Overview
Start your journey towards a master's degree
The University of Chichester International Pre-Masters is a 1- or 2-semester course which, on successful completion, allows progression to several master’s courses at the University of Chichester, including:
The course offers subject-specific content and academic use of English, together with numerical, independent research, and critical thinking skills training in preparation for postgraduate study.
Please note this course is only open to those aged 18 years or older.
The Course
What you will study
Throughout the courses, you will study a variety of modules. The following list is indicative and subject to future change.
Select a year
Academic English and Postgraduate Study Skills
The aim of this module is to prepare you for master’s level study by extending your English language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) to best achieve your academic potential at postgraduate level (i.e., CEF level B2+ and beyond).
By the end of the module, you will have developed an ability to critically analyse, question and argue within the culture of UK academia while working autonomously and taking responsibility for your own learning.
A key focus is placed on the development of digital skills and a thorough appreciation of academic integrity.
The purpose of this module is to develop the skills, practices, conventions and expectations required for successful further study at postgraduate level.
Contemporary Topics in Business and Management 1
The aim of this module is to provide you with contemporary knowledge in business and management to enable you to contribute to decision-making and business growth.
The purpose of the module is to increase awareness and knowledge of contemporary business and management issues and to give you opportunities to discuss and critically analyse a range of topics.
Critical Thinking and Academic Integrity
The module enables you to develop and use advanced critical thinking skills to analyse, evaluate, apply and communicate arguments successfully for post-graduate study, research, personal development and vocational employment.
Effective critical skills will help you improve the quality of your academic output and deepen your engagement with your studies.
Research Techniques for Business
The aim of this module is to prepare you to undertake independent research at postgraduate level by developing an understanding of various research approaches and tools.
On completion, you will be able to construct a conceptual framework and identify key issues and debates.
You will also be able to select, apply and use a number of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and with particular reference to business environments.
Academic English and Postgraduate Study Skills
The aim of this module is to prepare you for master’s level study by extending your English language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) to best achieve your academic potential at postgraduate level (i.e., CEF level B2+ and beyond).
By the end of the module, you will have developed an ability to critically analyse, question and argue within the culture of UK academia while working autonomously and taking responsibility for your own learning.
A key focus is placed on the development of digital skills and a thorough appreciation of academic integrity.
The purpose of this module is to develop the skills, practices, conventions and expectations required for successful further study at postgraduate level.
Contemporary Topics in Business and Management 1
The aim of this module is to provide you with contemporary knowledge in business and management to enable you to contribute to decision-making and business growth.
The purpose of the module is to increase awareness and knowledge of contemporary business and management issues and to give you opportunities to discuss and critically analyse a range of topics.
Critical Thinking and Academic Integrity
The module enables you to develop and use advanced critical thinking skills to analyse, evaluate, apply and communicate arguments successfully for post-graduate study, research, personal development and vocational employment.
Effective critical skills will help you improve the quality of your academic output and deepen your engagement with your studies.
Research Techniques for Business
The aim of this module is to prepare you to undertake independent research at postgraduate level by developing an understanding of various research approaches and tools.
On completion, you will be able to construct a conceptual framework and identify key issues and debates.
You will also be able to select, apply and use a number of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and with particular reference to business environments.
Personal and Professional Development
The aim of the module is to help you thrive in a world of constant change to ensure you are prepared for your future career.
It provides the knowledge and practice of skills needed for personal and professional development.
The module includes evaluation and development of your English language skills, with a focus on speaking and writing in specific contexts.
It also concludes practice of vocational tasks such as participating in interviews and CV and letter writing with peer and tutor feedback.
Data Analytics for Business
The aim of the module is to provide you with an overview of data analytics, including applications in areas such as finance and marketing, as you practise the use of data analysis tools on sample data sets.
The module provides an introduction to exploratory data analysis, including data summarisation, statistics and visualisations.
You are encouraged to explore the potential of these techniques to affect business transformations.
Contemporary Topics in Business and Management 2
The aim of this module is to give you perspectives on business and management in both contemporary academic and practical contexts, and to encourage you to apply theory to practice.
Via a consideration of theories and real-world case studies, you are encouraged throughout to critically evaluate, ask questions, challenge decisions and think ‘outside the box’.
Project Management
The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the context of the project management environment by introducing you to a range of concepts, methods, tools and techniques for managing activities throughout a project life cycle.
This module also reflects the increasing importance of the topic by incorporating a range of practical issues associated with delivering projects within real-world organisational settings.
Teaching and Assessment
How you will learn
The Pre-Master’s programme is designed to ensure that students are thoroughly prepared for progression onto their master’s programme.
It is delivered via a combination of face-to-face lectures and online resources, such as pre-recorded lectures and videos. There are many opportunities for tutor-student interaction, as well as group work and regular individual tutorials. Contact hours include lectures, tutorials, and workshops. Modules are interactive and practical, the skills acquired underpinned by a broad theoretical framework. Face-to-face content is delivered in groups of typically no more than 25 students. Tutorials and workshops are interactive and provide plenty of opportunities for student feedback and engagement. Assessments consist of a combination of coursework, project work, and written examinations.
Teaching takes place Monday to Friday, and students are expected to attend all timetabled sessions, spending approximately 16 hours in class each week. Guided group study and individual tutorials are in addition to this time. To complete the programme successfully, students will normally need to devote at least 2 additional hours of self-study for each hour spent in class.
Here is a sample weekly timetable for Semester One of the 2-semester programme:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 – 12:00 | Contemporary Topics in Business and Management | Academic English and Postgraduate Study Skills | Individual tutorials: (online: 15 minutes per student every 2 weeks) | Academic English and Postgraduate Study Skills | Contemporary Topics in Business and Management |
| Lunch break | Lunch break | ||||
| 13:00 – 15:00 | Research Techniques for Business | Critical Thinking and Academic Integrity | Critical Thinking and Academic Integrity | Research Techniques for Business | |
Facilities
Discover dedicated teaching facilities
Tech Park
You will be based in the £35 million Tech Park. Here you'll find seminar rooms, study booths, a café and spaces for group work.
Learning Resource Centre
The Learning Resource centre is home to the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms and the Student Information Zone (SIZ).
Your Future
Where this course can take you
Successful completion of the Pre-Masters programme (50% minimum) guarantees you entry to these University of Chichester MSc programmes:
On successful completion of the programme, you will be able to:
- Communicate appropriately in speaking and writing in academic contexts at IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) 6.5 (CEF (Common European Framework) C1) level;
- Demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of key aspects of business, some of which are at, or informed by, the forefront of current knowledge;
- Select and apply appropriate numerical, computational, analytical skills to provide sustainable solutions to problems in business;
- Critically evaluate arguments, data and abstract concepts to make judgements and frame appropriate questions, demonstrating problem-solving skills in complex and unpredictable situations;
- Use a variety of communication techniques to present information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- Demonstrate the ability to collaborate as part of team with minimum guidance, showing leadership skills as required;
- Demonstrate the confidence and learning ability required to undertake further education and training at postgraduate level;
- Take responsibility for your own learning and apply an awareness of professional and ethical values to personal decisions and actions.
This course helps you develop the academic and communication skills you need to succeed at postgraduate level. You will be able to begin your postgraduate studies in International Business or Digital Marketing with confidence.
When you graduate, you will have a strong grounding in your chosen field and be well-placed to pursue an international business career in a range of organisations. You will also develop the cultural awareness and English language skills you need to make an impact in an international commercial environment.
Course Costs
Course fees 2023/24 entry
One semester fee
For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.
For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.
To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must satisfy both conditions A and B
One-semester programme
- A: A Level 5 qualification in business and/or management. Typical offers (individual offers may vary): HND (EDEXCEL/SQA) Grade C or pass; Associate degree (or Junior College Diploma) 65%-70% from a recognised institution.
- B: IELTS 6.0 minimum (or recognised equivalent) in English language, with no element lower than 5.5.
Two-semester programme
- A: A Level 5 qualification in business and/or management. Typical offers (individual offers may vary): HND (EDEXCEL/SQA) Grade C or pass; Associate degree (or Junior College Diploma) 65%-70% from a recognised institution.
- B: IELTS 5.5 minimum (or recognised equivalent) in English language with no element lower than 5.5.
Pre-sessional programmes
Applicants whose language does not meet requirement B are eligible for entry via successful completion of the University’s Pre-sessional programmes.
