International Study Centre

Pre-Masters Programme in Business, Media and Social Sciences

Worm's eye view of skyscrapers

Studying Business, Media and Social Sciences

The Pre-Masters Programme in Business, Media and Social Sciences provides a route to a variety of postgraduate degrees at the University of Sussex.

You can choose one of four pathways, based on your intended progression degree:

  • Business, Management and Finance
  • Law, International Relations and Social Sciences
  • Film and Media
  • Finance and Technology (FinTech)*

On all pathways, you will study a combination of general and specialist modules to improve your knowledge and skills to prepare you for postgraduate study.

There are two lengths of study available:

You should choose the length of study based on your entry requirements. See our entry requirements and fees pages for full information.

*Please note: The Finance and Technology (Fintech) pathway will not be available for the September 2023 intake. The next start dates available will be November 2023 or January 2024.

Changing your progression degree

During the Pre-Masters programme 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.

Why study with us?

There are many reasons to study this preparational programme and progress to one of over 60 acclaimed postgraduate degrees. These include:

  • Sussex is ranked 14th in the UK for Business and Economics (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2024)
  • The University’s Business School is ranked 1st in the UK for Business and Management research income 2020/21 (Chartered Association of Business Schools)
  • The University of Sussex is ranked 10th for Social Sciences in the UK (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
  • The Freeman Centre, home to Sussex Law School, is a well-equipped space offering six seminar rooms, and a PC cluster room as well as additional study and social spaces

What you’ll study

The one-semester programme

On the one-semester programme, you will study four modules (worth 60 credits): two academic modules based on your chosen pathway, Academic English Skills and Research Skills 2.

The two-semester programme

On the two-semester programme, you will study eight modules (worth 120 credits): four academic modules based on your chosen pathway, Academic English Skills (30 credits) and Research Skills 1 & 2.

Module descriptions

View the module descriptions for the one-semester programme and the two-semester programme.

Choose your own path

As your interests develop, it is possible to change your chosen degree subject once you have started your programme at the International Study Centre.

Your degree at Sussex

The module options on this programme allow you to focus on areas relevant to your chosen Masters degree. This course can lead to one of the postgraduate degrees listed below (subject to meeting the grades outlined). The degrees and grades listed are valid for 2022/23 intakes only and are subject to change.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
No Results

Please note:

MSc Fintech, Risk and Investment Analysis
Progression to study for this Masters can only be gained for students who have studied and completed the Fintech pathway (specific modules of Data Analysis and Modelling, Mathematical and Statistical Methods and Finance and Investment).

Students in cafe

How to apply

Ready to apply? Discover how to submit an application and learn more about fees, semester dates and entry requirements.

Sussex graduate smiling in Brighton

University of Sussex International Study Centre

Develop skills to change the world at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. Improve your English, develop your academic skills, and grow the confidence you need to succeed in your degree.

Sussex students studying together

English language courses

Improve your English skills with one of our Online English language courses designed to support international students studying a pathway programme at the International Study Centre.

Join us today

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!