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.

Engineering, Computing, Mathematics and Science
The Pre-Masters Programme in Engineering, Computing, Mathematics and Science ensures you are prepared for postgraduate study at Lancaster University. Students on this programme can progress to a variety of scientific degrees.

Programme structure
Throughout the programme, you will study subject specific modules to develop a deeper understanding of your chosen area. You will also study core English language modules that will develop both your language and academic skills to the level required for Masters study in the UK, as well as building your ability to study at postgraduate level by improving your research and critical analysis abilities.

Cyber Security
Develop the skills, knowledge, and experience to face one of the modern world’s greatest challenges. This programme will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in cyber security, application and software security, and cyber law enforcement, among others.

Cyber security is one of the greatest challenges of contemporary society, and it will only become more complicated as we progress. As a result, our NCSC certified programme provides you with the depth of knowledge and wealth of skills required to engage with and overcome these challenges.

During your study, you will work within our world-class ICT Centre of Excellence, InfoLab21. Here you will study and explore eight taught modules and complete a substantial research project. These interdisciplinary modules will allow you to draw on expertise from four specialist departments: School of Computing and Communication; Law; Sociology; and Politics, Philosophy and Religion. Through studying these modules, you will develop a range of technical skills and gain specialist knowledge that will be invaluable as you progress in your career. Modules include: Information System Penetration and Countermeasures; Network and Systems Security; and Cybercrime.

In addition to the taught modules, you will also work on an individual research project, supervised by two academics from two of the four departments. Through this project, you will obtain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of cyber security and technology. You will put the skills and knowledge you have developed throughout the year into practice and gain experience of tackling real-world cyber security issues. Your study and research will be further supported as you draw upon world-leading research from Security Lancaster, our NCSC and EPSRC recognised Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research.

Alongside this technical experience, you will develop practical skills, such as how to gather and analyse data, and how to accurately present and communicate your findings. Moreover, through our Knowledge Business Centre (KBC), which has links to over 500 ICT-centric businesses, you may be able to generate opportunities and valuable network links within industry. All of which will enhance your career prospects