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.

Electronic Engineering
Develop and enhance your understanding of electronic engineering to an advanced level, setting you apart in your career. You will learn from world experts in areas that are crucial to the electronics sector over the next decade. Through our wide range of core and optional modules, you will also have the opportunity to tailor your learning experience towards specific industrial sectors including energy, the environment, automotive, wireless technologies and health.

You may already have a firm grasp of the essentials of the discipline, however this programme will provide you with a practical understanding of advanced topics linked to a research portfolio that has been rated as internationally excellent, and guided by leading experts, including industry specialists.

A cutting-edge learning environment
The learning environment you will study within embraces  expertise in electronics for wireless communications, flexible and printable electronics, solar cells, RF engineering for Particle accelerators, millimeter waves and terahertz technology. Exposure to these technologies will take you beyond current industrial practice to develop specialist knowledge and skills for emerging markets. As part of our general engineering ethos at Lancaster you will mix with multi-disciplinary engineering concepts from electronics, mechatronic and mechanical engineering, skills which are highly sought after by employers.

You will become adept at programming advanced microcontrollers; designing RF circuits; designing microstructures for advanced displays and sensors, building control loops and developing associated software. The robust and comprehensive skill set and knowledge you gain will open up a range of opportunities and support your progression as a professional.

Project based learning
During the course, you will also complete a project provided by either one of our industry partners or from within the Department’s own research portfolio - we have world-leading research and facilities in very high frequency next generation mobile communications, particle accelerators for radiotherapy, Industry 4.0 and industrial control systems, microfluidics and MEMS, and RF and THz sensing.

The project brings together multiple aspects of your studies and provides valuable real-world experience of working as a professional electronic engineer. As part of this project, you will structure and break down a problem; develop team organisation, project management and technical skills; and use background sources and research. You will also gain career experience by presenting your results and writing a customer report. Examples of previous projects include:

• Self-repairable electronics through unification of self-test and calibration technology 
• Solution processed electronics over a large area: design and realisation of a fully computerised XY(Z) spray coater employing multiple pneumatic and/or ultrasonic airbrushes
• Detection of living cells in a microfluidic system using electrochemical and RF technologies
• Monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) design for wireless networks
• Vision and robotic control interface system.