International Study Centre

Pre-Masters Programme

Pre-Masters Preparation Programme

If you want to study a Masters degree in the UK, this two-term Business and Management Pre-Masters programme will prepare you for a postgraduate degree across a range of areas, including International Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Human Rights and Marketing and Strategy.

Why study a Masters at Kingston?

  • Develop the knowledge gained on your undergraduate degree or study
  • Improve your career prospects through additional 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

Programme structure

The Pre-Masters Programme provides a pathway to Masters study at Kingston University, London. If you do not meet the entry requirements for your chosen Masters, or you want to improve your English before starting your course, the Pre-Masters Programme will help you achieve success at the University and in your professional career.

Held over two terms, the programme will help you:

  • Discover a range of academic and learning skills
  • Adapt to studying in the UK education system
  • Improve your English for further study in the UK

Modules

There are four modules which you will study:

This module provides you with intensive English Language preparation in all important skill areas (reading, writing, speaking and listening) and with the necessary academic study skills relevant to starting a degree programme at Kingston University.

As you progress through the module you will be taught a number of English language skills, including:

  • Sentence structure when writing
  • Scanning content for key information
  • Learning how to construct and deliver presentations

Business and Management covers a range of topics that will develop your ability to understand and analyse different business models. Topics include the history of organisational behaviour, approaches to management theory, leadership, change and culture, operations management, and planning and control.

During this module you will study a range of data sources used for analysis. It will also teach you how to write longer pieces of academic work containing critical evaluation of sourced data. Through undertaking this module it will raise and develop your awareness of the importance of acquiring and using an analytical approach towards your studies.

Research is an important part of postgraduate study. This module will help you understand a range of research methods relating to the collection of data and materials. The emphasis of the module is on practical application with extensive use of Excel spreadsheets and its associated functions.

12-month PG work placement scheme

Students undertaking postgraduate study will also have the opportunity to take a 12-month work placement as part of their studies. Postgraduate students interested in gaining valuable business experience will be issued a CAS letter covering the 24-month period. By choosing this option, you can experience working in your chosen field, as well as spending another year living in the UK.

Susheel Rao, an MSc Accounting and Finance student who is currently undertaking the work placement scheme, said that "the placement offered at Kingston was the most important deciding factor in me ultimately accepting the place offered. I think the placement helps me to keep focused on getting what I want out of the course and out of my time in the UK, and I definitely secured the role I hoped for! It is going to give me a great opportunity to continue developing my skills and there are direct links between what I will be doing and the course content I have learned."

Which postgraduate programmes will offer the 12-month work placement?

Every postgraduate course offered by the Kingston Business School is available on this scheme. To be considered for a placement, you can choose the 'work placement' option when applying for your postgraduate programme. You will be responsible for finding your own placement opportunity, but will be supported with advice and workshops.

Course facts

Students in the library at Kingston International Study Centre

Entry requirements

English Language: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (in all skills) or equivalent.

Options available for entry from Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 overall

Academic: Recognised higher/advanced diploma in a related subject area, or recognised degree in related field or honours degree in any subject.

Age: Students are usually at least 20 years old. 

View country-specific entry requirements.

Course fees

Read more on our fees page

Term dates

Student and teacher talking on campus

Find out when you could start studying a programme offered at the International Study Centre.

Progress on to your business Masters

Once you successfully complete the Pre-Masters Programme and achieve the required grades, you can enter your chosen postgraduate degree at the University.

Degree Programmes Award Overall Grade English Grade
Accounting & Finance MSc 50% 60%
Banking & Finance MSc 50% 60%
Engineering Projects & Systems Management MSc 50% 60%
Financial & Business Management MSc 50% 60%
Human Resource Management MSc 50% 60%
International Business Management MSc 50% 60%
International Business Management with Entrepreneurship MSc 50% 60%
International Business Management with Marketing MSc 50% 60%
International Business Management with Project Management MSc 50% 60%
International Human Resource Management MSc 50% 60%
International Relations MA 50% 60%
Logistics and Supply Chain Management MA 50% 60%
Managing in the Creative Economy MA 50% 60%
Marketing & Brand Management MSc 50% 60%
Marketing Communications and Advertising MSc 50% 60%
Public Relations and Corporate Communications MA 50% 60%

Study plan

IELTS (overall)
 Length Jul-Aug Sept-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-June June-Aug Sept
4.5 4 terms    
5.0 3 terms         Start your postgraduate degree
5.5 2 terms        
5.0 3 terms        
5.5 2 terms        

   Pre-Masters    Online Pre-Sessional English    English for Pre-Masters    Vacation

English language tuition

If you need to improve your level of English language to enter the two-term Pre-Masters Programme, additional English language training is available at the International Study Centre. You will need an Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 overall (with no skills less than 4.5) or equivalent to study the English Language Preparation for the Pre-Masters Programme.

Please visit the entry requirements page for more information.

Combined visa

Save time and money, and experience a seamless transition to postgraduate success, by studying our Pre-Masters Programme and your Masters degree with one visa. Doing this means you will benefit from:

  • Just one visa required for the whole length of your study
  • Alternatives to IELTS for UKVI can be used to join the Pre-Masters Programme*
  • No need for an additional IELTS test before starting your Masters degree
  • No visa requirement to return home between the courses
  • Work up to 20 hours per week
  • Ideal for students who have exceeded their two years of pre-degree study in the UK

*IELTS or equivalent required, alternatives accepted include TOEFL iBT, Pearson, IGCSE, IB, HKDSE, India HSC (recognised board), Malaysia SPM, WAEC, for more information please visit the Kingston University London website.

English Language Preparation programme students do not need to take an additional IELTS test at the end of their course to progress on to their Pre-Masters Programme. You will be assessed on your Academic English Skills (AES) grade at the International Study Centre (you will be required to achieve a minimum of 40% in all areas).

Please note - Students taking an English Language Preparation for Pre-Masters Programme will study on a B2 GSV visa as these courses are not included as part of the combined visa – this allows them to make the ICAS application in the UK for a combined visa for their pathway and degree study, as well as allowing them to remain in the UK before starting their pathway.

Your study options

Join us on campus

Student presenting at the front of a classroom

Find out about studying your programme on campus, what to expect from blended learning and tips for preparing to travel.

Join us virtually

Student working on a computer

If you are unable to join us on campus for the start of your programme, you can start virtually and join us in the UK at a later date.

Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.