Course information

The Pre-Masters is a full-time course designed for international students who want to study on a postgraduate Masters programme at the University of St Andrews or at another top UK university. The programme aims to develop your English language proficiency and your academic literacy within your chosen subject to prepare you for successful graduate study.

This programme is specifically designed to help you make the transition to Masters level study, even if you wish to study a different subject to your undergraduate degree. Applications are open to students with an undergraduate or Bachelors university degree in any arts, science or business-related discipline.

Most students on the Pre-Masters programme progress to degrees at the University of St Andrews, although some students choose to take up offers from other UK institutions. Previous students have found this programme enables them to start their postgraduate study with greater confidence and to adapt more quickly to UK academic life.

Teaching format

Modules are taught through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, presentations from guest speakers and field trips. Lectures and seminars delivered by experienced University academic staff and other highly qualified subject experts, which will ensure that you are familiar with the key concepts of your intended academic subject area in the medium of English.

You will work both individually and in groups on reports, essays, case studies, questionnaires, research projects, posters and presentations. By the end of the programme, you will feel well-prepared to tackle the wide range of tasks and assessment that postgraduate study may require.

Students are assessed on regular coursework assignments set throughout each semester which contribute towards the final grade. Students who start in January will have one set of mid-semester tests and one set of exams.

Modules

• Academic Skills 2: academic writing and reading, grammar for writing, oral presentation and listening.
• English Language for Academic Study: further development of the key themes and language areas relevant to your given academic subject.
• Academic Subjects 2: lecture and seminar courses relevant to your academic field.

Progression requirements

To successfully complete your course, you must attend all obligatory classes, lectures, seminars and workshops and complete all assignments (assessed and non-assessed).

To progress from the Pre-Masters onto a degree at the University of St Andrews, you must achieve a minimum overall score of 14 on the University's 20-point marking scale. Further explanation of assessment and progression will be provided during orientation.

Accommodation

The cost of the Pre-Masters programme includes both tuition and self-catered accommodation in a University hall of residence. 

Students will be allocated a room in Fife Park Apartments or David Russell Apartments. Situated close to English Language Teaching, accommodation is provided in comfortable study bedrooms with en-suite shower and toilet and well-equipped communal kitchen space. Each apartment has five bedrooms.

Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).