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Online Pre-Masters Programme: Business Management

Boost your career prospects with a master's degree from a top university

Endorsed by Lancaster University, our Online Pre-Masters Programme will prepare you for postgraduate study in a variety of business management fields, enabling you to move into more senior management and strategic leadership roles.

Key facts

English language entry requirements:

  • IELTS 5.0 (with minimum 5.0 in all skills) or equivalent

Note: to achieve progression to universities such as Lancaster University and Royal Holloway University of London, that have a higher English language entry requirement of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, it is recommended that students start their Online Pre-Masters Programme with IELTS 5.5 with no less than 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. Progression to Lancaster University and Royal Holloway, University of London will require students to achieve 60% overall in AES (equivalent to IELTS 6.5) with no skill less than 50% (equivalent to IELTS 6.0).


Academic entry requirements:

  • Recognised first degree

Country-specific entry requirements

Two semesters (24 weeks plus 2 assessment weeks)

Visit our fees page for more information on programme costs.

  • January, October

Visit Semester dates for more information

Why study the Online Pre-Masters Programme?

The Online Pre-Masters Programme is trusted by top universities. This two-semester programme is endorsed by Lancaster University – ensuring that it meets their quality standards and criteria. It provides a quality assurance to our international students and to recruiting universities, showing confidence in the quality of our curriculum.

Our postgraduate preparation programme prepares you to study a masters degree at one of many universities. You will explore a range of topics and develop study skills relevant to your degree subject of choice, giving you the best start possible to the next stage of your academic journey. 

With our Online Pre-Masters Programme, you can:

  • benefit from guaranteed conditional offers* from Lancaster University, Aberystwyth University and Bangor University
  • bridge the gap between your academic subject knowledge, English language skills and study skills. 
  • choose to study your masters degree at a range of universities.

For students with a higher level of English, you can complete your Pre-Masters Programme in Business
Management
in one-semester. 

University progression

Guaranteed conditional progression universities*

Students who choose our Online Pre-Masters Programme will benefit from guaranteed conditional offers* from Lancaster University, Royal Holloway University of London, Aberystwyth University and Bangor University.

  • Lancaster University logo
  • Aberystwyth University logo
  • Bangor University logo
  • RHUL logo
  • University of Strathclyde logo

Progression degrees for guaranteed conditional progression universities

Students who successfully complete the Online Pre-Masters Programme and meet the progression requirements can progress to the postgraduate degrees listed below.

Degree programme nameAwardOverall gradeEnglish gradeAdditional requirements
Accounting and Financial ManagementMSc70% overall and 70% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification in Finance, Accounting or Economics
Advanced Financial AnalysisMSc70% overall and 70% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification in Finance or Accounting with a significant number of Finance and/or Quantitative module studies
Advanced Marketing ManagementMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 70% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification in Marketing or a related Business Management degree with Marketing components
Business AnalyticsMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification in a quantitative discipline such as Mathematics and/or Statistics, including Science and Engineering. Business and Management degrees with a strong quantitative component would also be considered
Digital Business, Innovation & ManagementMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification
EconomicsMSc70% overall and 70% in each moduleAES: 70% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification in Economics or a related subject with at least 50% Economics modules
Entrepreneurship & InnovationMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification
FinanceMSc70% overall and 70% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification in Finance, Accounting or Economics or other business-related subject
Human Resource ManagementMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification in Management, Business, Social Sciences, History, Philosophy, English, Languages, Arts or other Humanities
Human Resource & ConsultingMA60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification
International Business & StrategyMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification
Logistics & Supply Chain ManagementMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification in Business, Management, Economics, Engineering or other Social Science
ManagementMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification
MarketingMSc60% overall and 60% in each module60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an undergraduate qualification in any discipline except Marketing
Money, Banking & FinanceMSc70% overall and 70% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification in Economics, Finance or a related subject. You will have successfully completed modules in Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Mathematics including Calculus, Statistics and Probability
Politics, Philosophy and ManagementMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification in Management, Business, Social Sciences, History, Philosophy, English, Languages, Arts or other Humanities
Project ManagementMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification
StrategyMSc60% overall and 60% in each moduleAES: 60% overall and 50% in each skillSuccessful completion of an acceptable Undergraduate Qualification

*Progression to Lancaster University is subject to successfully completing the programme and meeting the progression requirements.

Only for degree programmes listed and conditions stated on conditional progression letters.

Degree programme nameAwardOverall gradeEnglish gradeMinimum age
International Business ManagementMSc55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19
International Business and MarketingMSc55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19
International Finance and BankingMSc55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19
Management and FinanceMSc55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19
FinanceMSc55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19
International FinanceMSc55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19
Master of Business AdministrationMBA55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19
Corporate Social ResponsibilityMBA55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19 / 24 months work experience essential
Engineering ManagementMBA55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19 / 24 months work experience essential
Global Supply Chain ManagementMBA55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19 / 24 months work experience essential
International MarketingMBA55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19 / 24 months work experience essential
Project ManagementMBA55% and 50% in each moduleAES 55%+ overall (50% in each skill)19 / 24 months work experience essential
Degree programme nameAwardOverall gradeEnglish gradeMinimum Age/Additional Requirements
Business and MarketingMA50%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19
Environmental ManagementMBA50%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19 / Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, e.g. Environmental Science or Business Studies from a university, or a similar qualification from any other institution. Work experience is desirable, but not essential.
Information ManagementMBA50%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19 / Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, e.g. Business or Science from a university, or a similar qualification from any other institution. Computer Sciences/IT background is not suitable to this course. Work experience is desirable, but not essential.
International BusinessMBA50%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19 / Good first degree or equivalent from a university or another approved degree-awarding body. Work experience is desirable.
International MarketingMBA50%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19 / Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, e.g. Business, Management, Finance from a university, or a similar qualification from any other institution. Work experience is desirable, but not essential.
Law and ManagementMBA50%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19 / Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, e.g. law, management, economics, finance, business, from a university, or a similar qualification from any other institution.
ManagementMBA50%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19 / Graduates in relevant disciplines and from those with equivalent professional qualification and work experience.
Degree Programme NameAwardOverall gradeEnglish gradeAdditional Requirements
Accounting and Financial ManagementMSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Business Information SystemsMSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Consumption, Culture & MarketingMSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Digital Innovation & AnalyticsMSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Digital Marketing (Taught on Central London Campus)MSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Engineering ManagementMSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Entrepreneurship and InnovationMSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Human Resource ManagementMSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Information SecurityMSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills

International Management


MSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
International Management (Marketing)MSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Logistics and Supply Chain ManagementMSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
MarketingMA60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Project ManagementMSc60%60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Degree programme nameAwardOverall gradeEnglish grade
Business and ManagementMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Digital Marketing ManagementMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Economics and FinanceMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Economics and Policy of Energy and Climate ChangeMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Economics, AppliedMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Entrepreneurial Management and LeadershipMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and TechnologyMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Health Analysis, Policy, and ManagementMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Human Resource ManagementMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Human Resources and International ManagementMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Innovation and Marketing ManagementMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
International Human Resource ManagementMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
International ManagementMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
International MarketingMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
MarketingMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Project Management and InnovationMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Social Innovation and EntrepreneurshipMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Tourism Marketing ManagementMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills

Finance


MSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills

Sustainable Finance


MSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills

Finance Technology


MSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills

International Banking and Finance


MSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills

Investment and Finance


MSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Economics and FinanceMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
 Finance and ManagementMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Quantitative FinanceMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Data AnalyticsMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills
Business Analysis and ConsultingMSc60%AES 60% with no less than 50% in all skills

Recognising Universities

We also work with a range of additional universities that will consider applications from students who take our Online Pre-Masters Programme. You’ll be able to apply to these universities and can receive offers. 

Universities include: 

  • University of Bedfordshire logo
  • Canterbury Christ Church University logo
  • Chichester University logo
  • Coventry University logo
  • De Montfort University logo
  • Keele University logo
  • Leicester University logo
  • Liverpool John Moores University logo
  • London Metropolitan University logo
  • Middlesex University logo
  • Oxford Brookes university logo
  • SOAS University logo
  • Solent University logo
  • Suffolk University logo
  • UWE Bristol logo
  • University of Westminster logo

Swansea University will also accept applications on a case by case basis.

Progression degrees for recognising universities

Degree programme nameAwardOverall gradeEnglish gradeMinimum age
International BusinessMSc60%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19
International Business and FinanceMSc60%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19
Data Science and AnalyticsMSc60%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19
Digital MarketingMSc60%AES: 50% overall (40% in each skill)19
Degree programme nameAwardOverall gradeEnglish gradeMinimum age
Corporate Social Responsibility & SustainabilityMSc55%IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any sub-skill19
International Finance & BankingMSc55%IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any sub-skill19
International Trade & FinanceMSc55%IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any sub-skill19
International Business ManagementMSc55%IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any sub-skill19
Master of Business AdministrationMBA55%
Must have professional experience
IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any sub-skill19
Degree programme nameAwardOverall gradeEnglish gradeMinimum age
International Business and ManagementMSc50%AES: 60% overall (40% in all components)19
Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceMSc50%AES: 60% overall (40% in all components)19
Degree programme nameAwardOverall gradeEnglish gradeMinimum age
Global Master of BusinessMBA60%
No failed units
AES: 60% overall (50% in each skill)19
Degree programme nameAwardOverall gradeEnglish gradeMinimum age
Accounting and FinanceMSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
International BusinessMSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
International Financial ManagementMSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
Public Policy, Finance and ManagementMSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
Finance (Banking)MSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
Finance (Economic Policy)MSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
Finance (Financial Sector Management)MSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
Finance (Quantitative Finance)MSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
Finance and Financial LawMSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
International Business AdministrationMSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
Public Financial ManagementMSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
Public Policy and ManagementMSc70%IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all elements)19 /Minimum lower second-class honours degree or overseas equivalent
Degree ProgrammeAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeMinimum Age
Business Management

MSc


50%AES: 60% with no element below 40%19
International ManagementMSc50%AES: 60% with no element below 40%19
Finance and InvestmentMSc50%AES: 60% with no element below 40%19
Degree programme nameAwardOverall gradeEnglish gradeAdditional requirements
Business and Organisational PsychologyMSc55%AES: 60% overall (60% in Writing and 50% in all other skills)Undergraduate degree in Psychology, Business, Social Science or Science.
Sustainability Management and InnovationMSc55%AES: 60% overall (60% in Writing and 50% in all other skills) 
International Development ManagementMSc55%AES: 60% overall (60% in Writing and 50% in all other skills)Undergraduate degree in business studies, economics, geography, management, operations research, engineering, environmental sciences, the humanities or languages.
Economic Policy and AnalysisMSc55%AES: 60% overall (60% in Writing and 50% in all other skills)Undergraduate degree in Economics, or a quantitative discipline with a minor in Economics.


Your study modules

On our Online Pre-Masters Programme, you will study a range of business modules designed to help you succeed on your chosen postgraduate degree.

Designed to support students who intend to study at postgraduate level at a UK university, but need to improve their level of English, this module focuses on developing the written and spoken language required to communicate effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context. You will also develop awareness and competency in the language-related academic skills you need to achieve your academic potential at your chosen university, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

The central aim of this module is to introduce students to the broad concepts of organisational structure, leadership, culture, professional development, recruitment and selection in organisations with a strong focus on the underlying theoretical underpinnings of the same. Students will examine different organisational contexts in order to recommend appropriate organisational management strategies to key stakeholders. Students will collect, analyse and interpret information or data to conduct environmental and organisational analysis to support recommendations for change.

This module introduces a variety of mathematical concepts embedded within the business contexts commonly used in postgraduate programmes. As well as developing your mathematical skills, this module will focus on improving your ability to critically evaluate mathematical findings from a variety of publications, including the business and press reports.

The economics module will provide students with a sound understanding of theories, models and concepts in economics and the relationship between microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students will be introduced to a variety of contemporary business scenarios. They will be supported in their exploration of the role and purpose of microeconomic and macroeconomic policy and its impact on the behaviour and performance of the business activity and economic systems.

Specifically designed for students coming from diverse educational backgrounds, this module aims to build the reading and research skills you’ll need to successfully study a Masters degree. Additionally, this module will allow you to develop the necessary presentation, communication, and group work skills to confidently progress to the degree of your choice.

The central aim of this module is to introduce students to the broad concepts of organisational structure, leadership, culture, professional development, recruitment, and selection in organisations – with a strong focus on the underlying theoretical underpinnings of the same. Students will develop a strong engagement with contemporary case studies, enabling application of strategic management theories to practice and apply a range of tools and techniques to support strategic decision making of organisations to respond to the rapidly changing macro and microenvironments.

This module prepares students for Masters level study with a significant knowledge and skills focus, such as the broad range of concepts, tools, instruments and reports adopted by key players in financial management. Introduce students to the basic theories and practices of financial management. Develop students with a thorough grounding in a wide spectrum of finance knowledge and skills applicable to real-life problem solving associated with the finance profession.

View a sample timetable to see how your week might be structured.

Useful links

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University progression

Its all about choice. Our programmes offer a wide range of university progression options. With our University Ready Programme we’ll help you choose the right university for you.

Study options

Our programmes are available to study digitally from anywhere in the world using our innovative insendi platform. Discover the benefits of online study with us.

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How to apply

Find out how to apply and learn more about how we support you during your application.

*Progression to Lancaster University, Royal Holloway University of London, Aberystwyth University and Bangor University is subject to successfully completing the programme and meeting the progression requirements. Only for degree programmes listed and conditions stated on conditional progression letters.

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