Head of IFCELS
Foundation College
Pre-Master's Programme (Online)
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Key information
Key information
- Duration
- September to June
- Attendance mode
- Full-time
- Location
- Online
- Fees
-
TBC
- Entry requirements
-
Academic
We normally require applicants to have a full undergraduate degree, but we are happy to consider those with an ordinary degree or college diploma qualification on a case-by-case basis, taking into account any relevant work experience, a strong personal statement or reasons for any shortfall in undergraduate performance. We may also invite applicants for a brief online consultation in cases where further information.
This is also an opportunity for applicants to ask any questions that they may have about the programme.
English
The minimum English language requirement to join the Pre-master's is IELTS 5.5 in each skill subscore or Pearson PTE Academic 59 in each of the four communicative skills.
Course overview
The SOAS Pre-master's Online programme is a 10-month online course providing academic and English language preparation for international students who want to enter Master's degrees (taught and researched) in Social Science, Business and Management-related studies, Arts and Humanities at British universities.
Since the SOAS Pre-master's Foundation programme was started in 1993 our students have progressed to Master’s study at institutions in the University of London, and over the UK. Students who achieve a suitable level of academic and English language performance on the Pre-master’s Foundation programme are guaranteed progression to SOAS postgraduate programmes in most subject areas (subject to satisfying eligibility requirements) and will receive a 20% discount off their Master’s tuition fees.
The SOAS Pre-master's Online programme gives students the best of both worlds by combining regular live classes with extensive self-study activities. So, students can participate in lessons with other students from around the world, while planning self-study around their other commitments.
Live lessons include:
- weekly tutorial discussions,
- English support classes,
- research training classes
- regular one-to-one study support meetings.
Flexible self-study activities include:
- weekly recorded academic lectures
- lesson preparation and homework activities
- research for assignments using online library resources
- participation in online study forums
Why study on the Pre-Master's Online programme at SOAS?
- We have been running a pre-master's programme at SOAS for over thirty years and have built up extensive experience in preparing students for Master’s study.
- The online format provides the perfect balance of regular live classes and flexible self-study opportunities.
- We use a unique integrated approach to academic English development, where each academic module has a dedicated English support teacher working alongside the lecturer.
- Our long-serving staff have a deep understanding of our programmes and expertise in guiding our students successfully through their studies.
- We provide our students with individual support through regular one-to-one meetings teaching and support staff.
Who is the SOAS Pre-master's Online programme for?
The SOAS Premaster’s Online programme is designed to prepare international students for study on a postgraduate taught or research degree at a British university
You may need to complete a pre-master’s programme if any of these conditions apply to you:
- your undergraduate degree qualification does not meet the level required for direct entry to Master’s study
- your undergraduate degree does not give you the background required to join your target Master’s programmes
- you have not engaged in academic study for a period of time and would now like to refresh your academic knowledge and skills before starting Master’s study
Progressing to Master’s study
Pre-master's students are guaranteed a conditional offer for the majority of Master's programmes at SOAS and will receive a 20% discount for the first year of undergraduate study. View the pre-master's progression table (PDF) to find a full list of eligible postgraduate programmes and offer conditions. We also provide support to students who wish to make applications for undergraduate at other universities.
Information about recent progression to Master's study at SOAS and other universities can be found in our Student Destinations Lists.
Structure
Programme aims
- Help students gain entry to postgraduate degree programmes at British universities in the humanities, social sciences, law and business-related studies
- Enable students to extend and deepen their academic knowledge
- Give students the linguistic and academic skills needed to be successful on a degree programme
- Give students that opportunity to carry out extended, supervised research
Academic year
The programme runs from September to June over 2 semesters lasting 12-14 weeks each. There is also a ‘reading week’ (a week without classes, which students use to catch up on their reading and work on their assignments) in the middle of each semester.
The teaching calendar runs for the first 11 weeks of each semester, followed by an assessment period of 2-4 weeks.
Weekly timetable
Students attend 7 hours of live classes per week for 10 weeks in each semester. This is supplemented with self-study activities, focusing on lesson preparation and homework as well as research and completion of assignments. Students will attend lessons led by a number of different teachers and lecturers.
These include academic tutorial discussions, lecture reviews, academic English and research training classes. Students also have regular one-to-one contact with teaching and support staff.
Important notice
The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes.
However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Study Modules
Students take six modules during the period of the programme, comprising two 30-credit compulsory modules and four 15-credit academic subject module, of which one is compulsory.
Two compulsory modules (30 credits)
Additional modules (15 credits)
Students choose an additional two modules in Term 1 and a further one module in Term 2 alongside the compulsory Research Methods module.
Teaching and learning
Programme assessment
- Student are assessed through a variety of coursework activities including different forms of written assignment, including essays, research notes, literature reviews and response papers and oral presentations and discussions. Students may be assessed in some modules through oral or written examinations.
- Students also submit a 5,000-word 'dissertation' for their Independent Study Project.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees 2025/26 - TBC
All fees must be paid in full before the start date of the programme. You do not need an invoice to pay your fees - you just need to quote your student ID/reference number. If you are sponsored by a funding or government body or Embassy, you must provide written proof from them that your fees will be paid, with the contact details of the sponsor, before enrolment.
If the sponsor does not pay, you are responsible for paying the fees.
How to pay
Online with a credit or debit card · Go to SOAS online payments
This is the most efficient way to pay and will mean we can process your paperwork quicker. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Eurocard, Switch, Maestro, Solo and Delta. You need your student ID/reference number and you will be able to make as many payments as is necessary to pay your fees.
By bank transfer
Payment of fees at banks must only be made via a bank transfer (that is, from your account into the School's bank account). Please do not deposit money directly into the School's account.
Important note: A bank transfer fee is often charged by both the sending and receiving banks, so you must pay these independently of you course fee. If not, the actual amount received by SOAS will be less than the course fee. If funds are received without bank transfer fees being paid this will lead to delays in processing your application documents.
Please ask your bank to provide you with a Remittance Slip or proof of transaction, and be sure they quote your full name and your 6 digit ID number.
School's account details:
Natwest Bank plc, 94 Moorgate, London, EC2M 6XT
Account number: 08622655
Sort code: 56-00-23
Account holder: School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)
Swift number: NWBKGB2L
IBAN: GB77NWBK56002308622655 (International Bank Account Number)
At enrolment
If you have not paid your tuition fees before arriving in the UK you can do so on the enrolment day, but as this is a very busy time you may have to wait in line to do so. Please try to pay before you arrive.
If you are sponsored by a funding or government body
You should email ifcels@soas.ac.uk with proof that your tuition fees will be paid and with contact details of the funding body. If the sponsorship is not confirmed before the start of the academic year then please bring that information with you to enrolment.
Please note that if your sponsor does not pay, you are responsible for paying your tuition fees. Please see the full terms and conditions for SOAS Pre-master's.
