International Study Centre

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Pre-Masters Programme in Business, Management and Law

Find out more about Pre-Masters Programme in Business, Management and Law.

Your pathway to a Masters in the UK in business, management or law

The Pre-Masters Programme includes academic modules, study skills and English language training, providing complete preparation for your postgraduate degree. You will learn in a small class of eight on average and receive 18 hours of teaching weekly.

Is this programme for me?

As part of the Pre-Masters Programme in Business, Management and Law you will: 

  • gain understanding of the analysis of academic concepts and issues relating to operations management, organisational strategy and organisational behaviour with an emphasis on critically evaluating ideas and applications
  • identify the limitations of business models and management theory
  • complete a subject related research project
  • if you take the Law route, you will study the principles of legal methods, legal argument and legal concepts are outlined, and you are encouraged to develop skills in legal argument.

Key facts

  • One semester (14 weeks)
  • March

View course-specific entry requirements and course fees.

If you do not meet the English language requirements for your pathway programme, you can join an English language preparation course first.

With multiple entry points throughout the year, visit our semester dates page to see when you can join us.

Why study the Pre-Masters Programme in Business, Management or Law?

  • LJMU is a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business which is dedicated to improving the quality of business education worldwide.
  • 86% of LJMU School of Law graduates are in work or further study 15 months after completing LLB Law*.
  • Staff in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences are research active and produce world-leading research that has real-world impact.

What will you study?

In this one-semester programme, you will study a subject-specific modules alongside the Academic English and Research Skills module which is designed to improve your English levels and your academic skills to prepare you for postgraduate studies at Liverpool John Moores University.

Core modules

This module aims to develop your English language capability to an IELTS equivalent of 6.5. It will also develop your critical awareness, analytical and evaluative study skills, and provide you with practice in secondary research skills.

You will be introduced to some of the key areas of academic business and management. You will analyse academic concepts and issues relating to operations management, organisational strategy and organisational behaviour with an emphasis on critically evaluating ideas and applications. You will also identify the limitations of business models and management theory, this will be considered with the decision making process for Businesses.

Optional modules

This module provides you with an understanding of economic theories and systems, and the economic environment in which businesses and other organisations operate. The aim is to offer a sound knowledge of economic theories and systems for the next level of study, and to enable you to examine critically economic topics, problems and issues.

You will be introduced to the principles of legal methods, legal argument and legal concepts, and be encouraged to develop skills in legal argument both in writing and orally. You will broaden your engagement with a variety of legal materials, including law textbooks, journal articles, statutes and case law. You will be guided on how to use these effectively in your research and argument. The module aims to ensure that you have a solid introduction to the key elements of legal studies’ terminology and procedures of law, as well as an overview of its main theoretical and practical aspects which are necessary to address the subject at postgraduate level.

Study plan

English language levelSemestersCourse lengthStart dateEnd date
IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in all skills)1 semester15 weeksMarchJuly
IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in all skills)1 semester15 weeksMayAugust

Study Group is permitted to assess students’ suitability for entry onto programmes which are degree level and above under the registration for the UK Office for Students. You are therefore not required to have a UKVI SELT to obtain a Student Visa when you come to campus.

If you begin your course virtually and transfer to the UK to complete your programme, you may be issued a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) based on the Academic English Skills module assessments (as part of your Pre-Masters).

A CAS for a Student Visa will only be issued if you have met the minimum language requirement of CEFR B2 in all skills, and the academic entry requirements for your chosen programme.

In this section

Progression degrees

Successful completion of this programme leads to a range of postgraduate degrees at LJMU, subject to achieving the required grades. As well as achieving the grades necessary, you will be required to take an Academic English Studies (AES) test at the end of your course. Once you successfully complete this, you will be ready to start your degree at Liverpool John Moores University.

In 2021, 88% of Pre-Masters students who completed their programme were offered a place to do a postgraduate course at LJMU.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
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Please note:

*The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the course. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.

If you are applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route it may be necessary for you to submit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of your visa application.

Student must have studied a relevant undergraduate degree:

  • Criminal Justice MA
  • Global Crime, Justice and Security LLM
  • International Business Corporate and Finance Law LLM
  • International Corporate Law and Management LLM
  • Investment and Finance MSc
  • Law LLM
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How to apply

See how to apply for a course at the International Study Centre and view the documents you need to provide with your application.

Learn how to apply
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International Study Centre

LJMU International Study Centre offers a range of pathway programmes to progress to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at LJMU.

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Entry requirements

There are different entry requirements for each of lour pathway programmes – find out more about how you can join us.

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