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Two term Pre-Masters programme
Students with an IELTS of 6.0 or above can study the shorter two term Pre-Masters programme to prepare for a Postgraduate degree at Heriot-Watt University. Students who have an English language level of less than IELTS 6.0 or equivalent will need to study the Three term Pre-Masters programme.
The programme consists of academic subjects and English language training.
Below is an outline of the modules students study on the two term programme:
English and Skills for University Study 1, 2 and 3*
Over these three modules you will develop your English communication skills and learn a range of study skills, including: writing and reading strategies, presentation and seminar participation, organisation of time and materials, meeting deadlines and responding to feedback. When you have completed these modules you will be able to take notes and write essays in English. You should also have the confidence to give presentations, answer follow-up questions and contribute to seminar discussions.
You will also study the following modules:
Term 1
Pre-Masters Skills for English 2 (PSE 2)
Develops your English level towards the equivalent of IELTS 6.5 and consolidates a range of wider academic skills such as critical thinking, writing a bibliography, preparation and delivery of presentation and the development of communication and group working skills.
Quantitative Methods in Business
Demonstrate and develop your numeracy skills and learn to utilise mathematical methods and techniques to inform the decision-making of managers.
Economics
Strengthens your knowledge and understanding of economic theories and systems and equips you to examine information relevant to economics topics, problems and issues. Among the topics studied are economic models, the concept of allocative efficiency and the role of government.
Business and Management 1
Gain greater insight into the role played by sociology, psychology and economics in the development of business and management subject matter. Deploy your critical skills in the analysis of management styles and business related models, learn how to gather and interpret business related data and study the differences between qualitative and quantitative data collection.
Term 2
Pre-Masters Skills for English 3 (PSE 3)
On completion of this module you should have advanced to an IELTS equivalent of 6.5 to 7.0. You will also have developed further your research, referencing and presentation skills and had the opportunity to work on the reading of longer and more complex academic texts and the writing of factual and discursive essays on academic topics. Finance and Investment Strengthen your understanding of the role played by finance and investment in the operation and strategic direction of the firm. An in-depth analysis of the different types of business organisations, of risk and return and of the Capital Asset Pricing Model.
Business and Management 2 – Operations Management and Organisational Behaviour
Develop further your understanding of the key concepts of organisational behaviour, including management and leadership styles and the analysis of different cultural models. Operations management sessions focus on supply chain management and inventory planning.
Business and Management 3 – Strategy
Develop your understanding of key models and concepts in the field of strategy. Build on your work in earlier modules to consider topics such as resource and capability analysis, competitive advantage and corporate, global and diversification strategies. This module is assessed through a case study based on a FTSE100 company and so allows you to develop your skills as an independent learner, researching a range of materials and deploying techniques of critical analysis.
*Subject to validation
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Tuition price | £6,850 for Jan 2011 entry see fees page for 2011/12 fees and additional costs |
| Course length | Two terms |
| Start and end points | January to June or April to August |
| Term dates |
April 2011 start |
| Academic entry requirements | - Recognised higher/advanced diploma in a related subject area - Recognised degree in related field (eg Business Studies) - Honours degree in any subject (eg BA International Relations) See Pre-Masters entry requirements for recognised qualifications by country. |
| English language requirements | IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. Students with an IELTS level below 6.0 see the three term Pre-Masters. |
| Assessment | - Coursework assignments - Unseen final examinations at the end of each module - Presentations - Extended essays and case studies |
| Progression | On successful completion of the Pre-Masters students can progress on to a selected Postgraduate programme at Heriot-Watt University. |
