Program Overview

A postgraduate pathway is a single course comprising two stages of study; Pre-Master’s and Master’s. When you successfully complete the full pathway you will be awarded a Master’s degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Advantage of Hertfordshire International College (HIC) Postgraduate Pathway

The postgraduate pathway is designed for students from a variety of backgrounds who:

• Require additional English language training
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Are looking to fine-tune skills already gained during undergraduate studies, employment or both

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing the postgraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision.

The Pre-Master’s pathway will prepare you for future postgraduate studies by giving you confidence and expertise in areas relevant to your taught Master’s degree. You will:

• Develop your fundamental knowledge and understanding of the basic principles relevant to your chosen degree
• Develop basic numerical techniques, research methodologies and ICT, presentation and communication skills
• Gain a competent set of transferable skills that will help you in your academic studies and future career, and enable you to make informed decisions
• Attain the necessary level of language competence specific to your chosen field of study.

Pre-Master's (Stage 1)

The Pre-Master’s course is Stage 1 of the postgraduate pathway, it has been designed to prepare students who have not qualified for direct entry to Hertfordshire International College (HIC) Master’s degrees, for postgraduate level studies.

Undertaking a Pre-Master’s course will provide you with the time to adjust to the rigorous research and independent study requirements of postgraduate studies and prepare you to get the most out of your postgraduate study at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Master's (Stage 2)

The Master’s (Stage 2) offers students the chance to build on what they have learned during the Pre-Master’s and extend their professional understanding about their relevant area of study. A taught Master’s degree usually consists of a series of specialist modules in structured class, seminar or tutorial formats. A research thesis component may be included, but is much shorter than what is required for a Master’s degree by research. However, most taught masters’ degrees will have a final major project or dissertation component. The Master’s (Stage 2) is delivered by Hertfordshire International College (HIC

MSc International Business with Placement Year

• MSc International Business is an innovative flagship programme with flexible entry points and pathways. The programme is designed to help you build a strong understanding of the way organisations operate globally, and help develop specialist skills that enable you to work effectively across national borders.
• The programme offers 3 award routes that you can choose to study:
  • One-year full-time MSc International Business (September & January entry)
  • Two-year MSc International Business (Sandwich) (September entry only)
  • Two-year MSc International Business with Advanced Research (September entry only)
• The two-year MSc International Business (Sandwich) programme offers you the opportunity to work on a placement as part of your degree as well as your academic studies.
• The ‘sandwich’ degree is also known as ‘placement’ degree, and refers to a placement /internship ‘sandwiched’ between your first year’s study and your second year’s research project.
• As a student on the 2-year sandwich programme, you will have the opportunity to work on a full-time placement (normally 40 weeks) and gain experience in your chosen career sector.
• This follows your first year’s study when you will have the opportunity to explore international business in a number of areas, including economics, finance, strategy, marketing, management, human resource, and supply chain management. There will also be the opportunity to conduct an independent major research project in your area of interest.
• Throughout the programme, you will gain a unique combination of skills sought after by employers all over the world. These include communication, numeracy, team-working, cross-cultural awareness, reflective learning and the ability to critically analyse complex business challenges to reach considered creative solutions.
• You will also build a strong network with your peers and colleagues at workplace – some will become your close friends, and a few may even become your future business partners.
• In short, the placement is an excellent way to apply the knowledge and skills you learn on your programme as well as increase your employment prospects following graduation.
• There are no required fees for the sandwich route. Instead you are expected to be paid by your placement/internship employer.

Why choose this course?

Research shows that over 70% of employers prefer students with work experience. The two-year ‘sandwich’ programme is an excellent choice for you to enhance your qualification and experience by spending two semesters on an internship. It also offers you the opportunity to:

• Strive for sound academic performance, while proactively exploring career possibilities and making valuable contacts alongside your studies
• Apply your knowledge and skills to manage complex business challenges at your workplace and in a real business world setting
• Gain valuable experience and place yourself at a favourable position to pursue your chosen career path upon graduation
• Obtain a two-year study visa and enjoy a wider experience of study and work in the UK (for international students)