Program Overview

Pre-Masters Programme at our International Study Centre prepares you for your degree at Lancaster University. You will focus on English language, university-level study skills, and academic modules that relate to your degree subject.

Your postgraduate preparation
The Pre-Masters Programme is available over two or three terms at the International Study Centre, providing you with the skills necessary for postgraduate study at Lancaster University. You will  build on the knowledge gained in your earlier studies whilst developing your practical English language and mathematical abilities, as well as study and research skills.

You will develop an intellectual appreciation of issues relevant to your chosen degree through classes designed specifically for international students. These will be based on study and careers skills, as well as subject specific modules, which prepare you for your chosen Masters degree at Lancaster.

How does it work?
When you apply to the International Study Centre, you will choose between two pathways, depending on your career aims. Upon acceptance to the Pre-Masters Programme, you will also receive a conditional offer to study a Masters degree at Lancaster University after successful completion of your Pre-Masters.

Business, Law and Social Sciences
By studying the Pre-Masters Programme in Business, Law and Social Sciences, you can prepare for a successful future in a wide range of roles across business and management, law and the social sciences. The programme leads to a variety of Masters degrees at Lancaster University, including some at the Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) – one of the top 100 business schools in the world.

Programme structure
During this programme, you will study subject specific modules to prepare for your future Masters degree, as well as academic study and English language skills. You will discover how to undertake independent research, as well as developing your writing fluency for postgraduate level. The programme also explores contemporary global issues whilst encouraging you to expand your knowledge by critically analysing the subject matter.

Human Resource Management
Successful organisations have successful employee relations. However, it takes sophisticated conceptual and analytical skills to deliver this. It needs a deep understanding of people in an organisational context. This MSc provides the tools to allow you to thrive in the world of human resource management.

This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). You receive student CIPD membership immediately and become an associate member when you are awarded your degree (subject to successful completion of all modules and necessary fees).

Every organisational decision has an impact on its workforce. Our aim is to foster critical and reflective thinking and pragmatism. We will give you the confidence to challenge existing workplace thinking using good theoretical understanding. You will engage with real life business reports and learn how to assess the impact on HR issues which may include staff development, retention and workload alongside financial outcomes.

This course examines the role of the manager, the organisation and employment relations in human resource management. You will be taught by distinguished academics who are acknowledged leaders in their field. We offer a student-centred, supportive environment by keeping the number of students small. This allows our faculty members to role-play with students to give practical experience of situations they will face in the workplace for example, conducting a performance appraisal.

You will study HR concepts such as recruitment and selection, careers and wellbeing as well as Employment Relations issues such as the importance of equality and diversity. We will look at how contemporary organisations function and manage organisational change.

Our graduates leave able to manage people effectively and make sound judgements through conceptual and analytical understanding. Many progress to general management roles, HR management roles or into further academic study.