Successful completion guarantees* you a place on a master’s degree
Ruoying Wang
Master's Preparation
Delivered over 10, 20, or 30 weeks, our Master’s Preparation programme will fully prepare you for a master’s degree at a world-class university. It will equip you with the necessary academic and English language skills to get into your chosen university and help you succeed once you get there.
91% of NCUK students successfully complete their master’s degree in just 1 year
89% of NCUK students achieve a pass or above at master’s degree level
Benefits at a glance
- Designed exclusively for international students
- Recognised by leading universities in the UK, Australia and New Zealand
- Choose from over 2,500 master’s degrees in a wide range of subjects
- Improve your English language ability and enhance your academic skills
- English for Academic Purposes module is recognised for visa purposes at NCUK University Partners
- Gain valuable master’s degree practice including group work and research skills
- A unique application service: submit one application to NCUK and we’ll apply to universities on your behalf
Our Master’s Preparation programme is designed to enable you to study your master’s degree with confidence and succeed within the optimal degree length at university.
What is the Master’s Preparation?
The NCUK Master’s Preparation is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your chosen master’s degree at a university in the UK, Australia or New Zealand.
- Enhanced English Language Skills: Our programme is designed to improve your English language abilities to a level sufficient for effective communication and study at a postgraduate level. You’ll learn to express yourself clearly and confidently in academic settings.
- Developed Academic Skills: We focus on developing your academic skills and understanding of the underlying philosophies and capabilities required for successful postgraduate study. You’ll learn essential skills like critical thinking, research, and writing.
- Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Our programme aims to bridge the gap between your existing subject knowledge and the standards expected of universities in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
- Academic Integrity: We emphasise the importance of academic integrity and the serious consequences of plagiarism. You’ll learn about ethical research practices and how to avoid academic misconduct.
- Independent Learning: We cultivate a commitment to independent learning, equipping you with the skills to become a self-directed learner. You’ll develop the ability to undertake significant individual research projects.
- Assessment Experience: Our programme provides practical experience with different assessment methods used in overseas universities. You’ll gain confidence in your ability to demonstrate your learning effectively.
- Cultural Understanding: We introduce aspects of Western culture and help you understand the policies, procedures, and regulations that govern study in the West. You’ll become familiar with the academic and social norms of Western universities.
- Reflective Learning: We encourage reflective learning through various program elements. You’ll develop the ability to analyse your learning process and make improvements.
Programme Duration
The Master’s Preparation programme is designed to allow entry at three points during the academic year. This is to allow students who have different levels of English (and differing academic backgrounds) to enter at an appropriate level. The programme is scheduled so that all routes can finish at the same point, and where possible, students can complete the same assignments and exams at the same time.
Master’s Preparation – Accelerated (10 weeks) is a one-term programme designed for undergraduate degree holders or final year undergraduates with a level of English equivalent to at least IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
Master’s Preparation – Standard (20 weeks) consists of two terms and is for undergraduate degree holders or final year undergraduates with a level of English equivalent to at least IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) and completion of a bachelor’s degree.
Master’s Preparation – Extended (30 weeks) is three terms in length and is designed for two groups of students:
- those who hold three-year diplomas plus work experience with a level of English equivalent to at least EAP grade E and graduates, or;
- final year undergraduates, with an English language level equivalent to at least EAP grade E.
Why Choose Our Master’s Preparation programme?
Our programme is designed to provide you with a solid foundation for your postgraduate studies and will fully prepare you for a master’s degree at a UK, Australian or New Zealand University and will equip you with the confidence, skills, and knowledge to succeed on your master’s degree first time.
Find a Study Centre
Browse our Study Centres located around the world and choose the right Master’s Preparation programme length for you. Start your journey to a master’s degree today.
University Progression
Our Master’s Preparation programme is trusted by universities worldwide providing you with direct access to more than 2,500 master’s degree courses at 30+ leading universities in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
The NCUK Guarantee
By choosing to study with NCUK, you will benefit from the NCUK Guarantee. Successful completion of this qualification guarantees* entry on to a master’s degree at an NCUK University Partner!
*for full terms & conditions of the guarantee, please click here
Entry Requirements
Click on the bars below to find out all about our entry requirements, including age requirements, academic background, and work experience.
Age requirements
There is no minimum age requirement, but you should have either completed a bachelor’s degree or a Chinese 3-year diploma or be in the process of studying the final year of your qualification.
Academic and English Language requirements
- Master’s Preparation (Enhanced): IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) plus Chinese 3-year Diploma OR completion of a bachelor’s degree
- Master’s Preparation: IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) and completion of a bachelor’s degree
- Master’s Pre-Sessional: IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) and completion of a bachelor’s degree
In most cases, you should have completed a degree/diploma in a subject closely related to your intended master’s course* Some universities offer a limited number of master’s ‘conversion courses’ which allow students with different subject backgrounds to apply.
*Please note that the Master’s Preparation programmes are designed for students who have not studied their bachelor’s degree in English and may not be suitable if you already hold a bachelor’s degree from a UK, Australian, or New Zealand University.
Work experience
Work experience is not essential for entry to the Master’s Preparation, but may be required for progression to specific master’s degree courses, for example, MBA courses. Our dedicated team at NCUK can advise you on the master’s progression options open to you.
Programme & Module Overview
The following document will provide you with an overview of what to expect from the Master’s Preparation programme and a wider understanding of each individual module. This includes information on the aims of the qualification, course structures, assessment methods and more.
View this document by clicking the button below:
Testimonials
Thanks to studying NCUK’s Master’s Preparation qualification, I learned the academic English and presentation skills that really helped me to succeed in my master’s degree at university.
China
Leeds Beckett University
MSc Accounting
Rina Uesugi
The subjects on the NCUK Master’s Preparation qualification were fascinating and all my teachers were British and friendly, which really helped me to improve my English language skills.
Japan
The University of Manchester
MA Intercultural Communication
Chao Feng
My NCUK Master’s Preparation experience gave me a huge advantage when I started my postgraduate study in the UK. I learned a lot about western university culture and how to write a successful dissertation.
China
University of Sheffield
MSc Management
