International Study Centre

Postgraduate pathway programmes

Key facts

  • Programme length: 12 weeks (plus induction and exam week) or 2 terms
  • Entry dates:
    • 12 weeks - September (leading to January start at the University)
    • 2 terms - January or April (leading to September start at the University)
  • Progress to: First year of a postgraduate degree
  • Entry requirements
  • Fees
  • Scholarships available

April 2021 start

  • Term 1: 28 March 2022 to 03 June 2022
  • Term 2: 06 June 2022 to 19 August 2022

September 2021 start

Available for the Accelerated Pre-Masters Programme only

  • Term 1: 06 September 2021 to 10 December 2021

January 2022 start

  • Term 1: 10 January 2022 to 18 March 2022
  • Term 2: 28 March 2022 to 17 June 2022

Your pathway to postgraduate study

What is the Pre-Masters Programme?

The Pre-Masters Programme provides academic and English language study modules to prepare you for a postgraduate degree at the University of Strathclyde. We offer a two-term or 12 week accelerated programme so you can progress to Strathclyde at the right pace. Across both Pre-Masters Programmes there is a choice of subject routes depending on the degree you want to progress to: Business and Social Sciences, or Engineering and Sciences. Once you successfully complete this programme and achieve the required grades, you can start your chosen Masters degree.

Why study a Masters in the UK?

  • Impress employers with your dedication and drive to your subject
  • Become an expert in what you’re passionate about
  • Gain a competitive edge in the employment market
  • Increase your earning potential by gaining more experience
  • Opportunity to specialise in a different field to your undergraduate degree
  • Develop your research skills.

Choose your Pre-Masters Programme

Study plan options

Your start date and the length of the programme you need to study at the International Study Centre depends primarily on your IELTS score. Depending on your choice of intake, you may also have an opportunity to take a break between completing your pathway programme and starting your Masters degree.

Use this table to find out when you can start your programme, and whether you need to take an English language preparation course first.

If you want to start your postgraduate degree in January

Academic IELTS for UKVI Weeks Jun-Jul Jul-Aug Sep-Dec January
5.0 overall (with minimum 5.0 in all areas) 22 weeks^     Start your postgraduate degree at the University of Strathclyde
5.5 overall (with minimum 5.5 in all areas) 17 weeks^      
6.0 overall (with minimum 5.5 in all areas) 12 weeks*      
  • Preparation for Study
  • Accelerated Pre-Masters Programme

If you want to start your postgraduate degree in September

Academic IELTS for UKVI Terms Sep-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul - Aug September
4.5 overall (with minimum 4.5 in all areas) 4     Start your postgraduate degree at the University of Strathclyde
5.0 overall (with minimum 5.0 in all areas) 3^      
5.0 overall (with minimum 5.0 in all areas) 3^      
5.5 overall (with minimum 5.5 in all areas) 2*      
5.5 overall (with minimum 5.5 in all areas) 2*      
  • English for Pre-Masters
  • Pre-Masters Programme
  • Vacation

*For direct entry to our Pre-Masters Programmes on campus, we now accept the following qualifications as part of the English assessment: Pearson, TOEFL, Cambridge Business and Cambridge Main Suite.
^You can study your English language course (up to 1 term only) and the Pre-Masters Programme with one visa.
Please note: Students on the English language course do not need to take an additional IELTS test at the end of their course to progress on to their Pre-Masters Programme. You will be assessed on your Academic English Skills (AES) grade at the International Study Centre (you will be required to achieve a minimum of 40% in all areas).

Need to improve your IELTS score?

We offer additional English language programmes that are designed to raise your IELTS to the required level.

Preparation for Study - for the Accelerated Pre-Masters Programme

  • 5 weeks: July
  • 10 weeks: June

English for Pre-Masters - for the Pre-Masters Programme

  • 1 term: January or September
  • 2 term: September

Find out more about our English language preparation courses.

Learn about preparing for your Masters degree

Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.