Become an expert by preparing for a masters

Pre-Masters

Whether you want to research a specific area in more detail or enhance your career, get ready for your masters with the International College.

Moving on to further study as a postgraduate

The pre-masters programme at the University of Sheffield International College offers a path to postgraduate study for international students.

The pre-masters is an intensive two or three-term programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language preparation. It has been designed specifically to prepare you for taught masters study at the University.

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry to a masters degree, or want to refresh your language skills and knowledge, our specialist programme is for you. Once you successfully complete the programme and achieve the required grades, you can enter your chosen postgraduate degree at the University. 

Business, Social Sciences and Humanities

This will prepare you for a taught postgraduate degree in the Faculty of Social Sciences, including the School of Law or Management School.

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Science and Engineering

This will prepare you for a taught postgraduate degree in the Faculty of Engineering or the Faculty of Science.

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Why study a Masters programme?

• Develop the knowledge gained on your undergraduate degree or study
• Improve your career prospects by building your academic experience
• Discover a new subject for a change of career
• Improve your language skills and experience new cultures
• Network with others in your field

Study structure

You will study core modules common to each route, plus subject-specific modules. These have been carefully designed to focus on the academic areas most useful to your chosen degree.

You can choose one of two pre-masters routes:

• Business, Social Sciences and Humanities

• Science and Engineering

University-style teaching

The University of Sheffield International College introduces you to the style of teaching that you will experience on your degree. Taking part in tutorials, seminar-style classes and larger group lectures will prepare you for your masters at the University.

Assessment

Your development will be assessed regularly throughout your course. This will make sure you achieve the standard needed for progression onto your chosen postgraduate degree. Assessments may include coursework, examinations, presentations and extended essays/case studies.

Study plan options

You can start the pre-masters programme at several points in the year, as long as you meet the entry requirements.  There is also a two-term option for those with an Academic IELTS for UKVI score of 6.0*. If your Academic IELTS for UKVI score is less than 5.5* you could take one of our English language courses to prepare you for the pre-masters programme. 

* Academic IELTS for UKVI. If you do not need a Tier 4 visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English.