Study a Pre-Master’s

If you want to study a master’s degree at a UK university but don’t currently meet the entry requirements, then a Pre-Master’s could be the right study option for you.

What is a Pre-Master’s?

If you don’t quite meet the entry requirements to start a postgraduate degree at a UK university directly, degree preparation courses like a Pre-Master’s can help you reach the level you need to be at. You’re guaranteed a place at university when you pass your course at the required level with good attendance. 

4 steps to university

  1. Complete at least three years of higher education or equivalent  

  2. Take a Pre-Master’s to prepare for your degree 

  3. Pass your Pre-Master’s with the required grades and good attendance 

  4. Progress to your chosen postgraduate degree at university 

What progression degree subjects are available? 

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Art and Design  

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Building and Architecture  

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Business and Finance 

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Computing  

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Education 

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Engineering 

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Environment and Agriculture  

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Hospitality and Tourism  

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Law 

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Marketing and Media  

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Mathematics 

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Music and Performing Arts  

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Science and Health  

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Social Science and Humanities  


Want to see what degrees you can progress to?

What to expect during your Pre-Master’s 

During your Pre-Master’s course, you will have the chance to: 

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    improve your English  

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    develop your academic skills  

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    deepen your subject knowledge  

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    benefit from expert teaching by friendly tutors  

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    enjoy dedicated wellbeing support  

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    meet other students from around the world in an international environment  

Kayode from Nigeria posing for the camera

“I applied to university and was unfortunately rejected but, before I knew it, I received an email from a Kaplan representative offering me a glimmer of hope! I could take a Pre-Master’s that would give me guaranteed admission to the degree I wanted to study.”

Kayode from Nigeria,
University of Glasgow graduate 

Take a Pre-Master’s with Internship 

If you’d like to gain valuable work experience during your studies, you can choose to add an integrated online internship (which is taken in the UK) to your course. Simply select the internship option of your preferred course when you apply. 

Any other questions?

What are the entry requirements for a Pre-Master’s in the UK? 

Entry requirements vary. However, typical requirements are:

  • Academic: at least 3 years of higher education or equivalent 
  • English language: UKVI IELTS 4.5 to 5.5 or accepted equivalent

Please note: the duration of your Pre-Master’s will vary between 4 and 18 months. The course length depends on your needs and English level. 


How much does it cost to study a Pre-Master’s? 

Tuition fees for a Pre-Master’s start from £15,630 (2023–24 academic year), depending on the subject you choose, course duration, and where you study. 


What if I don’t meet progression requirements for my degree? 

If you don’t meet the progression requirements for your first-choice degree, we’ll offer counselling on back-up study options through the University Placement Service


Can I study a Pre-Master’s in the USA or Canada? 

There are graduate pathway programs, similar to the Pre-Master’s, at our partner universities in the USA too. These courses will help you meet academic and English entry requirements for a degree. They include Graduate Global Pathways at Pace University. Currently, we do not offer graduate pathway programs to our university partner in Canada.


Can I study a Pre-Master’s in Australia or New Zealand? 

You can also take preparation courses similar to a Pre-Master’s at our partner universities in Australia and New Zealand. With Kaplan, you can study at the University of Adelaide or the University of Newcastle in Australia, or Massey University in New Zealand.