Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme concentrates on the academic skills essential for successful postgraduate study. Core areas include academic English for reading, writing and speaking; critical thinking and argumentation; advanced note‑taking and lecture skills; seminar participation and presentation techniques; academic referencing and plagiarism awareness; and research skills such as literature searching, synthesising sources and designing a small research project or coursework proposal.

Teaching usually combines tutor‑led classes, seminars, workshops and supervised independent study. Assessment is typically by a combination of written assignments, oral presentations, reflective portfolios and a final research proposal or extended essay that mirrors tasks commonly encountered on master's programmes.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold, or be in the final year of, an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any subject. Mature applicants with relevant professional experience may also be considered. Because the programme places strong emphasis on academic English, applicants should demonstrate an appropriate level of English language ability; applicants who do not meet the required language standard for their chosen master's may be advised to take additional English support or an extended pre‑sessional course.

Many students take the Pre‑Masters Certificate as a route to a conditional offer for a master's programme at Oxford Brookes; admission can therefore be subject to meeting both academic and language conditions. Exact entry requirements are determined on an individual basis by the admissions team and the intended postgraduate department.

Career prospects

The certificate itself is a preparatory qualification rather than a vocational award, but it delivers skills of direct value to postgraduate study and subsequent employment. Graduates emerge better equipped to undertake master's level assignments, dissertations and research projects, increasing their chances of success on taught and research degrees.

Common postgraduate destinations include master's programmes in business, education, engineering, health, the humanities and social sciences. In the medium to long term, completing a master's after the pre‑master programme commonly leads to career progression into professional roles such as management, research assistantships, policy and analysis, teaching, or specialist technical positions, depending on the subject taken at postgraduate level.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers an established pre‑master pathway with experienced academic tutors and dedicated language specialists who understand the transition to UK postgraduate study. The university places emphasis on practical, skills‑based teaching and provides access to campus resources such as libraries, academic skills support, and one‑to‑one tutorial help.

Studying in Oxford gives students the benefits of a lively academic city with strong links to cultural and professional opportunities. Oxford Brookes is committed to supporting international students through structured progression routes to its master's programmes and through pastoral and study‑skills support, helping students move confidently from pre‑master study into their chosen postgraduate degree.