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Entrance to the Pre-Masters Programme
For entry to the Pre-Masters Programme students need to meet minimum academic and English language requirements:
- Academic: one or more of the following:
- 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 table below)
- English language level: See below
- Country of residence/nationality: 'overseas' students only (HEU students are not accepted - see note below)
- Age: students are normally at least 20 years old
Academic requirements
| Country | Qualification* |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate BA (hons) at 50% |
| China | 3 year Vocational Diploma at 70% or above/ recognised first degree (4 years) at 60% or above |
| Ghana | Bachelor degree or HND (in related subject) |
| Hong Kong | Recognised first degree (honours/ ordinary) |
| India | Recognised first degree -3 year undergraduate BA (hons) at 45% |
| Indonesia | Recognised first degree |
| Iran | Recognisd first degree |
| Japan | Recognised first degree with 60% or above |
| Jordan | Recognised first degre |
| Kazakhstan | Succesful completion of Bakalavar with GPA 3 |
| Korea | Recognised first degree with 60% or above |
| Libya | Recognised first degree |
| Macau | Recognised first degree (honours/ ordinary) |
| Nigeria | Recognised fist degree or HND (in related subject) |
| Pakistan | Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate (hons) at 50% or above |
| Qatar | Recognised first degree |
| Russia | Recognised first degree, Bakalavar, Specialist Diploma or Russian Diploma at grade 4 |
| Saudi Arabia | Recognised first degree |
| Taiwan | Bachelor degree at GPA 2.0 |
| Thailand | Recognised Bachelor degree |
| Turkey | Lisans Diplomasi or Muhendis Diplmasi at GPA 2.3 or above |
| UAE | Recognised first degree |
| Ukraine | Bakavalar or Unranian Diploma |
| Vietnam | Recognised first degree with GPA 6.5 or above |
| Other qualifications | |
|---|---|
| IB or A/AS levels | 24 / 80 UCAS points |
| IGCSE | 5 passes at A-C in relevant subjects |
* if your qualification or country is not listed then please contact us for more information
English language level
The Pre-Masters improves students' English to the equivalent of IELTS 6.5, the level required to study a taught Masters degree at Heriot-Watt University.
Students must have a minimum English language level of IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subskills) or equivalent to join the Pre-Masters. Students who do not meet this requirement can study one on two terms of English for Pre-Masters (EPM) Prior to the Pre-Masters programme.
| English for Pre-Masters (EPM) key facts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course length: | 1 or 2 terms, depending on English level | |||
| Tuition fee: | See Fees and Payment page | |||
| Entry points: | EPM Route | Start EPM | Start Pre-Masters | |
| One term EPM - Autumn | September | January | ||
| One term EPM - Spring | January | April | ||
| Two terms EPM - Summer Term two/Autmun | June | January | ||
| Two terms EPM - Spring/Summer Term one | January | September | ||
| Term dates: | Term | Term Dates | ||
| Summer Term one | 10/04/2012 to 15/06/2012 | |||
| Summer Term two | 18/06/2012 to 31/08/2012 | |||
| Autumn | 10/09/2012 to 07/12/2012 | |||
| Spring | 07/01/2013 to 22/03/2013 | |||
| Entry requirements: | One term: Minimum IELTS 4.5 (with 4.0 in all subskills) or equivalent |
Two term: Minimum IELTS 4.0 (with 4.0 in all subskills) or equivalent |
||
| Course structure: | 25 hours per week tuition plus 10 hours per week of self-study | |||
| Progression: | On successful completion, you will continue your studies on the Pre-Masters programme | |||
Important note for applicants from the UK and European Union
There is a very high level of competition worldwide for degree places at Heriot-Watt University. Numbers applying from within the UK and the European Union region are especially high. Therefore, we do not accept HEU* students. Instead, we strongly recommend that these students consider joining an A Level programme.
*Definition of HEU students
HEU (Home/EU) students include the following categories:
- Permanent residents in the UK who have been resident in the UK for three years
- EEA (European Economic Area) migrant workers and their families in the UK who have lived in the EEA for three years
- EU nationals and their children who have lived in the EEA for three years
- Refugees (recognised by the UK government) and their families
- People who have applied for asylum and have been granted leave to enter/remain, and their families
The rules on whether you are classified as a ‘home’ or ‘overseas’ student are strictly defined by the British Government; universities do not have discretion.
