International Pre-Business Masters Course

Course Introduction

Studying for a master’s degree in the UK is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it also comes with unique academic, cultural, and practical challenges. This course is designed specifically for international students to help them transition smoothly into UK higher education and succeed in their postgraduate studies.

Through a structured nine-week online programme, students will develop essential academic skills, including research methods, critical thinking, and effective communication. They will also gain insights into UK academic culture, assessment formats, and classroom expectations, ensuring they feel confident in their learning environment. Additionally, the course covers key aspects of living in the UK, such as visa requirements, accommodation options, and cultural integration, making the transition to student life much easier.

Delivered through engaging video lectures, interactive activities, and real-world case studies, this course provides a practical and supportive learning experience. With expert guidance, live Q&A sessions, and a strong peer community, students will build the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in their UK postgraduate studies and beyond. By the end of the course, participants will be well-prepared to navigate their master’s journey and achieve academic success.

Course Objectives

  • Equip students with the academic skills required for UK postgraduate study, particularly for MSc International Business Management and similar courses.
  • Familiarize students with UK academic culture and expectations, including interactive learning and engagement.
  • Provide practical guidance on living and studying in the UK, with a focus on cultural integration.
  • Build confidence in English language proficiency, especially for academic and professional purposes.
  • Help students develop time management, research, and critical thinking skills.
  • Introduce students to a variety of assessment formats, including traditional essays and more applied, authentic assessments.

Programme Structure

The course will be delivered online over 5 weeks, with students expected to dedicate 2-4 hours per week. Each week focuses on a specific theme, combining theory, practice, and reflection. This consists of two 20-30 minute videos, reading materials, activities, and discussions.

Course Prerequistes

  1. English Language: IELTS score of 6.0 overall and no less than 5.5 on any component is required even for premasters
  2. A lower second (2:2) class honours degree or equivalent

Application Process

Students must apply online using the form below, submitting their certificates for English language and degree status. If the student is still studying, then the current marks for their final year should be submitted.

Once submitted, you will gain a reply within 48 hours.

Course Fee: £250

This one-time payment gives you full access to all course materials, live sessions, and personalised academic support.

Course Dates

  • January 2026
  • June 2026

Before joining the International Pre-Business Masters Course, I was nervous about studying in the UK. The course helped me understand the expectations of UK universities, improve my academic writing, and build confidence in seminars. I now feel fully prepared for my master’s degree.

Adekunbi

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Understanding UK Higher Education and Academic Culture

Topics Covered:

  • Overview of the UK education system and structure of master’s degrees (taught vs. research-based).
  • Differences between undergraduate and postgraduate study.
  • Key academic terms, modules, and assessment methods.
  • Classroom etiquette, student–teacher relationships, collaboration, and feedback.
  • Cultural differences and expectations in UK academic settings.
Week 2: Academic Writing, Research, and Assessment Skills

Topics Covered:

  • Understanding academic writing standards and conventions.
  • Structuring essays, reports, and dissertations.
  • Referencing and avoiding plagiarism (Harvard, APA, MLA).
  • Introduction to research methods and alternative assessment formats (consultancy reports, presentations, simulations).
Week 3: Critical Thinking, Analysis, and Communication

Topics Covered:

  • What is critical thinking and how to apply it in postgraduate study.
  • Analyzing and evaluating academic sources.
  • Constructing logical arguments and counterarguments.
  • Presentation skills, seminar participation, and academic communication (formal vs. informal).
Week 4: Research Design and Academic English

Topics Covered:

  • Formulating research questions and hypotheses.
  • Conducting literature reviews and identifying credible sources.
  • Qualitative and quantitative research basics.
  • Academic vocabulary, listening, note-taking, and writing for clarity and precision.
  • Research ethics and integrity.
Week 5: Study Skills, Time Management, and Practical Preparation

Topics Covered:

  • Time management, goal setting, and balancing academic and personal life.
  • Effective study and revision strategies.
  • Preparing for life in the UK: visas, accommodation, budgeting, and healthcare.
  • Cultural and social integration tips.
  • Final recap: key academic skills, arrival preparation, and long-term career or study planning.

Assessment and Certification

  • Assessment:
    • Weekly quizzes and assignments.
    • Final project (e.g., a research proposal or personal statement).
  • Certification:
    • Students who complete the course and pass assessments receive a certificate of completion from Albion Business School.

The course gave me exactly what I needed — structure, guidance, and support. I learned how to think critically, write academically, and participate in discussions just like UK students. It made my transition to postgraduate study so much smoother.

Faraji

Progression Options

Students who complete this course can continue studying at a wide range of UK universities. However, we have secured direct progression routes to:

Application Form

Last School / College / University Attended

Please provide results, including those which are pending. Please upload photocopies of your certificate, transcripts, copies of previous CAS’, enrolment letters, and student status letters.
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Your Course

Please tell us what course, dates and finance arrangements.
Foundation year intake open for September 2025.
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Data protection and Declaration

I consent to the Albion Business School’s (ABS) use of my personal data, including sensitive data, to allow the University to fulfill its administrative obligations and to process my application. Albion Business School shall duly observe its obligations under the General Data Protection Regulations and any resulting legislation which arise from this application. The information I provide on the application form will be used for the following purposes, to: • determine my eligibility for entry to the Albion Business School. • provide me with relevant information to assist me in joining the ABS (including information about Open Days, scholarships/discounts and fees, enrollment at ABS, my course, my faculty and the ABS’s facilities, the local area, accommodation providers engaged through the ABS’s approved accommodation system, internships and career opportunities, visa advice and travel advice). • enable the Albion Business School to compile statistical reports. • enable the Albion Business School to initiate my student record. I consent to the University sharing this information with: • the relevant government departments. This includes: Higher Education Statistical Agency, UK Visas and Immigration, Higher Education Access Tracker (HEAT), Office for Fair Access and the Office for Students, Student Loan Company. • Public Sector regulatory bodies such as The British Council and the Office for Standards in Education • bodies which are responsible for professional accreditation of my course, if applicable • the Police or other authority in relation to crime prevention or investigation, or in association with the Government’s Prevent agenda • accommodation providers (where applicable) who are engaged through the ABS’s approved accommodation system • UCAS (through the completion of a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA) in compliance with the UCAS Undergraduate Application and Recruitment Policy), and • NARIC (in order to establish the equivalent level and verify a qualification if applicable) • any partner of the ABS which is delivering the programme or whose premises are used for the delivery of a programme, for which I have registered on with ABS • my sponsor (if any) in order to confirm sponsorship and invoice for payment of fees • my referees of this application form • my representative/agent in my home country (if applicable) of this application form In the event that I do not register as a student of the Albion Business School, they will retain my personal information for the rest of the academic year for which I have applied plus one further academic year. In the event that I do register, my data will be managed as per the student agreement which I will sign upon registration.