3-Year College Diploma Students in UK Universities
3-year College diploma students can get a UK Masters degree in 2 years. It can be done in one of 2 ways:
1. Take a one year Pre-Masters course: at one of a few universities & colleges in Britain. After one year you can study a Masters degree at any UK university..
2. Study the final year of a Bachelor degree: after 2 years leave the UK with both a Bachelors and Masters degree from Britain. You can study at a different university for your Masters degree. For more information click here
To study a Pre-Masters degree needs a lower IELTS score than studying year 3 of a Bachelor degree and only the Pre-Masters option has January start dates available..
Pre-Masters Diploma IELTS Needed: Variable: 4.5 to 6.0 Start Dates: Sept & Jan Tuition Cost: 6,000-10,000 GBP |
Final Year Bachelors IELTS Needed: 6.0 Start Dates: Sept only Tuition Cost:8,000 GBP average |
The Pre-Masters Diploma has lower entry requirements, and the course is generally easier than taking the final year of a Bachelor degree. Not many universities offer this course (see below) but it is possible to start in Sept, January and in some cases even in April. It is possible to take your Pre-Masters at some very good universities (St Andrews). However, it is usually less easy to be accepted by a very prestigious university for your Masters degree.
Your Pre-Masters course will usually be 50% English language and 50% academic study. You will specialise your Pre-Masters according to the Masters degree you want to do. The areas you can specialise in are:
- Business
- Engineering
- IT
- Science
Note because these courses are for College Diploma holders most students are from East Asia.
Key Facts
Length: 9 months for most (some 6 months)
Cost: Tuition: Average: 8,000 GBP/yr. Living: 6,000-8,000 GBP/yr.
Admission: 3-year College Diploma
How to Apply: Direct to each university/college, so you can apply to as many as you wish. Most courses are free to apply to. No entrance examination
Start Date: Sept/Oct – some in January & even April
Admission Deadline: No admission deadlines
Application Duration: About 4-6 weeks
IELTS: Most 5.5
In general entry requirements for a Pre-Masters are: IELTS 5.0, grades above 60 and good references. Courses that begin in January/April usually require IELTS 5.5 and may require higher GPA's.
You will receive a Diploma that qualifies you to apply for a Masters degree.
To view the universities offering Pre-Masters courses please click here
To view related articles please click here