Pre-Masters courses

Your pathway to a postgraduate degree

The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course for international students who wish to study one of a range of Masters degrees at the University of Sussex. It is specially designed to improve your English language level, study skills, and academic knowledge so that you can succeed in postgraduate study and in your professional career. You can choose from one or two semesters of study, depending on your entry requirements. 

There are two subject pathways available, depending on your chosen progression degree. You will study a combination of core and subject-specific modules related to your intended Masters degree. During the Pre-Masters course you have the option to change your progression degree.

Why study the Pre-Masters Programme?

• Deepen your academic knowledge
• Improve your English language ability
• Receive university-style tuition in a focused academic environment
• Develop career skills to prepare you for professional success
• Gain international experience and make global connections while studying alongside students from different cultures.

Choose your subject route

Business, Media and Social Sciences - which offers pathways in: 

• Business, Management and Finance
• Law, International Relations and Social Sciences
• Film and Media

Science and Engineering - with pathways in:

• Computing and Engineering
• Life Sciences

Change your route

For both Pre-Masters Programmes, you have the option to change your progression degree. This makes the programme a great choice for students who have decided on their area of further study, and who are looking for a flexible route to university.

Focus on your career

We know that you may already be thinking about your future career, which is why we have integrated a specialist careers element into this course, designed specifically for postgraduates. CareerAhead will guide you towards making the right choices and give you the tools you need to stand out in the competitive graduate job market. 

Assessing your progress

We will assess your progress regularly to ensure you are on track to complete your course successfully, so that you can go on to study your chosen degree at Sussex. For example, you may participate in exams, seminar discussions, group projects, presentations, laboratory practicals, software exercises and essays as part of your overall assessment.

Improve your English

Need to improve your English language or raise your IELTS score? You can study one of our English language courses at the International Study Centre. Choose from English Language Preparation (ELP), studied before the Pre-Masters Programme, or Language Lift – studied simultaneously with your course.

Study plan options

• International Foundation Year
• Online Pre-Sessional English
• English Language Preparation
• Vacation