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Royal Holloway Rankings and Reputation

15th of UK for Research Outputs

In Times Higher Education’s (THE) analysis and rankings of the REF 2021 results (May 2022), Royal Holloway is ranked 15 in the UK for the overall quality of its research outputs.

Top 25% of all UK Research

Royal Holloway remains within the top 25% of all UK research in Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Good alumni network

There are over 100,000 alumni of Bedford College, Royal Holloway College and Royal Holloway and Bedford New College worldwide.

A top university in Renewable University Report 2021

Royal Holloway, University of London has ranked as a top tier university in USwitch’s second annual study into UK universities’ commitment to being green.

One of the most beautiful campuses

With our spectacular Founder’s Building and famous Picture Gallery, our campus is frequently named as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.

29th for International Outlook

In the category of ‘International Outlook’, we were ranked 29th in the UK in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.

Notable alumni

Suffragette Emily Davison
The first woman doctor in the west Dr Elizabeth Blackwell
EU Foreign Minister Baroness Cathy Ashton
Broadcaster and scientist David Bellamy

Rankings and Reputation

Royal Holloway (University of London) is on YouTube

Royal Holloway Pre-Master Study Centre

A programme to enhance your postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway

The Pre-Masters Programme aims prepare you to undertake a postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway. This two-term programme is designed for international students, and aims to help you make the transition into life abroad, as well as giving you the tools to successfully undertake a Masters degree at a highly-ranked university.

Open to all, this programme is designed for international students who want to boost their academic and English language skills prior to studying a Masters degree in the UK. If you have studied previously and achieved the required grades in an undergraduate degree, you can choose from any of our pathways to enable your postgraduate study.

If you need additional English language support, or do not meet the English language requirements for this course, you can opt to take our English for Pre-Masters term. Check our entry requirements for more information.

What will you learn?

After finishing your Pre-Masters Programme, you will be equipped to use your pre-existing knowledge alongside a renewed confidence in your English language and academic skills to successfully complete a postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway. You will gain:

Appropriately improved level of academic English skills
Enhanced knowledge of your chosen field of study
Detailed, informed research methods
Ability to coherently express academically-informed points
Deep, extensive dissection of academic materials
Improved time management and effective prioritisation of work
Effective contribution to group work, while excelling independently

Why study a postgraduate degree?

If you have already been to university to gain an undergraduate degree and are thinking about continuing your studies, or learning about a new subject, a postgraduate degree is a great way to further specialise in your chosen degree field. As well as allowing you to focus your knowledge, a postgraduate degree – often called a Masters degree – will improve your employability in certain industries.

The British education system is one of the best in the world, and studying a Masters in the UK can be a fantastic experience. If studying abroad is something you are considering, but would like some preparation before taking on a degree, the Royal Holloway International Study Centre offers several programmes designed to prepare international students to thrive in their studies at a top 25 UK university (The Guardian University League Table 2022).

Business and Management

Pick your progression degree

Accounting and Financial Management MSc
Business Information Systems MSc
Consumption, Culture & Marketing MSc
Digital Innovation & Analytics MSc
Digital Marketing MSc
Engineering Management MSc
Entrepreneurship and Innovation MSc
Human Resource Management MSc
Information Security MSc
International Management MSc
International Management (Marketing) MSc
Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
Marketing MSc
Project Management MSc

About this pre-master

The Pre-Masters Programme in Business and Management is specifically designed to provide you with an awareness of key business and management functions with exposure to modern industry practices, preparing you to study business and management at a postgraduate level and move on to managerial and leadership roles within organisations.

Additionally, this programme will focus on enhancing your linguistic skills with a module dedicated to academic English language tuition. This will ensure your writing and speaking skills are at an appropriate level to study a postgraduate degree in English.

What will I study?

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.

Accounting and Finance

The overall aim of the module is to provide you with core foundation knowledge in Accounting and Finance. The module enables you to understand the fundamental basics and concepts of accounting, covering both Financial and Management Accounting as well and associated topics therein. It will enable you to acquire appropriate skills, both in the preparation of accounts and the analysis of them, and thus progress with confidence onto the Masters programme.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: explain key concepts, principles, regulations, documents and structures of Accounting in a business context; identify the differences and key aspects relating to Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Costing and Decision Making theories; prepare advanced financial statements – Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statements – taking into account multiple adjustments; critically analyse the financial position of a company from both a Financial and Management Accounting viewpoint; critically assess the value of management decision making processes in the context of practical examples and use decision making processes to evaluate capital investment methods and risk and return.

Economics

The module will introduce you to the fundamentals of economic analysis; provide basic and intermediate knowledge in microeconomics and macroeconomics; develop your skills and ability to apply economic concepts and theories to real world situations and prepare you for further study at postgraduate level in Economics.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: apply knowledge and understanding of macroeconomic theories to explain decisions made by households, firms and governments; critically analyse different market structures and explain mixed case realities; use Data from national income accounting to analyse economic performance; evaluate general equilibrium and discuss the role of price adjustment in achieving it and analyse both domestic and international economic issues using macroeconomic models, propose and critically evaluate appropriate policies to address the issues.

Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership

This module introduces students to creative processes, behaviour and skills that are central to entrepreneurial venture. The module will help you to draw the link between entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership skills. You will gain an understanding of the nature of entrepreneurs and leadership styles and identify your own leadership capabilities whilst exploring a business start-up and preparing a business plan.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: highlight and explain theories and models that underpin leadership and entrepreneurship in relation to starting a new business venture; explore the principles of innovation and its relevance to entrepreneurship in an economic context; recognise and relate the link between leadership, organisational management and innovative capabilities of an organisation; identify the causes of business or organisational failures and how failures can become opportunities for innovation and leadership; critically assess the key requirements of starting a new venture and show how these can be met in starting a business; evaluate strategic position, leadership goals and innovation strategy of a given company or organisation and analyse the impact of leadership styles on the creativity and performance of an organisation.

Project Research Skills

You will be encouraged to select a project linked to your intended Master’s Degree. You will take responsibility to effectively manage the project. The choice of a project title can be made in consultation with the research interests of the destination departments and colleagues at the Royal Holloway University whilst your tutor in the Centre will act as supervisor and research is discussed during regular tutorials. You will cultivate the necessary research skills to work both individually and as a group to identify a research gap, research and think critically on subject module content, drawing on theory for application in an academic research context.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: identify and explain the differences between qualitative and quantitative data methods of data collection; explain the relevance of primary and statistical methods to academic research projects; undertake a literature review and be able to critically evaluate academic arguments to identify gaps; detect and discuss methodological and ethical thoughts in academic research; formulate research question, select appropriate research method, critically evaluate information and data to undertake an individual academic project and apply theoretical knowledge from the subject area to chosen research project.

Combined visa for postgraduate studies

Save time and money, and experience a seamless transition to postgraduate success, by studying our Pre-Masters course and the remainder of your degree with one visa.

Doing this means you will benefit from:
- Just one visa required for the whole length of your study
- Alternatives to IELTS for UKVI can be used to join the Pre-Masters programme*
- No need for an additional IELTS test before joining your postgraduate degree
- No visa requirement to return home between the courses
- Work up to 20 hours per week
- Ideal for students who have exceeded their two years of pre-degree study in the UK.

Progression to your degree

After completing your Pre-Masters Programme and meeting the required grades, you can progress to your chosen postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway. This will involve meeting the required grades, which can be subject to change. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your teachers once you are approaching the end of your programme.

Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

Pick your progression degree

Artificial Intelligence MSc
Artificial Intelligence (Year in Business) MSc
Data Science & Analytics MSc
Data Science & Analytics (Year in Business) MSc
Information Security MSc
Information Security (Year in Business) MSc
Machine Learning MSc
Machine Learning (Year in Business) MSc

About this pre-master

The Pre-Masters Programme in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering is structured to provide students with no prior knowledge of programming or computing systems with a modern introduction to the major technologies involved in computing and electronic engineering, in preparation to study a postgraduate degree.

Additionally, this programme will focus on enhancing your linguistic skills with a module dedicated to academic English language tuition. This will ensure your writing and speaking skills are at an appropriate level to study a postgraduate degree in English.

What will I study?

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.

Computational Mathematics

The overall aim of the module is to strengthen and consolidate your skills and knowledge of mathematics to ensure you have a robust foundation of calculus and algebra essential for Science and Engineering. A solid understanding of the underlying principles of calculus, differential equations and linear algebra will enable you to explore the mathematics behind a variety of applications and appreciate the benefits of computational tools in solving problems.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: apply descriptive statistics and a range of mathematical tools and techniques to study real-life variables and processes; formulate and solve problems involving vectors, matrices and linear algebra using computational tools; use mathematical methods in a variety of applied contexts; solve differential equations and integral transforms to analyse the behaviour of real-life systems; use the power of abstraction as a way of modelling and solving real-life problems and evaluate problems by breaking them down into component parts, identifying issues and devising solutions.

Research Project Skills for Sciences

The module will offer a platform to practise planning, organisational and project management skills. You will develop the skills to be able to work independently and as well as part of a team in order to identify, design, plan and complete a group project in the area relevant to their studies at the university. You will apply effective organisational skills and strategies to meet agreed objectives. In order to achieve these objectives, effective time management, organisational skills and consideration of ethics within the research interest, in the subject area, will be developed and applied.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: develop programming knowledge and logical thinking in a computing environment to solve science, engineering or a technological problem; describe a project life cycle and devise planning and control activities to effectively manage the time needed to successfully complete a project; apply advanced programming techniques to a science or engineering problem; demonstrate the ability to carry out data acquisition and analyse accurate scientific or engineering data; research, critically evaluate, organise and use information with due ethical consideration and identify resources required for each stage of project and paraphrase, and synthesise ideas from academic sources with accurate referencing.

Programming

The overall aim of the module is to provide extensive experience with procedural and object-oriented programming features. Python is one of the most widely used programming languages worldwide for developing Web and internet Development, Scientific and Numeric, Software Development, Desktop GUIs and Business Applications. This module will support you in learning design principles, best practices and coding conventions for writing high-level Object-Oriented programming. You will also gain hands-on experience in developing standalone, real-world applications and effectively use professional IDE’s to write, debug and test your solutions.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: apply efficient computer algorithms to design and develop flexible applications and implement object-oriented programming strategies; debug and validate working solutions for various applications using object–oriented programming and create concise and user-friendly documentation to improve readability of your code.

Combined visa for postgraduate studies

Save time and money, and experience a seamless transition to postgraduate success, by studying our Pre-Masters course and the remainder of your degree with one visa.

Doing this means you will benefit from:
- Just one visa required for the whole length of your study
- Alternatives to IELTS for UKVI can be used to join the Pre-Masters programme*
- No need for an additional IELTS test before joining your postgraduate degree
- No visa requirement to return home between the courses
- Work up to 20 hours per week
- Ideal for students who have exceeded their two years of pre-degree study in the UK.

Progression to your degree

After completing your Pre-Masters Programme and meeting the required grades, you can progress to your chosen postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway. This will involve meeting the required grades, which can be subject to change. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your teachers once you are approaching the end of your programme.

Economics

Pick your progression degree

Corporate Finance MSc
Economics MSc
Finance MSc

About this pre-master

The Pre-Masters Programme in Economics at the International Study Centre prepares you for a number of maths-related degrees at Royal Holloway.

What will I study?

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 Mathematics for Economics

This module is designed to prepare you with the knowledge of advanced mathematics knowledge used in understanding economics theories and models. The model emphasizes using mathematics tools and logic to understand economic theories’ assumptions and models. The course prepares you to critically analyse and evaluate economic methods and models using a mathematical approach. The knowledge of matrices helps you to solve systems of equations, which will prepare you in learning advanced topics in Macroeconomics and Econometrics.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: identify the main mathematical tools used in analysing economic problems; explain optimisation techniques widely applied in economics, demonstrate the ability of understanding mathematical approach in building economic models; analyse optimal behaviour (consumer behaviour and producer behaviour) by using mathematical approach; apply the main mathematical tools in Microeconomics topics and demonstrate the ability to interpret player’s optimal decisions by using both graphs and mathematical expression.

Data Skills for Economics

This module consolidates and develops your theoretical understanding that is the essential equipment to gain the competency for practical application. The course not only covers topics from a theoretical perspective, but also provides training to demonstrate practical application of econometrics. The module, therefore, provides an opportunity for you to develop a solid theoretical foundation for understanding and demonstrating practical applications through theory and illustrative examples.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of statistical tools to describe different kinds of data and distributions; demonstrate understanding of regression analysis; apply the rules of probability to various distributions; apply hypothesis testing to reject a null hypothesis; critically evaluate the problems faced by researchers while doing regression analysis; apply Serial Advanced Technology Attachment commands to estimate and interpret regression results; critically evaluate suitable econometric techniques for different types of data and critically evaluate analytical methods, both theory and model based and suggest well-reasoned interpretations and solutions.

Economics

The module will introduce you to the fundamentals of economic analysis; provide basic and intermediate knowledge in microeconomics and macroeconomics; develop your skills and ability to apply economic concepts and theories to real world situations and prepare you for further study at postgraduate level in Economics.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: apply knowledge and understanding of macroeconomic theories to explain decisions made by households, firms and governments; critically analyse different market structures and explain mixed case realities; use Data from national income accounting to analyse economic performance; evaluate general equilibrium and discuss the role of price adjustment in achieving it and analyse both domestic and international economic issues using macroeconomic models, propose and critically evaluate appropriate policies to address the issues.

Project Research Skills for Economics

You will be encouraged to select a project linked to your intended Master’s Degree. You will take responsibility to effectively manage the project. The choice of a project title can be made in consultation with the research interests of the destination departments and colleagues at the Royal Holloway University whilst your tutor in the Centre will act as supervisor and research is discussed during regular tutorials. You will cultivate the necessary research skills to work both individually and as a group to identify a research gap, research and think critically on subject module content, drawing on theory for application in an academic research context.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: identify and explain the differences between qualitative and quantitative data methods of data collection; explain the relevance of primary and statistical methods to academic research projects; undertake a literature review and be able to critically evaluate academic arguments to identify gaps; detect and discuss methodological and ethical thoughts in academic research; formulate research question, select appropriate research method, critically evaluate information and data to undertake an individual academic project and apply theoretical knowledge from the subject area to chosen research project.

Combined visa for postgraduate studies

Save time and money, and experience a seamless transition to postgraduate success, by studying our Pre-Masters course and the remainder of your degree with one visa.

Doing this means you will benefit from:
- Just one visa required for the whole length of your study
- Alternatives to IELTS for UKVI can be used to join the Pre-Masters programme*
- No need for an additional IELTS test before joining your postgraduate degree
- No visa requirement to return home between the courses
- Work up to 20 hours per week
- Ideal for students who have exceeded their two years of pre-degree study in the UK.

Progression to your degree

After completing your Pre-Masters Programme and meeting the required grades, you can progress to your chosen postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway. It is important to note that the entry requirements are subject to change – you will have the chance to discuss this with your teachers upon approaching the end of your programme.

Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Pick your progression degree

Ancient History MA
Classical Art & Archaeology MA
Classics MA
Contemporary Political Theory MA
Creative Writing MA
Crusader Studies MA
Elections, Campaigns & Democracy MA
English Literature MA
European Philosophy MSc
History MA
History: Hellenic Studies MA
Holocaust Studies MA
International Public Policy MSc
International Relations MSc
International Security MSc
Islamic & West Asian Studies MA
Late Antique & Byzantine Studies MA
Media, Power & Public Affairs MSc
Medieval Studies MA
Modern Philosophy MA
Political Philosophy MSc
Politics of Development MA
Public History MA
Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism Studies (at CLC)
Victorian Literature, Art & Culture MA

About this pre-master

The Pre-Masters in Social Science, Arts and Humanities at the International Study Centre prepares you for a wide range of degrees at Royal Holloway.

What will I study?

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.

Project Research Skills

You will be encouraged to select a project linked to your intended Master’s Degree. You will take responsibility to effectively manage the project. The choice of a project title can be made in consultation with the research interests of the destination departments and colleagues at the Royal Holloway University whilst your tutor in the Centre will act as supervisor and research is discussed during regular tutorials. You will cultivate the necessary research skills to work both individually and as a group to identify a research gap, research and think critically on subject module content, drawing on theory for application in an academic research context.

Social Science

The overall aim of the module is to provide a foundation in core concepts and theories shared by the main social science disciplines. The first section of the module will introduce you to an interdisciplinary review of literature on basic aspects of human behaviour: individual, social and political behaviour. The second part of the module will move on to explore policy-making research in more depth, in the context of globalisation. You will be able to focus on one of three extensively studied topics in different social science disciplines: education, poverty and development, and environmental protection.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to explain key concepts and theories within social science and humanities in relation to individual behaviour, social behaviour, political behaviour, policy-making and also explain the concept of diversity and inequality at different levels. Additionally, you will learn to: analyse a range of contemporary social science issues creatively applying relevant concepts to reach a well-reasoned conclusion; critically evaluate a body of literature on a subject area in social science using appropriate academic conventions; evaluate factors impacting human behaviour in a given social science context and conduct analysis of government policy to recommend a policy change within a chosen discipline using appropriate academic standards.

Communication, Cultures and Heritage – Core module for Arts and Humanities

This module will introduce and explore a range of influential and important theories around how people process and document the human experience to develop sensitivity to cultural differences and allow you to develop effective communication strategies in the management of a project.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: explain how and what it means to be human; specifically, how communication, culture and heritage across diverse cultures and historical contexts is defined and practised; describe the fundamental knowledge and skills required to scrutinise barriers to communication within a relevant context taking into account linguistic and societal influences; analyse a range of contemporary issues relating to multi-cultural communication, creatively applying relevant concepts to reach a well-reasoned conclusion; critique the impact of communication and communication change across a range of historical and cultural contexts; critically analyse the core issues and debates regarding the process and documentation of human experiences; design and create a presentation that compares, contrasts, explores and outlines the fundamental core knowledge relating to communication, cultures and heritage and reflect on how local, national and global communities form their identity and how cultural, social and political contexts create and disseminate meaning.

Global Politics and International Relations – Core module for Politics and International Relations

The overall aim of the module is to introduce you to global politics and interactional in the international arena. The module provides you with knowledge and understanding of global and contemporary issues in politics and international relations. It considers a wide range of global political issues, for example, human rights, the environment and contemporary issues in security. The module provides you with an overview of contemporary challenges facing the global community, allows you to develop analytical and conceptual skills to appreciate and engage with issues of global importance, critique current strategies and attempts to proffer solutions to you.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: define nation state and explain its functions in global governance; identify and explain leading theories of international relations; examine the interface between local, national and global politics; analyse the significance of a range of contemporary political issues with global dimensions and their implications; evaluate the history and evolution of human rights and fundamental changes in international human rights framework in contemporary times; critically analyse the challenges faced by States in ensuring a balance between human rights and security and discuss the role of State and non-State actors in global politics and international peace and security.

Transnational Organised Crime – Core module for Law and Criminology

The module will introduce you to forces of globalisation and allows them to appreciate how the global trade has directly and indirectly facilitated the global shadow market. You will be able to assess the nature of criminality associated with long standing illegal activities such as human trafficking, human smuggling and the emergence of youth gangs and organised crime in the UK. You will also be able to examine possible connections between organised crime and terrorism.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: define key concepts such as globalisation and explain the process of globalisation; discuss the nature of criminality behind transnational organised crime such as human trafficking and smuggling, money laundry and piracy; critically evaluate the factors that have facilitated transnational organised crime and enforcement regime; assess the impact of organised criminal activities on individuals, local communities, nations and the global community and examine the evolution of youth gangs and organised crime in the UK and the national framework and institutions on organised crime.

Combined visa for postgraduate studies

Save time and money, and experience a seamless transition to postgraduate success, by studying our Pre-Masters course and the remainder of your degree with one visa.

Doing this means you will benefit from:

Just one visa required for the whole length of your study
Alternatives to IELTS for UKVI can be used to join the Pre-Masters programme*
No need for an additional IELTS test before joining your postgraduate degree
No visa requirement to return home between the courses
Work up to 20 hours per week
Ideal for students who have exceeded their two years of pre-degree study in the UK.

Progression to your degree

After completing your Pre-Masters Programme and meeting the required grades, you can progress to your chosen postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway. This will involve meeting the required grades, which can be subject to change. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your teachers once you are approach the end of your programme.

2-Term