Royal Holloway, University of London, Pre-Master's Diploma, Pre-Masters Diploma for International Students (PDIS)

The Pre-Masters Diploma for International Students (PDIS) prepares international students for postgraduate study at Royal Holloway and other UK universities. The programme curriculum focuses on the acquisition of academic English and graduate skills as well the development of knowledge and understanding of academic subjects to an appropriate standard for Masters level studies. As a Pre-Masters Diploma student at Royal Holloway, you will have full university status, with access to all facilities and social activities on campus.

The programme allows you to follow academic modules in most subjects taught at Royal Holloway - you will not be restricted to any particular pathway. Academic and cultural integration in the UK is actively encouraged as part of this programme. Weekly one hour one-to-one consultations with a Personal Tutor will support you in your studies throughout the programme.

Provided that you achieve specified grades on the Pre-Masters programme and satisfy any other additional requirements, you are guaranteed progression to a number of popular Masters courses in Management and other subject areas offered by Royal Holloway. You will not need to re-take IELTS at the end of the Pre-Masters programme before progressing to postgraduate study at Royal Holloway.

Student quote:
“Now that I have finished my Pre-Masters course I can say with certainty that it was crucial for me - I was given an opportunity not only to develop my language skills, but also to get some insight into my academic subject, which I think was particularly helpful. I can also say that I wouldn't be able to write a decent dissertation without the preparation that the Pre-Masters programme gave me, since the way it is constructed in the UK is entirely different from what I was used to write back in Russia. I would also like to add that I found the tutorial system extremely helpful - tutors were there for me at any time I needed and provided all the help they could, when I had to deal with different issues.” Nune Arakelyan (Russia), currently studying MA Media Arts at Royal Holloway University of London.

Message from the Programme Director:
“Classes on the Pre-Masters programme are taught by highly qualified and experienced staff, and have been designed to enhance the key skills you need in order to perform well at this level. As a Pre-Masters student at Royal Holloway you will have weekly individual one hour meetings with your personal tutor, who will work closely with you to support the development of your academic and English language skills, and will closely monitor and advise you on completing the academic units in your preferred area of study successfully. As Programme Director for the Pre-Masters Diploma I look forward to working with you and helping you progress to postgraduate study in your chosen area.” Gerald Dampier, Programme Director for the Pre-Masters Diploma