Master’s Preparation Programme

Our range of Master’s Preparation qualifications will fully prepare you for a master’s degree at a world-class university. Whether you are looking for a short Master’s Pre-Sessional course or a longer Master’s Preparation course, our qualifications will equip you with the necessary academic and English language skills to get into your chosen university and help you succeed once you get there.

The NCUK Master’s Preparation (MP) program is designed to prepare graduates or three-year diploma holders of recognized universities for study on specified courses at postgraduate master’s or equivalent level at NCUK member institutions. The program will be offered under the guidelines and regulations detailed in the current edition of the NCUK Academic Handbook.

NCUK Universities recognize the program as meeting the English language entry requirements for international students, with progression contingent on students satisfying the performance criteria published in the NCUK Course Finder. The list of accepting universities can be seen on the university pages of the NCUK website. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on the integration of language learning, study skill development, and the acquisition and/or re-orientation of subject knowledge. The philosophy permeating the delivery of the program is that every teaching contact with a student is an opportunity to develop language and learning skills.

The programme has three routes:

• Master’s Preparation Enhanced is three terms in length and is designed for two groups of students: those who hold three-year diplomas plus work experience with a level of English equivalent to at least EAP grade E and graduates, or final year undergraduates, with an English language level equivalent to at least EAP grade E.
• Master’s Preparation consists of two terms and is for undergraduate degree holders or final-year undergraduates with a level of English equivalent to at least EAP grade D.
• Master’s Pre-Sessional and is for undergraduate degree holders or final-year undergraduates with a level of English equivalent to at least EAP grade D.

Benefits at a glance

• Designed exclusively for international students
• Recognized by leading universities in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand
• Choose from over 2,500 master’s degrees in a wide range of subjects
• Improve your English language ability and enhance your academic skills
• English for Academic Purposes module is recognised for visa purposes at NCUK Universities
• Gain valuable master’s degree practice including group work and research skills
• A unique application service: submit one application to NCUK and we’ll apply to universities on your behalf

Aims

The aims of the NCUK Master’s Preparation program are to:

• To enhance the English language ability of graduates or diplomats to a level sufficient to enable them to communicate and study effectively and confidently at the postgraduate level at a Western university.
• To develop the academic skills and an understanding of the underlying philosophies and related capabilities required for successful study at the postgraduate level in Western higher education.
• To relate the student’s existing subject knowledge to that of Western graduates in similar discipline areas.
• To cultivate a commitment to good practice in academic work and in particular an awareness of the serious adverse implications of plagiarism.
• To provide students with the necessary skills to enable them to develop as independent, autonomous learners including the demonstrated ability to undertake a significant individual research project.
• To give students practical experience of different methods that may be used to assess their learning.
• To introduce aspects of Western culture and enable an understanding of the policies, procedures, and regulations affecting study in the West.
• To develop learning skills and reflective learning through the various elements of the program.

What is a Master’s Pre-Sessional?

Delivered over 10 weeks, the Master’s Pre-Sessional is a short course designed for international students who want to improve their English language and academic study skills to ensure they are fully prepared for a master’s degree at a UK, Australian or New Zealand University.

During this course, you will study a range of modules that will equip you with the essential skills needed for a master’s degree. You will enhance your research skills by learning to effectively source and evaluate information, undertake a literature review to enhance your academic skills, and learn to manage roles and responsibilities by working as part of a group.

By completing the Master’s Pre-Sessional, you will have the confidence to succeed in your master’s degree.

What is Master’s Preparation?

Similar to the Master’s Pre-Sessional, the Master’s Preparation course will improve your English language, academic study skills, and experience of working in a project group but will also give you the opportunity to complete a 5,000-word dissertation. Being able to formally undertake a practice dissertation before starting your master’s degree gives you a chance to understand what is required whilst also improving your research and academic writing.

Depending on your English language level (see entry requirements below), you will either study our Master’s Preparation over 20 weeks or Master’s Preparation (Enhanced) over 30 weeks.

This course will fully prepare you for a master’s degree at the UK, Australian, or New Zealand University and will equip you with the key tools to succeed the first time.