Durham University
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Rankings and Reputation
19 subjects in the world top 100
19 Durham subjects are ranked in the world top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022, including 12 in the world top 50. Two of our subjects are in the world top ten – Theology and Religion (7th) and Archaeology (8th).
World university rankings
Durham is one of the world’s leading universities, as shown by our world top 100 position in the QS World University Rankings 2022, where we are ranked 92nd.
A top university for employability
Ranked 54th in the world for employer reputation QS World University Rankings (2022)
A Top 50 European Business School
The Financial Times’ European Business School Ranking 2021 lists the best business schools in Europe based on the combined performance of programme-specific FT rankings including the MBA and MSc Management.
Durham ranked 45th overall in Europe – an improved positioning from 48th in last year’s ranking. We also placed 11th in the UK.
World’s 30th most international university
The Times Higher Education (THE) named Durham University as one of the world’s best for having a high proportion of international students and staff, for collaboration with universities worldwide and for our strong global reputation.
World Top 20 in Arts and Humanities
Ranked top 20 for Arts and Humanities in The Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2021
Durham University is on YouTube
Durham University Pre-Master Study Centre
What is the Pre-Masters programme?
Our Pre-Masters is a two- or three-term programme that provides the specialist academic and English language preparation you need to succeed as a postgraduate student at Durham University. Once you successfully complete this Pre-Masters programme and achieve the required grades, you can start your chosen Masters degree at Durham University.
Why study a Pre-Masters?
You may choose to study the Pre-Masters programme if you want to:
- Improve your career opportunities and salary potential
- Change your career direction and study a different field to your undergraduate studies
- Progress to study at a prestigious university with top researchers in your field
- Strive for a challenging degree at a top-ranking university
- Develop your academic skills or English language ability before starting your postgraduate degree
- Receive specialist support from tutors experienced in teaching international students.
Pathways to a postgraduate degree
We offer a choice of subject routes depending on the degree you want to study. Visit the subject pathway pages below to find out what you will study and grades required for you to progress to your chosen degree.
If you need additional English language support to get you to the level required for the Pre-Masters, you can study one term of English language preparation.
What to expect
This is a two- or three-term programme comprising core modules and designated modules that have been tailored to suit your chosen Masters degree. All students will study our Academic English Skills module, designed to support you with your reading, writing, listening and speaking. You will also study modules designed to improve your critical writing, quantitative skills and research methods.
Assessing your progress
You will be assessed throughout this programme so you know your studies are on track. Assessments will include exams, coursework, research and presentations. Your academic personal tutor will support you throughout your studies to keep your learning on track.
Focus on your career
We recognise that, as a Pre-Masters student, you are likely to already have a good idea of your career direction. You may be looking to change your career path or to progress in the field you are in. Wherever you are in your career journey, we will support your goals through our CareerAhead activities. This will help you write a personal development plan and identify key strengths you want to focus on.
Improve your English language skills
We offer a specialist English language preparation course if you need extra time to boost your skills before starting one of our academic programmes. Find out more about our English language courses if you do not meet the entry requirements for our pathway programmes.
Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance
Pick your progression degree
Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance
- MDS Data Science
- MSc Accounting
- MSc Economics
- MSc Environmental & Natural Resource Economics
- MSc Experimental Economics
- MSc Finance
- MSc Finance (Accounting & Finance)
- MSc Finance (Economics & Finance)
- MSc Finance (Finance & Investment)
- MSc Finance (Financial Technology and Banking)
- MSc Human Resource Management
- MSc Management
- MSc Management (Entrepreneurship)
- MSc Management (Finance)
- MSc Management (International Business)
- MSc Management (Supply Chain Logistics)
- MSc Marketing
- MSc Public Economics
About this pre-master
The Pre-Masters in Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance prepares you for a fantastic range of progression degrees at Durham University, upon completing the programme with the required grades. You will join the programme for two or three terms, depending on your academic qualifications and level of English language.
Is this programme for me?
This programme is for international students looking to study a Masters degree in business, economics, accounting or finance at Durham University.
- Improve your academic and English language skills needed for entry to your chosen Masters degree.
- Shape a successful career in your specialist area and develop the analytical and practical skills employers value.
- Gain a grounding in academic terminology, concepts and research methods needed for a Masters in business, economics or finance.
- Develop your ability to think critically and take your knowledge, skills and career to the next level.
- Immerse yourself in the UK education system ready to succeed at a world-class university.
What will I study?
Course structure
You will study core modules, which cover general skills, and designated modules that relate to your progression degree. This means your Pre-Masters programme will be tailored to the specific needs of your chosen degree.
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.
You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.
Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.
Advanced Academic Writing and Critical Reading
In this module students concentrate on developing the critical skills specific to the reading and writing that will be required in their taught Masters degree programme. The course focuses on developing student criticality, fostering thorough scholarly skills and independent learning through the critical reading, analysis, evaluation and summary of authentic academic texts.
Quantitative Skills
This one-term module covers some fundamental techniques in Statistics. The module is particularly important because of its huge applicability. The skills studied are used widely across many scientific, business, and social science fields. The module content includes; Sampling techniques, Data exploration, Correlation and regression, Probability distributions and Hypothesis testing.
Advanced Research Methods in Business
This module looks to establish academic competency in research methods for use in a business research context. The main aim of this course is to introduce and develop skills relating to research methods. The module will be focussed on developing an understanding of the application, collection and limitation of a variety of techniques related to data and materials relevant to analysis within the area of business.
Modules
Accounting
This module will provide all learners with a concise and contemporary overview of accounting, and give them the knowledge and skills to underpin further study in the field.
Management
The central aim of this module is to introduce to the students the broad concepts of organisational structure, leadership, culture, understanding teams and groups, recruitment and selection in organisations with a strong focus on the underlying theoretical underpinnings of the same. In addition to the organizational behavior side of things, this module would study operations management to help students identifying and making feasible use of operational resources within a global context (capacity, procurement and outsourcing decisions), exploring the content and process of operations strategy, managing the supply chain and developing effective supplier relationships, establishing and monitoring ‘fit’, ‘sustainability’ and ‘risk’.
Economics
The Economics module will provide students with a sound understanding of theories, models and concepts in economics and the relationship between microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students will be introduced to a variety of contemporary business scenarios. They will be supported in their exploration of the role and purpose of microeconomic and macroeconomic policy and its impact on the behaviour and performance of business activity and economic systems.
Finance
To provide a grounding in the theory and empirical applications of investment and portfolio management, focusing on both the theoretical concepts and empirical applications.
Marketing
This module will provide all learners with a concise and contemporary overview of marketing, and give them the knowledge and skills to underpin further study in the field.
Mathematics for Economics
Though economics is technically a social science, students pursuing this field require a firm foundation in mathematics. This one-term module is not a study of economics, it is a review of the relevant mathematical skills required to aid the study of economics. The module content includes; Algebra and functions, Differentiation, Integration, Differential equations, Matrices and Lagrange’s theorem.
Why study this programme?
Prepare for a world-renowned postgraduate accounting, business, economics or finance-related programme at Durham University Business School.
- Durham University Business School is ranked 10th in the UK and 43rd in Europe (Financial Times European Business School, 2019).
- Top 50 for MSc Management (QS World University Rankings: Masters in Management Rankings 2020).
- 53rd for MSc in Finance (QS World University Rankings: Masters in Finance Rankings 2020).
- The Masters in Accounting is professionally accredited by ACCA.
Science and Engineering
Pick your progression degree
Science and Engineering
- MSc Behavioural Science
- MSc Cognitive Neuroscience
- MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering
- MSc MSc Civil Engineering
- MSc MSc Developmental Psychopathology
- MSc MSc Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- MSc MSc Mathematical Sciences
- MSc New and Renewable Energy
- MSc Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Astrophysics)
- MSc Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Earth and Environmental Sciences)
- MSc Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Financial Technology)
- MSc Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Robotics and Computer Vision)
About this pre-master
The Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering prepares you for a choice of progression degrees at Durham University. You will join the programme for two or three terms, depending on your academic qualifications and level of English language.
You can choose from a range of postgraduate degrees to progress to when you complete this course.
Is this programme for me?
This programme is for international students looking to study a postgraduate science or postgraduate engineering degree at Durham University.
- Choose from a range of degrees within the Department of Engineering, Department of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Psychology.
- Develop your academic knowledge, English language level and study skills needed for progression to your chosen Masters degree.
- Study core modules and designated modules related to your chosen specialism.
- Adjust to the UK education system and explore concepts, terminology and advanced academic writing needed to succeed at postgraduate level.
- Develop practical skills with research projects and laboratory experience.
What will I study?
Course structure
You will study core modules, which cover general skills, and designated modules that relate to your progression degree. This means your Pre-Masters programme will be tailored to the specific needs of your chosen degree.
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.
You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.
Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.
Advanced Academic Writing and Critical Reading
In this module students concentrate on developing the critical skills specific to the reading and writing that will be required in their taught Masters degree programme. The course focuses on developing student criticality, fostering thorough scholarly skills and independent learning through the critical reading, analysis, evaluation and summary of authentic academic texts.
Quantitative Skills
This one-term module covers some fundamental techniques in Statistics. The module is particularly important because of its huge applicability. The skills studied are used widely across many scientific, business, and social science fields. The module content includes; Sampling techniques, Data exploration, Correlation and regression, Probability distributions and Hypothesis testing.
Extended Research
The individual project provides students with a learning experience that will enable them to carry out independent research. Students are expected to plan, research and execute their project while developing skills in critical judgement and independent working, to demonstrate engineering / scientific competence.
Modules
Modules by route
Engineering
- Computational Maths
- Advanced Applied Mathematics
- Lab Skills and Experimental Design (three-term only)
Psychology
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Core Concepts in Psychological Science
- Lab Skills and Experimental Design (three-term only)
Maths/Scientific Computing and Data Analysis
- Advanced Applied Mathematics
- C++ Programming
Module Descriptions
Advanced Applied Mathematics
This two-term module is a mathematical methods course and is a review of some key concepts typically studied at undergraduate level by both mathematics and engineering students. The module content includes; Differential equations, Laplace transforms, Fourier series. Leibnitz theorem, Vector calculus and Integration.
Computational Mathematics
The main aim of the course is to equip the students with basic understanding of computational mathematics. The course includes detailed study of mathematical modelling techniques that can be used across wide range of practical problems in applied mathematics, and engineering. The course will provide a base for more advance applied mathematics and engineering courses.The course will not only cover the theoretical aspects of computational mathematics, but will also include practical examples using a suitable computer software package.
Core Concepts in Psychological Science
The module aims to enhance students understanding on a range of topics in Developmental Psychology with an emphasis on cognitive and social development across the life span. Particular attention is paid to the interacting contributions of biological, cognitive and environmental factors. Theory pertaining to all aspects of the course will be presented and critiqued in light of available empirical research. Across the course students will become familiar with different approaches to research and will have to evaluate research. Great emphasis is placed on independent and collaborative student learning. Thus, in addition to key reading, students are expected to study additional material (which will be provided).
C++ Programming
The aim of this module is to equip students with a solid understanding of machine organisation in the context of C/C++. The module is built on the foundation that good code is efficient code and before the individual can write truly efficient code, they must understand exactly how computer systems execute programs and how abstractions in programming languages map to the machine’s low level hardware. Focus will be given to learning how a computer represents data, so that the student will understand how high-level language data types translates to the machine level.
In addition, by understanding how a CPU executes machine instructions, students will learn about the computational cost of each operation. As such, students will study how a CPU operates, with a view to writing efficient code that works the way the machine does.
This module will also include how different types of data should be organised so that it can be accessed efficiently by a machine, including understanding how the machine represents numbers and other data structures. At the end of this module students should have a greater understanding of how to best use the memory hierarchy of a machine to produce, fast, efficient computer programs.
This two-term module covers some key concepts in the field of pure mathematics called analysis. The central object of study in analysis is the limit, which further extends to the notions of convergence, continuity, differentiation and integrability. The module content includes; Proof and logic, Sets, Relations and functions, Differentiation, Integration, The real number system, Limits and continuity and Sequences and series.
Research Methods in Psychology
This module provides students with a broad range of research tools used in Psychology. It aims to equip students with all aspects of the research process and to train them, through active participation, in a wide variety of research techniques.
Why study this programme?
Take the first step towards a world-renowned Masters degree at Durham University with this specialist programme.
- 4th in the UK for General Engineering (Complete University Guide, Subject League Table 2022).
- World top 100 for Psychology (QS World Subject Rankings 2022).
- State-of-the-art research equipment and facilities across a range of disciplines.
Law and Social Sciences (3 Terms Only)
Pick your progression degree
Law and Social Science
- MSc Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding
- LLM Corporate Law
- MDS Data Science
- MSc Defence, Development and Diplomacy
- LLM European Trade and Commercial Law
- MA Geography (Research Methods)
- MSc Global and Planetary Health
- MSc Global Politics
- LLM International Law and Governance
- MA International Relations
- MA International Relations (East Asia)
- MA International Relations (European)
- LLM International Relations (Middle East)
- LLM International Trade and Commercial Law
- LLM Master of Laws
- MSc Medical Anthropology
- MA Medical Humanities
- MA Museum and Artefact Studies
- MA Politics and International Relations (Political Theory)
- MA Research Methods (Politics, International Relations, Security)
- MA Risk
- MSc Risk
- MSc Socio-Cultural Anthropology
- MSc Sustainability, Energy and Development
- MA TESOL with Applied Linguistics
About this pre-master
The Pre-Masters in Law and Social Science prepares you for a choice of progression degrees at Durham University. When you have completed the programme and achieved the required grades, you can progress to a range of postgraduate degrees at Durham University.
Is this programme for me?
This programme is for international students looking to study a Masters degree in law or social sciences at Durham University.
- Explore a wide range of topics through one of five distinctive routes: Anthropology, Archaeology, Geography, Law and Politics.
- Improve your academic and English language skills needed for entry to your chosen Masters degree.
- Gain the opportunity to progress to a large number of impressive postgraduate degrees at this world-renowned university.
- Develop your ability to critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods.
- Engage in a new, culturally exciting community and enjoy studying abroad in the UK.
What will I study?
Course structure
You will study core modules, which cover general skills, and designated modules that relate to your progression degree. This means your Pre-Masters programme will be tailored to the specific needs of your chosen degree.
Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.
You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.
Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.
Advanced Academic Writing and Critical Reading
In this module students concentrate on developing the critical skills specific to the reading and writing that will be required in their taught Masters degree programme. The course focuses on developing student criticality, fostering thorough scholarly skills and independent learning through the critical reading, analysis, evaluation and summary of authentic academic texts.
Extended Research Project
The aim of the Extended Research Project module is to help students develop the ability to undertake independent research and write longer pieces of academic work, displaying applied understanding of subject matter and an ability to critically analyse materials and concepts. Additionally, students will establish competency in research methods for use in a social science and/or a legal research context. Students will choose their research focus based on their pathway choice.
Globalisation*
The Globalisation module will introduce students to the concept of globalisation through a consideration of the key agents and institutions active on the world stage. Students will engage with a variety of topics that constitute some of the core themes in globalisation debates. There will be a requirement to develop a critical awareness of various perspectives on globalisation from a political, cultural, economic and social viewpoint.
*Please note that this module is not part of the Law route.
Qualitative Skills for Social Science*
Qualitative Skills for Social Sciences covers the common qualitative techniques for all social sciences, and aims to develop the ability of students to critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods. Students will obtain experience of designing and conducting qualitative research and identifying potential issues with questioning techniques, data collection, and analysis of data.
*Please note that this module is not part of the Law route.
Modules
Modules by route
Anthropology route
- Anthropology in Practice
- Human Culture and Diversity
Archaeology route
- Introduction to Archaeological, Museum and Heritage Practice
- Fundamentals of Archaeology
Geography route
- Quantitative Skills
- Contemporary Issues in Politics/International Relations
Law route*
- Contemporary Issues in Politics/International Relations
- Legal Skills and Methods
- Fundamentals of Contract Law
- Contemporary Issues in Law
Politics/International Relations route
- Contemporary Issues in Politics/International Relations
- Quantitative Skills
TESOL route
- Approaches and Methodologies in English Language Teaching
- Quantitative Skills
*Only available as a three-term option
Module Descriptions
Anthropology in Practice
Anthropology in Practice will present students with the opportunity to comparatively evaluate material and approaches commonly used in Anthropology studies. Students will explore anthropological research methods and techniques, as well as the interpretation of different cultures, and finally critically analyse the results. Through this module, students will develop the independent research skills needed to succeed in the future.
Contemporary Issues in Law
In Contemporary Issues in Law, students will gain an overview of contemporary legal issues in a variety of areas of English Law. There will be many opportunities to discuss matters stemming from a range of recent legal issues, while also appreciating some of the long-standing industry arguments which continue to be debated. Students will address issues from varying perspectives, which will allow them to develop their critical thinking skills.
Contemporary Issues in Politics
The Contemporary Issues in Politics module will provide students with a wider contextual understanding of contemporary politics and international relations. Through the evaluation of key concepts and theories, this module will allow students to do a deeper analysis of a selected contemporary issue. Additionally, it will give students exposure to the issues of debate from a variety of perspectives, as they apply critical thinking skills to develop their own judgement.
Fundamentals of Archaeology
The Fundamentals of Archaeology will provide students with base-level knowledge of a range of scientific and historical techniques relevant to both contemporary and historical archaeology. Throughout this module, students will gain a core understanding of the key themes, sources and methods used in the study of archaeology, while developing the critical skills to effectively analyse the methods and techniques studied.
Fundamentals of Contract Law
Through this Fundamentals of Contract Law module, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the key topics in Contract Law. Students will build on their preexisting understanding of how to use legal sources, statutory provisions and case law, specifically for key contractual concepts and principles.
Human Culture and Diversity
In Human Culture and Diversity, students will investigate fundamental concepts of socio-cultural anthropology through concepts such as culture, kinship, sex and gender, race and ethnicity. Critical analysis and evaluation of ethnographic studies will offer the opportunity for students to address issues of ethnocentrism, cultural relativity and their implications. Additionally, students will develop the independent research skills needed to succeed in the future.
Introduction to Archaeological, Museum and Heritage Practice
The Introduction to Archaeological, Museum and Heritage Practice module will familiarise students with the key themes in cultural heritage and archaeology, and require them to critically analyse the presentation of heritage in the UK. It will enable students to develop the skills to understand and evaluate the way that archaeology is presented through the use of a range of case studies of museums and archaeological sites.
Legal Skills and Methods
Legal Skills and Methods will introduce students to law and the legal system in England and Wales, developing their understanding of the sources of law and how they operate in the reality of the legal environment. Furthermore, students will learn about the practical application of some of the main sources of law and combine this with the development of skills in order to research these sources effectively.
Approaches and Methodologies in English Language Teaching
The module provides an introduction to different approaches to English language teaching for speakers of other languages. It introduces students to the tools and resources they will use to evaluate current issues and key trends in language learning and teaching methodology in preparation for their postgraduate programme at Durham University.
Quantitative Skills for Social Sciences
The Quantitative Skills for Social Sciences module will cover the importance of statistics, as well as useful statistical techniques for Business, Science, Humanities and Social Science. It aims to introduce students to a number of important analysis methods to support their academic studies and future employment. Finally, it will teach students about the relative importance of particular methods of collecting, collating and displaying data.
Why study this programme?
Prepare for a world-class law or social sciences postgraduate degree at Durham University with this broad programme.
- This Pre-Masters Programme offers 20+ progression degrees.
- Durham University is ranked 4th in the world for Archaeology and 12th in the world for Geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021).
- UK top 10 for Law (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022).
3-Term
Pre-Master’s Programme
IELTS UKVI 5.5 or above
Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance
£ 24,300
Science and Engineering
£ 22,300
Law and Social Sciences
£ 21,500
- 3 terms from September to June
- IELTS UKVI 5.5 or above in all 4 components
- Multiple scholarships up to £6,000 available exclusively with us
2-Term
Pre-Master’s Programme
IELTS UKVI 6.0 or above
Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance
£ 19,500
Science and Engineering
£ 18,500
Law and Social Sciences
N/A
- Law and Social Sciences only available for 3 terms
- 2 terms from January to June
- IELTS UKVI 6.0 or above in all 4 components
1-Term
English Language for Pre-Masters
IELTS UKVI 5.0 or above
English for Pre-Masters
£ 5,500
- June to August for Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance
- September to December for Science and Engineering
You don’t have an enough IELTS score? Take this special course to fill the gap.
Safe and secure with us!
Acceptance Rate
We will make sure that your application is examined in a fair manner.
Privacy
Your personal information is strictly protected. We take your privacy very seriously.
Official Partner
Our sponsor company is an official partner agent. All the parties will support you together as a team.
Pre-Master Next Intake
Date
January, 2023
Location
UK, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden
Scholarship Amount
UP to approx. £8,000