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.

Data Science
From business and finance to health and medicine, from infrastructure to societal studies, data science plays a vital role in all aspects of the modern world. Our MSc programme will ensure you have an advanced level of skills, knowledge, and experience in this rapidly expanding, highly in-demand field to achieve your career aspirations.

Studying for an MSc in Data Science at Lancaster will provide you with the perfect environment to develop an expertise in the discipline. You will develop and consolidate your fundamental skills in both computing and statistics before progressing onto one of our specialist pathways which allow you to acquire and enhance advanced technical skills, while gaining professional knowledge that will support and advance your future career choices. The specialist pathway modules promote both an enhanced understanding of modern data science technologies and confidence in the application of data science within the business intelligence, health, environmental, or societal sectors. These modules are taught by researchers from across the University, who have expertise in the topics relevant to each of the pathways.

The fundamentals, followed by pathway structure, enables you to tailor the programme either to suit your current career development needs or to take the opportunity to upskill and take your career in a new direction.
In addition to these taught modules, you will also undertake a 12-week placement either within industry or as part of an academic research project. This will provide you with a fantastic opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge to real-world situations and challenges, allowing you to gain valuable professional experience and demonstrate a firm grasp of the discipline.

The placement project represents a substantial, independent research project. Supervised by an academic specialist, you will develop your ability to formulate a project plan, gather and analyse data, interpret your results, and present findings in a professional environment. This research will be an opportunity to bring together everything you have learnt over the year, expand your problem-solving abilities and manage a significant project. This will be great experience for you to draw upon in an interview and in your career.