Science students in lab wearing goggles

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. 

Key facts

Length:

Entry Points:

  • September and January (three-term pathway)
  • January (two-term pathway)

* The three-term option is available for progression to all degree aims. The two-term programme is only available for students aiming for progression to selected Psychology and Engineering degrees - see notes below for which degrees are not available from the two-term option.

Admissions information

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the Pre-Masters you can study one of our online English language preparation programmes. Find out about English language preparation.

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

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. 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.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, 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. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

In this module students concentrate on developing the critical skills specific to the reading and writing that will be required in their taught Masters degree programme. The course focuses on developing student criticality, fostering thorough scholarly skills and independent learning through the critical reading, analysis, evaluation and summary of authentic academic texts.

This one-term module covers some fundamental techniques in Statistics. The module is particularly important because of its huge applicability. The skills studied are used widely across many scientific, business, and social science fields. The module content includes; Sampling techniques, Data exploration, Correlation and regression, Probability distributions and Hypothesis testing.

*Not studied on some Data Science routes

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.

Psychology

  • Research Methods for Social Science
  • Core Concepts in Psychological Science
  • Human Culture and Diversity

Maths/Scientific Computing and Data Analysis/Engineering (three term option only)

  • Advanced Applied Mathematics
  • Introduction to Scientific Computing

Data Science

  • Mathematics for Economics
  • Introduction to Scientific Computing
  • Management*
  • Research Methods for Social Science*
  • Human Culture and Diversity*

*Dependant on chosen MDS route.

Energy Engineering Management

  • Advanced Research Methods in Business
  • Advanced Applied Mathematics
  • Management

Advanced Applied Mathematics

This two-term module is a mathematical methods course and is a review of some key concepts typically studied at undergraduate level by both mathematics and engineering students. The module content includes; Differential equations, Laplace transforms, Fourier series. Leibnitz theorem, Vector calculus and Integration.

Core Concepts in Psychological Science

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 Scientific Computing

The module is designed to allow students to gain a good understanding of how computers work and their limitations when carrying out multiple complex calculations and serves as a preparatory course for students wishing to study scientific computing and data analysis at a postgraduate level. The module will provide an introduction to the hardware of computing machines as well as modern high-level programming languages commonly used in science, engineering and mathematics. Students will also gain practical experience of writing, testing and documenting computer programs using modern high-level languages such as C and Python, and develop skills to write technical and scientific documents to professional standards using LaTeX.

Advanced Research Methods in Business Management

This module looks to establish academic competency in research methods for use in a business research context. The main aim of this course is to introduce and develop skills relating to research methods. The module will be focussed on developing an understanding of the application, collection and limitation of a variety of techniques related to data and materials relevant to analysis within the area of business.

Maths for Economics

This module is for those who have chosen the Data Science route. Students pursuing this field require a firm foundation in mathematics. This one-term module is not a study of economics, it is a review of the relevant mathematical skills required to aid the study of economics. The module content includes; Algebra and functions, Differentiation, Integration, Differential equations, Matrices and Lagrange's theorem.

Research Methods for Social Science

This module provides students with a broad range of research tools and skills required for the social sciences. 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.

Human Culture and Diversity

In Human Culture and Diversity, students will investigate fundamental concepts of socio-cultural anthropology through concepts such as culture, kinship, sex and gender, race and ethnicity. Critical analysis and evaluation of ethnographic studies will offer the opportunity for students to address issues of ethnocentrism, cultural relativity and their implications. Additionally, students will develop the independent research skills needed to succeed in the future.

Why study this programme?

Take the first step towards a world-renowned Masters degree at Durham University with this specialist programme.

  • 5th in the UK for General Engineering (Complete University Guide, Subject League Table 2024).
  • World top 100 for Psychology (QS World Subject Rankings 2023).
  • State-of-the-art research equipment and facilities across a range of disciplines.
Abdulmalik from Saudi Arabia

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

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:

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish Grade
No Results

Please note:

  • Data Science
  • Data Science (Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling)
  • Data Science (Digital Humanities)
  • Data Science (Earth and Environment)
  • Data Science (Health)
  • Data Science (Social Analytics)
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Astrophysics)
  • Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Earth and Environmental Sciences)
  • Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Financial Technology)
  • Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Robotics and Computer Vision)

READY TO JOIN US?

Our student enrolment advisors are here to help with your application and answer any questions you have about studying with us.