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Science and Engineering Pre-Masters
About this pathway
The Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering prepares you for a choice of progression degrees at Durham University. You will join the programme for two or three terms, depending on your academic qualifications and level of English language.
You can choose from a range of postgraduate degrees to progress to when you complete this course.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is for international students looking to study a postgraduate science or postgraduate engineering degree at Durham University.
- Choose from a range of degrees within the Department of Engineering, Department of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Psychology.
- Develop your academic knowledge, English language level and study skills needed for progression to your chosen Masters degree.
- Study core modules and designated modules related to your chosen specialism.
- Adjust to the UK education system and explore concepts, terminology and advanced academic writing needed to succeed at postgraduate level.
- Develop practical skills with research projects and laboratory experience.
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Course facts
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Start dates
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Study plans
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Admissions
Length:
- Two or three terms
Intakes:
- September and January (three-term pathway)
- January and April (two-term pathway)
January 2021
Two terms
- Term 1: 11/01/2021 to 19/03/2021
- Term 2: 29/03/2021 to 04/06/2021
Three terms
- Term 1: 11/01/2021 to 19/03/2021
- Term 2: 29/03/2021 to 04/06/2021
- Term 3: 07/06/2021 to 20/08/2021
September 2021
- Term 1: 13/09/2021 to 03/12/2021
- Term 2: 05/01/2022 to 18/03/2022
- Term 3: 28/03/2022 to 03/06/2022
January 2022
Two terms
- Term 1: 10/01/2022 to 18/03/2022
- Term 2: 28/03/2022 to 03/06/2022
Three terms
- Term 1: 05/01/2022 to 18/03/2022
- Term 2: 28/03/2022 to 10/06/2022
- Term 3: 13/06/2022 to 26/08/2022
IELTS | Length | Jun | Aug | Sep | Dec | Jan | Apr | Jun | Aug | Oct |
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5.0* | 4 terms | Start your degree | ||||||||
5.0** | 4 terms | |||||||||
5.5*** | 3 terms | |||||||||
5.5*** | 3 terms |
*5.0 in all other skills
**5.0 in reading and Writing, 4.5 in all other skills
***5.5 in reading and Writing, 5.0 in all other skills
International Foundation Year | Online Pre-Sessional | English Language Preparation |
Admissions information
If you do not meet the entry requirements for the Pre-Masters you can study one additional term of English language preparation. Find out about the English for Pre-Masters programme.
What will you study?
Course structure
You will study core modules, which cover general skills, and designated modules that relate to your progression degree. This means your Pre-Masters programme will be tailored to the specific needs of your chosen degree.
Core modules
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Academic English Skills
Academic English Skills supports students to develop their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, with a particular focus on the language uses that will prove most useful throughout their studies at Durham University. This critical module runs throughout each term at the International Study Centre, and features particular emphasis on grammar and language skills for those requiring a boost in this area, whilst also allowing able students to stretch themselves in their written and spoken work.
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Advanced Academic Writing and Critical Reading
This module sees students concentrating on the specific writing that will be required in their taught Masters degree programme. Fostering thorough scholarly skills, additional work involves the critical reading of authentic and up to date academic articles.
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Extended Research
The individual project provides students with a learning experience that will enable them to carry out independent research. Students are expected to plan, research and execute their project while developing skills in critical judgement and independent working, to demonstrate engineering / scientific competence.
Designated modules
Alongside core modules you will study designated modules that relate to your progression degree route. When you complete your Pre-Masters programme and achieve the required level, you can begin your postgraduate degree at Durham University.
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Modules by route
Engineering
- Computational Maths
- Quantitative Skills for Science
- Advanced Applied Mathematics
- Lab Skills and Experimental Design (three-term only)
Maths
- Advanced Applied Mathematics
- Intro to Mathematical Analysis
- Computational Maths (three-term only)
- Quantitative Skills for Science (three-term only)
Psychology
- Intro to Developmental Psychology
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Quantitative Skills for Science (three-term only)
- Lab Skills and Experimental Design (three-term only)
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Module descriptions
Advanced Applied Mathematics
This module covers the common mathematical techniques used in the study of engineering and natural sciences. During the course, special emphasis would be given on developing students’ abilities in respect of the practical application of the appropriate techniques.
Computational Mathematics
The main aim of the course is to equip the students with basic understanding of computational mathematics. The course includes detailed study of mathematical modelling techniques that can be used across wide range of practical problems in applied mathematics, and engineering. The course will provide a base for more advance applied mathematics and engineering courses.The course will not only cover the theoretical aspects of computational mathematics, but will also include practical examples using a suitable computer software package.
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
The module aims to enhance students understanding on a range of topics in Developmental Psychology with an emphasis on cognitive and social development across the life span. Particular attention is paid to the interacting contributions of biological, cognitive and environmental factors. Theory pertaining to all aspects of the course will be presented and critiqued in light of available empirical research. Across the course students will become familiar with different approaches to research and will have to evaluate research. Great emphasis is placed on independent and collaborative student learning. Thus, in addition to key reading, students are expected to study additional material (which will be provided).
Introduction to Mathematical Analysis
The aim of this module is to provide the opportunity for students to engage in logical reasoning using mathematical notations. It aims also to develop mathematical thinking skills, and the skills of formulation of rigorous mathematical derivations and proofs, as well as to develop students' mathematical problem solving skills through the exploration of open ended problems.
Research Methods in Psychology
This module provides students with a broad range of research tools used in Psychology. It aims to equip students with all aspects of the research process and to train them, through active participation, in a wide variety of research techniques.
Why study this programme?
Take the first step towards a world-renowned Masters degree at Durham University with this specialist programme.
- 6th in the UK for General Engineering (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021).
- 1st (joint) in the UK for ‘internationally excellent’ and ‘world-leading’ research (Research Excellence Framework 2014).
- World top 100 for Psychology (QS World Subject Rankings 2020).
- State-of-the-art research equipment and facilities across a range of disciplines.
English language preparation
If you do not quite meet the English language entry requirements for this programme, find out more about our English for Pre-Masters course.
Progression degrees
When you complete the Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering, and achieve the required grades, you can progress to one of the following postgraduate degrees at Durham University:
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Please note:
The degrees listed below have additional conditions
The following degrees are available from the September 2021 intake at the International Study Centre:
- MSc Behavioural Science
- MSc Cognitive Neuroscience

A degree from Durham University will help me by providing me with the proper educational support and background to thrive and succeed, and work with the Saudi Arabian Oil Company, where I aspire to work and achieve certain positions.
Abdulmalik from Saudi Arabia
Studied International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering
Now studying BSc (Hons) Geology