Pre-Master's in Business and Humanities
This international pathway course will prepare you to progress to a range of master’s degrees at Newcastle.
Course overview
This course will focus on developing your academic abilities and postgraduate research skills. You'll also improve your English language skills. If you successfully complete the course you can progress onto a selected master's degree at Newcastle.
You'll learn about local businesses that have an international focus. The business and management module links with these businesses through lectures and site visits.
This course is suitable if you:
- need to upgrade your undergraduate degree ready for postgraduate study in the UK
- want to increase your subject knowledge
- need to improve your English language study skills within the context of your chosen subject
If you pass this course you'll receive an International Pre-Masters in Higher Education (FHEQ Level 6). You'll be able to progress to one of our internationally-focused master's degrees. These include:
- business
- finance
- journalism
Study and research skills (30 credits)
You'll develop essential skills for postgraduate study including:
- working effectively in groups
- presenting ideas in a logical manner
- managing your time
- taking lecture notes
You'll also conduct research and prepare and write a research dissertation in your area of interest. Through this research project you'll develop your knowledge, confidence and skills in:
- researching and defining a research question
- selecting source texts
- selecting, organising and presenting information
- structuring an argument
- checking drafts and proofreading
- avoiding plagiarism
English for academic purposes (40 credits)
You'll develop your English language skills so that you are ready for postgraduate study. The ability to write essays at this level is the most important focus.
You'll receive guidance in all aspects of academic writing including:
- critical reading
- synthesis of sources
- text-level organisation
- academic written style
Learner independence is a priority, and focussed support helps to develop this.
You'll study this module through:
- pair and group work
- problem-solving enquiry tasks
Research Methods (10 credits)
You'll develop an understanding of the research methods used in the study of Business and Social Sciences contexts.
You'll receive guidance in all aspect of:
- Research tools
- Approaches to Research
- Methods of Data Collection
- Techniques of Data Analysis
- Evaluating Research
Business and management
You'll develop an understanding of how leaders and managers in business need to operate. You'll examine the aspects of a business that need leadership and management.
You will develop an understanding and appreciation of:
- the international business environment
- the implications of change in the business environment for businesses and managers
- the need to make appropriate strategic decisions
Financial analysis
This module will develop your understanding of what the data in a company’s accounts means. You'll learn:
- how to interpret that data
- how to use it to judge the financial performance of a firm
- how to compare the performance of one firm with another
- how to assess two different proposed projects or investments and justify your recommendations
This module focuses on the use of published company accounts.
Social and cultural studies
You'll explore in-depth a number of aspects of social and cultural studies. You’ll critically examine the nature of academic knowledge and research in these areas.
The module will also explore interrelationships across these aspects, as well as the wider subjects of culture and the ‘social’.
You'll be introduced to the key concepts and research traditions of the subject. You’ll also examine a range of issues including:
- western culture and thoughts
- ideology and social theory
- identity
- the media
- globalisation and culture
International relations
You'll explore a number of aspects of international relations. You’ll critically examine the nature of academic knowledge in this area. You'll be introduced to the key concepts and theoretical traditions of international relations.
A number of issues will be examined in-depth including:
- the historical context (from the beginning of the 20th century)
- theories of world politics
- international institutions such as the United Nations
- international issues such as terrorism
Teaching methods
The teaching style on this course varies to encourage you to develop independent study skills. Teaching methods include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
As the course progresses, you'll be more independent with fewer formal classroom hours and more individual tutorials.
You'll also research and write an up to 5,000-word extended essay. This will help prepare you for your dissertation on your chosen master's degree. Don't worry if you haven't written a dissertation before. One of your teachers will be your supervisor and support you throughout your project.
Assessment methods
This course has formal and informal assessments. They'll help you build on your successes and meet the entry requirements needed for postgraduate study at Newcastle. Academic module assessments typically include:
- written assignments
- group project work
- oral presentations
- written examinations
The research component assesses your final written research project.
You'll develop your academic English skills, including academic writing and critical reading. We'll make sure you are ready for postgraduate study. The skills assessments include:
- written assignments
- oral presentations
- listening tests
- reading exams
- written examinations
This course is brought to you by INTO Newcastle University.
We work in partnership with INTO to provide diverse study options for international students.
Choosing this course means that you'll get:
- a quality-assured university course
- full Newcastle University status
- a conditional offer on a designated master's degree at Newcastle
- a campus-based course with access to INTO and University facilities
- active learning in your subject areas with guidance on appropriate study methods
- a very supportive study environment
Studying abroad with INTO: A day in the life with Maggie
For more information see our International Preparation Courses website
Progression degrees and requirements
To progress onto your chosen master's degree at Newcastle, you need to pass this course with:
- a minimum of 65 (IELTS 6.5) in English for Academic Purposes
- no less than 6.0 in some or all IELTS subskills, depending on your chosen master's degree
- an average mark of 60% overall in your academic modules
For progression into the School of Law, you'll need:
- a minimum of 65 (IELTS 6.5) in English for Academic Purposes
- a minimum of IELTS 6.0 in writing
- an average mark of 65% overall in your academic modules
- no less than 60% in any module
Find out which master's degrees you can progress to below:
Education, communication and language sciences
- Cross-Cultural Communication and Applied Linguistics MA
- Cross-Cultural Communication and Education MA
- Cross-Cultural Communication and International Management MA
- Cross-Cultural Communication and International Marketing MA
- Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations MA
- Cross-Cultural Communication and Media Studies MA
- Cross-Cultural Comms MA
- Education: International Perspectives MA
Geography, politics and sociology
- Development, Environment and International Politics MA
- European Union Studies MA
- Human Geography Research MA
- International Politics (Critical Geopolitics) MA
- International Politics (Global Justice and Ethics) MA
- International Relations MA
- Politics (Research) MA
- Sociology MA
- World Politics and Popular Culture MA
Other fees and costs
Additional course-related fees for Pre-Masters in Business and Humanities (2024/25)
Your tuition fees do not include the following:
Enrolment fee (compulsory)
An extra charge of £250 per academic course, charged on confirmation.
Textbooks (compulsory)
The cost of your textbooks varies depending on how many terms you study. Three terms will cost from £75 - £415 per academic course.
Airport pick-up (optional)
Studying overseas is a big step and we can arrange to pick you up from the airport. We'll meet you at Newcastle International Airport and take you to your accommodation. This is an optional service at a cost of £42.
If you're under 18 you must use our airport pick-up service, or agree alternative arrangements with us in advance.
Social programme (optional)
Activity costs range from free - £20
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in the fees. View your INTO Newcastle accommodation options.
Entry requirements
To study on this course you need to meet the following entry requirements.
Academic requirements
You need a:
- an undergraduate degree with suitable grades, OR
- diploma (3-5 years) with good grades
English requirements
- For a 3 term programme: A minimum of IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all subskills) or an equivalent score
- For a 4 term programme: minimum of IELTS 5.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 in all subskills) or an equivalent score
The INTO Newcastle Centre also accepts other Secure English Language Tests (SELTS). The INTO Newcastle website has guidance about UKVI IELTS. You can contact us for more details.
Age
You need to be 17 years old, or older. If you want to start this course in September then you must be 17 by the 31 December.
For all other start dates, you must be 17 years old by the time the course starts.
Contact us
How to apply
You can apply online through the INTO Newcastle application form.
You'll need to create a free account to apply for your chosen course. You can apply for accommodation at the same time as the course.