Pre-Master’s courses and graduate degree preparation

If you want to earn a master’s degree from a UK or US university but don’t meet the entry requirements, a master’s preparation programme may be the right choice. A graduate preparation programme (also known as Pre-Master’s pathway) can help you prepare for and gain entry to a master’s degree.

These courses provide routes to excellent universities in the UK and USA that you might not otherwise qualify for entry to. You can choose from a number of degree subjects and universities in great UK and US locations, so you can start your path to degree and career success.

What is a Pre-Master's course?

Why might I need master’s degree preparation?

There are many ways a master’s degree preparation course can help you achieve your ambitions:

Meet degree entry requirements

If you don’t currently meet the academic or language entry requirements for a master’s degree at a UK or US university, a master’s preparation course can help get you to the required level. When you pass your master’s preparation course at the required level and with good attendance, you are guaranteed progression to a master’s degree at your chosen university.
Benefit from complete preparation

You’ll be fully equipped for your degree when you complete your preparation course. You’ll develop the study skills, English language level and subject knowledge you need to succeed in your master’s degree.
Receive individual attention

We’ll support you in every area of your studies. You will benefit from small class sizes, dedicated and experienced teachers, courses designed specially for master’s-level international students, and one-on-one tutoring tailored to your needs.
Experience life abroad

By studying a master’s preparation course, you have the amazing opportunity to experience life in your chosen study destination before your master’s degree begins. You’ll have a fantastic support network to help you adapt to the challenges of living and studying abroad, so you’ll be able to focus on your degree.

Christians from Venezuela

Pre-Master's student at Glasgow International College (UK)

The master's preparation course helps you get ready for the UK university system. I learned how to answer essay questions, cite sources, write outlines and structure my work in a way that will help me succeed in my degree. If I hadn’t learned about these things during my Pre-Master's, I wouldn’t feel so prepared for my master's degree.

Jing from China

Global Pathways student at Northeastern University (USA)

During the Global Pathways program, we didn’t just focus on improving our English vocabulary. We completed several group projects that looked at real business case studies. I felt well-prepared by the time I moved on to my graduate degree studies.

Joao from Angola

Pre-Master's student at UWE Bristol's International College

The classes at Kaplan were really helpful for me: the modules allow you to develop your skills so that you’re much better prepared for university. I’ve learnt presentation skills, how to write properly and speak confidently – I think all of these things will help me in the future.

Where can I study and what are the entry requirements?

Pre-Master's courses in the UK
Many of our Pre-Master’s courses are taught right on university campuses. Once you pass your Pre-Master’s course at the required level and with good attendance, you are guaranteed progression to a master’s degree at one of our world-leading UK university partners. See all subjects and university choices.

Entry requirements vary. Typical requirements are:
- Academic: at least 3 years of higher education or equivalent
- English language: UKVI IELTS 4.5 to 5.5
Note: the duration of your Pre-Master’s course will vary between 4 and 18 months, depending on your needs and level of English language.

Contact us about Pre-Master’s courses for UK postgraduate degrees.
Graduate pathways in the USA
In the United States, successful completion of the master’s pathway guarantees you progression to a degree, and you will earn credit that you can transfer to your master’s.
- International Graduate Preparation Program at Arizona State University
- Global Pathways Program at Pace University
Entry requirements vary by progression degree:
- Academic: a bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA 3.00 to 3.25
- English language: minimum TOEFL 55 to 90
Note: the duration of your preparation course will vary between 3 and 12 months, depending on your level of English language.

Contact us about pathway programs for US master’s degrees.

How much does a graduate degree preparation course cost?

Cost of studying in the UK
Pathway course tuition fees are typically between £13,230 and £28,980, depending on which course you take. See our UK how to apply page for more information about the costs involved in a UK pathways course.

Cost of studying in the USA
The tuition fees of your graduate pathway program will depend on which program you study. Visit our US how to apply page for more details about how much it costs to study a USA pathways course.