The benefits of studying a pre-masters course in the UK
Once you've finished your undergraduate degree you may be thinking of doing a pre-masters. As an international student you would be required to a one year pre-masters course before progressing to The University of Sheffield masters programme.
Not sure what a pre-masters is? We've got you covered in this guide to the benefits of studying a pre-masters in the UK. This guide will cover what a pre-masters is, preparation courses designed to help you succeed, how to apply for a pre-masters and how to progress to the masters programme at The University of Sheffield.
What is a pre-masters course?
A pre-master's course is a course designed to prepare students for a masters degree in the UK. These courses are structured to provide excellent preparation for postgraduate study, focusing on areas that include:
- English language skills
- Advanced research skills
- Group work
- Time management
At the University of Sheffield International College the pre-masters course is an intensive two or three-term programme. Course length varies depending on the English language IELTS score of candidates. The course is designed so that students can progress seamlessly onto the full masters degree programme at the University.
Whether students are looking to enhance their careers, broaden their range of experience at a UK university, or want to research a specific area in more depth, there are many benefits of studying a pre-masters course in the UK.
Makes a masters qualification possible for all
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry to a masters degree, taking a pre-masters course ensures that you pick up the skills you need. Once you complete the programme and achieve the required grades, you can enter your chosen postgraduate degree at the University.
A confidence boost
If you’ve been out of the academic world for a while, it’s understandable that you might want to refresh your language skills and knowledge before committing to a full-time postgraduate degree programme. One of the benefits of studying pre-masters courses is that they allow you to do just that. You’ll build your skill, knowledge and academic confidence to a level where you feel assured of your own abilities on entering your masters degree programme, ensuring that you’re truly ready for the demands of postgraduate study success.
Enjoy tailored courses
You’ll find a range of pre-masters courses to choose from in the UK, so you can prepare properly for the masters degree you want to progress to. At the University of Sheffield International College you can choose one of two pre-masters routes:
- Business, Law and Social Sciences
- Science and Engineering
You will study core modules common to each route, as well as subject-specific modules. This allows you to focus on the academic areas most useful to your chosen degree.
A great introduction to life in the UK
A major benefit of studying a pre-masters course is that it allows you valuable time to get used to the way of life in the UK and the academic system. By taking this preparation course in the UK you’ll have the opportunity to develop your language skills, fast. You’ll also get to immerse yourself in the culture of the UK, ensuring that you’re fully comfortable in your new place of study before you undertake your masters degree. This helps to take some of the stress out of postgraduate study, so when the time comes you’ll be free to focus fully on your degree work.
Be included in university life from day one
Studying a pre-masters course where you plan to do your masters will help you acclimatise to university life before your degree starts. The University of Sheffield International College introduces you to the style of teaching that you will experience on your degree. You’ll study on campus, have access to many of the same facilities as students at the University, and take part in tutorials, seminar-style classes and larger group lectures that will prepare you for your masters at the University itself. It all helps to make the transition into postgraduate study that much easier.
Why study a pre-masters?
- develop the knowledge you have gained from your undergraduate degree
- discover a new subject or potential change in career
- Improve your language skills and experience a new culture
- network with likeminded people
- Improve your career prospects by building your experience and academic skills
How to apply for a pre-masters in the UK
You can apply for a pre-masters through The University of Sheffield International College. There are two routes you can take with your pre-masters programme; Business, Social Sciences and Humanities and Science and Engineering. Both programmes are designed to give you all of the skills and knowledge needed to progress to a masters degree at The University.
To apply for the pre-masters programme you will need to meet the entry requirements. These are: finishing an undergraduate degree with at least a pass and having an IELTS minimum score of 5.5 in all skills.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for the pre-masters programme you can study one or two terms of English language preparation first.
How to progress to a UK masters degree
Once you have completed your pre-masters degree with at least a pass you are able to progress to a masters degree on campus at The University of Sheffield.
FAQ's
Should I do a pre-masters?
If you are an international student looking to study a masters degree in the UK then you would need to complete a pre-masters first. A pre-masters at The International College will prepare you to progress to a postgraduate masters degree at The University Of Sheffield.
How many years is pre-masters in the UK?
The pre-masters programme at The University of Sheffield International College will take you either 1.5 or 2 semesters to complete. The course content and schedule is specifically design to develop your undergraduate knowledge and prepare you for the masters programme at The University.
How does a pre-masters programme work?
The pre-masters programme is an intensive 1.5 or 2 semester programme that offers a path to a masters for international students. Once you successfully complete the programme and achieve the required grades you can enter a postgraduate degree at The University.
The pre-masters, taught at The University of Sheffield International College introduces you to the style of teaching you will experience in a postgraduate degree. The course content includes academic subjects, study skills and English language preparations. The modules have been created to focus on the academic areas most relevant to your chosen degree.