Programme structure

Programme structure

The Pre-Masters Diploma for International Students (PDIS) focuses on gaining academic English and graduate skills.  The PDIS will also help you develop a knowledge and understanding of academic subjects to an appropriate standard for Masters level studies. The nine-month programme comprises three components: 

EAP and British Society (50 per cent)

The English for Academic Purposes and British Society course aims to develop your English language and study skills to prepare for postgraduate study, and to help you acquire a broader understanding of the UK social context in whcih you are studying. You’ll learn: 

• how to read academic texts efficiently and critically

• how to follow lectures and note key points

• to structure essays into coherent arguments 

• to write in a formal academic style

• to take part in academic discussions

• and give presentations.

You’ll also acquire a range of essential skills in grammar, vocabulary development, pronunciation and a broader understanding of British culture.

Academic study in a Royal Holloway department (25 per cent)

To prepare yourself for postgraduate study, you will take an academic course unit (or two half-units) alongside British and other international undergraduates.Where possible, the academic course will be based in the department you wish to study at postgraduate level.

This gives you an important first-hand experience of university study in the UK, which will give you a headstart when you begin your Masters degree.

Independent Research Project (25 per cent)

All UK postgraduate degrees will require you to write a dissertation or research project so we help prepare you for this by asking you to write an 5,000-8,000 word Independent Research Project. This will be on a topic relevant to your chosen postgraduate degree.

You will be introduced to research methods as well as other relevant skills through a special support course and regular small group and one-to-one guidance provided by your Personal Tutor and a specialist supervisor in your chosen area.