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.

Social Research
This MA in Social Research combines methodological training with flexible sets of modules in different areas of social inquiry, and is thus suitable for those with a range of disciplinary backgrounds. It is ideal for both those wishing to train or re-train in social research skills to support a career in the public or private sector and those interested in preparing for further PhD research. Our students have gone on to a range of careers, including fast-track civil service positions, research in private companies, positions in non-governmental organisations and academic research careers.

Five different pathways are available:

• Sociology
• Gender and Women’s Studies
• Media and Cultural Studies
• Environment, Culture and Society
• Science, Technology, Innovation and Social Practices

The programme consists of four core modules, two optional modules and a dissertation. It is possible for pathways to be slightly amended to tailor them more closely to your needs. If you have any questions about which pathway is best suited to your interests, please contact us.

As a programme recognised by the Northwest Doctoral Training Partnership (Economic and Social Research Council), you may be eligible to apply for funding through MA or MA+PhD studentships. You have the opportunity to learn how to design, analyse and defend research through hands-on activities. Our aim is for you to become skilled in the translation of theoretically-informed research questions into research projects.