Pre-Masters in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities 

Architecture, law, education, economics or business management are just some of the possible areas you can pursue after following our tailored Pre-Masters course.

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Prepare for your masters at the University of Sheffield

Prepare for masters degrees in management, the social sciences or humanities

The Pre-Masters in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities will introduce you to key elements related to your degree, such as analysing business projects or interpreting statistics. This programme leads to a number of masters degrees in the Faculties of Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences, including the Management School, School of Law and Sheffield School of Architecture at the University.

Who is the programme for?

  • Students who wish to further their knowledge by continuing with higher education
  • Those who want a competitive advantage in the graduate employment market
  • Students with an undergraduate degree from their home country

What will you study?

This Pre-Masters course is a 1.5 or 2-semester programme developed in collaboration with the University. Throughout this programme you will develop the academic and English language skills needed for your chosen masters at Sheffield.

You will study core modules that cover general academic skills and pathway modules relevant to your chosen subject area. This pathway includes 20 teaching hours per week.

Modules

  • Academic English Skills (AES)
  • Research Project
  • Academic Success

Pathway modules (related to your degree choice)

  • Management
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Advanced Economics
  • Statistics and Econometrics
  • Social Sciences
  • Statistics for Econometrics
  • Social Sciences
  • Advanced Law
  • Social Sciences
  • Communication, Cultures and Heritage

Why study business, social sciences and humanities at Sheffield?

  • 90% of Sheffield University Management School's research has been classed as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
  • Social Sciences students will benefit from innovative education and learning spaces in new flagship building for Social Sciences at the University of Sheffield, The Wave.
  • Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Sheffield is ranked amongst world’s best in global subject rankings (78th in the world according to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

Key facts

Course length: 1.5 or 2 semesters

Entry points: 
2 semesters – September, November (Enhanced Induction) or January
1.5 semesters – March

Age on entry:
Students will normally be 19 years of age or older

Entry requirements: Check academic and English language entry requirements

Fees: Check fees for your programme

Progress to your degree

You will receive regular feedback on your progress throughout your course so you know you’re in the right track. We have a dedicated  team that offers progression support throughout your studies.

Once you complete your Pre-Masters in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities and achieve the required grades, you can enter your chosen postgraduate degree at the University of Sheffield.

Notes:

  • Places are limited on some degree courses, so you are advised to apply and confirm your place as soon as possible.
  • In addition to the overall academic and English grades as displayed in the table below, students are also required to meet the minimum module grades for their chosen progression degree. All information will be provided to students when they begin their studies on campus.
Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish Grade
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Please note:

Students wishing to progress to these degree programmes at the University will require an English level of IELTS 0.5 or equivalent higher than the standard level of entry to their Pre-Masters programme.

  • Broadcast Journalism MA
  • Journalism MA

Design portfolio on entry to the International College assessed by Study Group (sample portfolios of adequate standard will be provided by the department to the College selection team).

  • Architectural Design MA
  • Digital Architecture and Design MSc
  • Sustainable Architecture Studies MSc
  • Urban Design MA

Pass in interview required for progression.

  • Broadcast Journalism MA
  • Journalism MA
  • Magazine Journalism MA

Portfolio submission - progression must be via a video audition on principal instrument. This is required before progression at the end of the Pre-Masters programme.

  • Music Performance Studies MA
  • Music Performance Studies (piano) MA

At least 5 years relevant full-time work experience after graduation with some managerial experience and interview is required.

  • Business Administration MBA

Applicants must have two examples of previous composition work (either instrumental or electroacoustic/electronic).

  • Composition MA

A portfolio submission of 2,000 words of prose/drama or five poems (or equivalent, roughly 100 lines), to be submitted to Course Director for approval (through the Progression Support Team at USIC) by the end of the USIC Pre-Masters programme.

  • English Literature (Creative Writing) MA

An indicative piece of the student's academic writing that demonstrates (1) their competence in written English and (2) their critical thinking, breadth of reading, ability to subject literary texts to close analysis, etc. to be submitted to Course Director for approval (through the Progression Support Team at USIC) by the end of the USIC Pre-Masters programme.

  • English Literature MA

Personal statement required for application referral to College.

  • Music Management MA

Students must submit a personal statement at the time of their application for the Pre-Masters programme. This should be sent for approval to the relevant Course Director at the Department of Music via the College.

  • Musicology MA
  • Psychology of Music MA

Two-year programme at the University.

  • Law MA

Navigating finance and culture

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How to apply

Ready to apply? Discover how to submit an application and learn more about fees, semester dates and entry requirements.

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University of Sheffield International College

The University of Sheffield International College helps you improve your English, develop your academic skills, and grow the confidence needed to succeed in a degree at the University.

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English language courses

Improve your English skills with one of our English language courses designed to support international students studying a pathway programme at the International College.

Ready to join us?

Our student enrolment advisors are here to help with your application and answer any questions you have about studying with us.