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 9 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 Dates

• June 2025 – July 2025
• August 2025 – September 2025

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction to UK Higher Education

• Topics Covered:
  • Overview of the UK education system.
  • Differences between undergraduate and postgraduate study.
  • Understanding the structure of a master’s degree (taught vs. research-based).
  • Key academic terms and concepts (e.g., modules, dissertations, credits).

Week 2: Academic Writing and Research Skills & Assessment Formats

• Topics Covered:
  • Understanding academic writing standards in the UK.
  • Structuring essays, reports, and dissertations.
  • Referencing and avoiding plagiarism (e.g., Harvard, APA, or MLA styles).
  • Introduction to academic research methods.
  • Overview of alternative assessment formats (e.g., market entry strategy, boardroom presentations, consultancy reports, simulations).

Week 3: Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

• Topics Covered:
  • What is critical thinking, and why is it important?
  • How to analyze and evaluate academic sources.
  • Constructing logical arguments and counterarguments.

Week 4: English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

• Topics Covered:
  • Academic vocabulary and phrases.
  • Formal vs. informal language.
  • Presentation skills and participating in seminars.
  • Listening and note-taking during lectures.

Week 5: Research Methods

• Topics Covered:
  • Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research.
  • How to formulate a research question and hypothesis.
  • Conducting literature reviews and identifying credible sources.
  • Data collection and analysis techniques.
  • Research ethics and integrity.

Week 6: Time Management and Study Skills

• Topics Covered:
  • Balancing coursework, research, and personal life.
  • Creating a study schedule and setting goals.
  • Effective note-taking and revision techniques.

Week 7: Understanding UK Academic Culture

• Topics Covered:
  • Classroom etiquette and student-teacher relationships.
  • Group work and collaboration.
  • Understanding feedback and using it to improve.
  • Cultural differences in academic settings.

Week 8: Practical Preparation for Living in the UK

• Topics Covered:
  • Visa requirements and application process.
  • Accommodation options and budgeting.
  • Healthcare and student support services.
  • Cultural norms and social etiquette in the UK.

Week 9: Final Preparation and Next Steps

• Topics Covered:
  • Recap of key skills and knowledge.
  • Preparing for arrival: What to pack and what to expect.
  • Networking and building connections in the UK.
  • Long-term planning: Career opportunities and further study.

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.

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:

University fo Plymouth – Master’s Courses

Coventry University – Master’s Courses

Application Form

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Address

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City

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Zip Code

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City and Country of Birth *

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Native Language *

Gender *– Please Select –MaleFemaleTransgender, prefer not to answer, other

Have you ever been charged with a violation of the law which resulted in, or if still pending could result in, probation, community service, a jail sentence, or the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license (including traffic violations which resulted in a fine of $200 or more?) *

• Yes
• No

If yes, please explain

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.

Name of Last School / College / University Attended

Received / Expected Graduation Date

Address

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City

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Zip Code

School Phone

Please attach a photo of your Certificates

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Extracurricular, Personal and Volunteer Activities

Extracurricular Activities

List your organizations, position, description of the activity, and hours per week of involvement.

Talents and Awards

List each, a description, the level, and number of years of involvement.

Community Service Work

List the type of work, your role, and hours per week of involvement.

Employment

List the job, your title, description, hours per week, and dates of employment.

Attach an additional Word, PDF or text document if necessary

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Parent Information

The information requested below is optional, but it may assist in the review of your admission. You are strongly encouraged to complete this section.

Father or Legal Guardian Occupation

Father or Legal Guardian Education– Please select –High School or LessTrade or Vocational SchoolSome CollegeUndergraduate College DegreeGraduate Degree

Mother or Legal Guardian Occupation

Mother or Legal Guardian Education– Please select –High School or LessTrade or Vocational SchoolSome CollegeUndergraduate College DegreeGraduate Degree

Please indicate your family’s gross income for the most recent tax year. Include both taxed and untaxed income.– Please select –$20,000-$39,999$40,000-$59,999$60,000-$79,999$80,000 or more

Your Course

Please tell us what course, dates and finance arrangements.

I am interested in studying on the following course(s) *

• International Pre-Business Masters Course (June 2025)
• International Business Entrepreneurship Foundation Year (Sept 2025)
• BSc(Hons) International Business Entrepreneurship (with integrated Foundation) (Sept 2025)

Foundation year intake open for September 2025.

Start Date *

• Sept 2025
• Jan 2026
• Sept 2026

Mode of Study *

• Online
• Campus
• Blended

This will be used to understand your preferences and we shall discuss the options available to you. However not all courses delivery options and locations are available to all students.

How will you fund your studies? Please tick as many boxes as apply *

• Self
• Family
• Employer
• Albion Bursary (females students only)
• Other

How did you hear about us? *

• Agent
• Website
• Current Student
• None of the Above

Agent Name

Current photo id or passport photo/bio page *

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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.

Do you understand and agree to the terms listed above? *

• Yes, I understand and agree to the terms listed above.

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