Overview
Start your journey towards a master's degree
This 1-semester programme prepares you to succeed in your postgraduate studies. It combines the study of topics in international business with the development of your academic skills. It incorporates use of the English language along with numerical, critical thinking and independent research skills.
Successful completion of your programme (at 50% minimum) guarantees you entry to the following University of Chichester MSc programmes:
If you are interested in progression to other programmes, please contact Admissions@chi.ac.uk for further advice.
You work in a group of no more than 25 students. There are many opportunities for tutor-student interaction as well as groupwork and regular individual tutorials.
On successful completion of your 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 a systematic knowledge and understanding of key aspects of business, some of which is 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
The Course
What you will study
You study 4 modules over 1 semester (12 weeks). To continue to one of our postgraduate programmes, you need to pass all the modules (at 50% minimum). Each module has a total of 48 contact hours.
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.
Teaching and Assessment
How you will learn
The Pre-Masters programme is delivered via small group teaching (maximum 25 students).
All our classes take place on campus and are workshop-based and include interactive and developmental activities. We expect you to ask questions, discuss information, give presentations and evaluate information. Group work and group projects will form an important part of your studies.
Course Dates
Programmes normally begin in June and September.
Our next programme is between 09/06/25 – 29/08/25.
Successful completion of this programme enables you to take up an MSc place from the end of September 2025.
Teaching takes place Monday-Friday and you are expected to attend all timetabled sessions. You spend approximately 16 hours in class each week. Guided group study and individual tutorials are in addition to this time.
To complete the Programme successfully you will need to devote approximately two additional hours of self-study for each hour you spend in class.
Here is a sample weekly timetable.
| 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 | |
Please note that where teaching falls on a public holiday, classes will be re-scheduled.
Facilities
Discover dedicated teaching facilities
Learning Resource Centre
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms and the Support and Information Zone (SIZ).
Library
Our campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.
Careers
After your degree
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 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 a global environment.
Course Costs
Course fees 2025/26 entry
Course 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
This programme is likely to suit you if you have completed your undergraduate studies outside UK academic culture and/or if English is not your first language and you have not previously studied fully in the medium of English.
It is also suitable for those whose academic attainment does not yet meet the entry criteria for their intended master’s programme.
Applicants must satisfy BOTH conditions A and B
- 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. Visit our English Language Requirements page for more information.
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.
