What is the NCUK Pre-Master's Programme (PMP)?

What is the NCUK Pre-Master’s Programme?

This programme is designed to develop the study methods and academic English language skills of international students who are preparing for Master’s degree study in the UK. Students who pass this course are guaranteed a place on a taught Master’s degree at an NCUK member university. In addition, passing the Pre- Master’s will increase the students’ chances of successfully finishing their Master’s degree.

Students who have successfully completed a 3 year university diploma can use this course as a conversion programme. This means that their diploma can be recognised by many universities as a qualifying programme, therefore increasing the range of Master’s courses available to them. Many Master’s degrees such as Science, Engineering, Finance or Accounting require students to have a degree or diploma in a related field. However, students wanting to study Business or Management but did not study in this area previously, can use the Pre-Master’s as a way of adapting their skills for entry onto these Master’s degrees.

International students with a degree in Business or Economics and with sufficient language ability can use the six month or three month NCUK PMP as a fast track to UK postgraduate study, subject to IELTS grades on entry.

What is special about the NCUK Pre-Master’s Programme?

With a strong academic focus in the area of business and management, this programme includes a major component (50%) in research methods, and management and study skills, as well as the requirement to define, complete and write up a research project using those skills.

While the programme generally leads to taught Master’s courses, universities particularly welcome the major research project and the programme is also suitable for candidates applying to a degree where there is a strong research focus.

The NCUK Pre-Master’s Programme is:

• supported by a group of leading UK universities;
• world class facilities;
• guaranteed progression to postgraduate courses;
• flexible entry dates;
• highly supportive study environment;
• highest levels of personal care and support.
  

Because the PMP has been developed by NCUK and is built on their long established programme, it offers guaranteed entry to one of NCUK’s 11 partner universities in the UK, as well as being widely recognised across the UK university sector. Students who have successfully completed a 3 year university diploma can use this course as a conversion programme. This means that their diploma can be recognised by many universities as a qualifying programme, therefore increasing the range of Master’s courses available to them.

Many Master’s degrees such as Science, Engineering, Finance or Accounting require students to have a degree or diploma in a related field. However, students wanting to study Business or Management but did not study in this area previously, can use the Pre-Master’s as a way of adapting their skills for entry onto these Master’s degrees.

Why do students choose to follow the Pre-Master’s Programme?

Studying a Master’s degree at a British university can be a stressful experience for students who are new to the UK. The different study methods, language, culture, friends and new accommodation can place a lot of pressure on students in their first few months.

This programme provides the skills and study methods that students need to integrate fully into the academic environment and into their chosen Master’s course. International students from different disciplines can also use the nine month NCUK Pre-Master’s Programme as a conversion course allowing entrance into UK postgraduate study in the areas of business and management in addition to those relating to their first degree or diploma study.

International students with a degree in Business or Economics and with sufficient language ability can use the six month or three month NCUK PMP as a fast track to UK postgraduate study, subject to IELTS grades on entry.

Is the Pre-Master’s Programme validated or recognised?

The Pre-Master’s Programme is designed by the Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK) and is accepted by universities across the country for direct entry to taught Master’s programmes. Successful completion of the PMP leads to the award of the NCUK certificate, issued on behalf of the NCUK owner universities.

The course is therefore a first step towards obtaining a postgraduate qualification.

NCUK (The Northern Consortium of UK Universities)

The Foundation and Pre-Master’s Programmes at INTO Manchester have been developed by The Northern Consortium UK. NCUK’s world renowned study programmes and rigorous standards mean that the qualifications are widely welcomed across the UK and elsewhere in the world. NCUK was formed in 1987 and is owned by its 11 universities (which include the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University). As a result we can offer an important guarantee: all students who pass our Foundation or Pre-Master’s programmes are guaranteed a place on a degree course at an NCUK member university, or at an INTO partner university, and of course, can apply to the many other universities who accept the qualification on a case by case basis.