International Study Centre

About the Pre-Masters at Heriot-Watt University

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

See fees page See fees page

Start and end points

September to June
or January to August
January to June
or April to August

MSc start date

October following Pre-Masters entry October following Pre-Masters entry

Term dates

September start January start January start April start
Term 1 14 Sep-11 Dec 2009 11 Jan-26 Mar 2010 11 Jan-26 Mar 2010 12 Apr-18 Jun 2010
Term 2 11 Jan-26 Mar 2010 12 Apr-18 Jun 2010 12 Apr-18 Jun 2010 21 Jun-27 Aug 2010
Term 3 12 Apr-18 Jun 2010 21 Jun-27 Aug 2010    

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

    Progression (following successful completion)

  • MSc Business Management (with International Marketing/Human Resource Management/Finance)
  • MSc Construction Project Management
  • MSc Facilities Management
  • MSc Real Estate Management and Development
  • MSc Urban Regeneration
  • MSc Real Estate Investment and Finance
  • 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