Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme focuses on the core language and academic skills you need to operate confidently at postgraduate level. Teaching typically covers advanced academic reading and critical analysis, academic writing (including essay and report structure, paragraphs and argument development), listening and note‑taking for lectures and seminars, and spoken academic English such as seminar participation, presentations and group discussion.

• Academic reading & critical thinking: strategies for reading complex texts, synthesising sources and evaluating arguments.
• Academic writing & referencing: paragraphing, essay and report structure, paraphrasing, summarising, citation systems and avoiding plagiarism.
• Listening & lecture skills: active listening, note‑taking techniques and following extended academic discourse.
• Speaking & presentation skills: seminar contribution, academic discussion, individual and group presentations with feedback.
• Grammar & vocabulary for academic study: focus on accuracy, register, academic lexis and discipline‑specific terminology.
• Study skills & research preparation: time management, critical literature review, independent research skills and preparation for dissertation‑level work.

Assessment is typically by a combination of coursework, presentations and formal language tasks designed to mirror the demands of postgraduate assessment, with formative feedback to support progression to a master's programme.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold, or be about to complete, an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and to have an offer or conditional acceptance onto a postgraduate programme at Oxford Brookes or another UK university. The programme is aimed at students whose current English level is close to but below the university's direct entry requirement and who need structured language and academic support before starting their master's.

Evidence of prior study and a demonstrated ability to study at undergraduate level are required. Applicants will normally be assessed for their current English level as part of the application to ensure they will benefit from the course. Previous academic transcripts and a reference may be requested.

Career prospects

The Pre‑Masters Certificate itself is a preparatory qualification intended to enable progression to postgraduate study rather than to lead directly to a specific job. Graduates who complete the programme typically move on to a wide range of master's degrees across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, social sciences and the humanities at Oxford Brookes or other institutions.

By improving academic English, research skills and independent learning strategies, the programme helps students perform better on postgraduate programmes and therefore enhances longer‑term career prospects. Employers value the communication, critical thinking and presentation skills developed through this preparation when recruiting for graduate roles, internships and further research opportunities.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers this pathway through an experienced English language and academic skills team with established links to postgraduate departments across the university. The course is delivered in a university environment, giving students access to campus academic resources including libraries, research databases and learning support services.

Classes are typically small and practice‑based, with focused feedback from tutors who are familiar with the expectations of postgraduate assessment. The programme is designed to be practical and directly aligned to the demands of master's study at Oxford Brookes, helping students make a smooth academic and cultural transition to study in the UK.