Equivalent evidence may be considered.
- A master’s offer is not an entry requirement. If you have one, Admissions can consider its conditions when advising you.
Applications are open. Admissions will confirm your route, the next suitable cohort and availability after review.
Subject areas
Choose the academic direction you are preparing for.
Subject work helps you practise research and academic communication in a field relevant to your intended postgraduate study.
- 01Business and Management
Prepare for postgraduate work involving organisations, strategy and applied analysis.
- 02Computing
Develop the academic and research skills used in computing-related postgraduate study.
- 03Engineering
Practise technical communication, evidence use and research planning for engineering-related degrees.
- 04Biological and Chemical Sciences
Work with scientific sources, data and research questions relevant to these fields.
Curriculum
What you will work on.
Research methods
Frame questions, evaluate evidence, use sources responsibly and plan a proposal.
Subject study
Work with sources and problems in your chosen subject family.
Independent study
Use feedback and plan work independently to prepare for postgraduate learning.
Assessment and support
Progress you can see and discuss.
- An initial diagnostic helps tutors confirm the appropriate route and support needs.
- Regular writing, presentation and research tasks provide feedback during the course.
- A final research planning task brings together academic communication and subject-based enquiry.
Scheduled teaching includes standard digital materials, routine Educere assessment and programme support.
Questions
About Pre-Master’s.
Do I need an offer for a master’s degree?
No. You can apply without an offer. A university decides whether you meet its own entry conditions.
How is my route chosen?
Admissions reviews your prior qualification, English evidence, intended subject and study goals. The 10, 20 and 30-week thresholds are indicative; your route is confirmed after review.
Does this course guarantee a master’s place?
No. Completing the course does not guarantee admission or automatically satisfy a particular university’s conditions.
Can I study online?
Face-to-face, hybrid and online delivery are available, with arrangements varying by cohort and location. Admissions will confirm your options before you commit.
Admissions guidance
Not sure which route fits?
Tell us what you are preparing for. We will help you understand the relevant programme and normally respond within two working days.