About the Pre-Masters at Heriot-Watt

The best way to prepare for a Masters degree

For a Masters degree at Heriot-Watt you will need:

a range of academic and learning skills which you may not have experienced in your home country
the ability to adapt to a new cultural environment and thrive academically
the right academic qualification and substantial understanding of the subject
the ability to use English in the academic environment to a high standard

If you do not meet the direct entry requirements for a Masters degree, or want to refresh your knowledge, this Pre-Masters course is for you.

Specialist preparation

The Pre-Masters is a tailor made two- or three-term programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language training. See the module descriptions for details of what you will learn on the course. Designed specifically to meet the needs of international students, it will prepare you fully for Masters study at the University.

Progression to your Masters degree

Joining the Pre-Masters guarantees you will receive a conditional offer of a place on a choice of Masters degrees at the University. Once you have successfully completed the course and have met the entry standards, you’ll proceed directly to your preferred Masters programme.

Flexible entry

You can begin the three-term Pre-Masters in either September or January, or the two-term Pre-Masters in either January or April. All start dates prepare you for progression onto your chosen Masters in the following October.

How many terms do I require?

How many terms you require will be dependant upon your IELTS level - see English Language requirement for Pre-Masters study for details. If you have an IELTS level below 5.0 you will need to take English Language Preparation before you join the academic programme.

Key facts for Pre-Masters

	Three-term Pre-Masters		Two-term Pre-Masters
Tuition price	Academic programme: £8,895 Additional English Language Preparation: £2,900 per term		Academic programme: £5,930
Course length	September to June or January to August		January to June or April to August
Entry dates	September 2009 or January 2009		January 2009 or April 2009
MSc start date	October 2009		October 2009
	September start	January start	January start	April start
Term 1	08 Sep-05 Dec 2008	12 Jan-27 Mar 2009	12 Jan-27 Mar 2009	14 Apr-19 Jun 2009
Term 2	12 Jan-27 Mar 2009	14 Apr-19 Jun 2009	14 Apr-19 Jun 2009	22 Jun-28 Aug 2009
Term 3	14 Apr-19 Jun 2009	22 Jun-28 Aug 2009
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)
English Language requirement	IELTS 5.0. If you have an IELTS level lower than this you will require additional English language training		Available only to students who possess an IELTS level of 6.0

Personal monitoring and support

The Pre-Masters is validated by Heriot-Watt University and taught by specialists in university preparation. Your progress will be monitored at all times to make sure you remain on track to successfully complete the programme.

Assessment

Your development will be assessed regularly throughout the course. This will ensure you achieve the standard required for progression onto your chosen postgraduate degree. Assessments include:

coursework assignments
unseen final examinations at the end of each module
presentations
extended essays and case studies

International Study Centre