Postgraduate Pathway
A postgraduate pathway is a single course comprising two stages of study; Pre-Master’s and Master’s. When you successfully complete the full pathway you will be awarded a Master’s degree from ARU.
Is an ARU College Postgraduate Pathway Right For Me?
The postgraduate pathway is designed for students from a variety of backgrounds who may:
- require additional English language training
- come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
- have been away from studies for a period of time
- be looking to fine-tune skills already gained during undergraduate studies, employment or both
If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing the postgraduate pathway at ARU College is the right decision.
The Pre-Master’s pathway will prepare you for future postgraduate studies by giving you confidence and expertise in areas relevant to your taught Master’s degree. You will:
- develop your fundamental knowledge and understanding of the basic principles relevant to your chosen degree
- develop basic numerical techniques, research methodologies and ICT, presentation and communication skills
- gain a competent set of transferable skills that will help you in your academic studies and future career, and enable you to make informed decisions
- attain the necessary level of language competence specific to your chosen field of study.
Pre-Master’s (Stage 1)
The Pre-Master’s course is Stage 1 of the postgraduate pathway, and is one semester in duration. It has been designed to prepare students who have not qualified for direct entry to ARU’s Master’s degrees, for postgraduate level studies.
Undertaking a Pre-Master’s course will provide you with the time to adjust to the rigorous research and independent study requirements of postgraduate studies and prepare you to get the most out of your postgraduate study at ARU.
All Pre-Master’s courses are taught at the Cambridge or Peterborough campuses. Depending on your chosen degree, you may need to change to the Chelmsford campus for the remainder of your studies.
Assessment for most modules is continuous, and includes tests, assignments and a dissertation. Most modules have a final two-hour examination.
Master’s (Stage 2)
The Master’s (Stage 2) offers students the chance to build on what they have learned during the Pre-Master’s and extend their professional understanding about their relevant area of study. A taught Master’s degree usually consists of a series of specialist modules in structured class, seminar or tutorial formats. A research thesis component may be included, but is much shorter than what is required for a Master’s degree by research. However, most taught masters’ degrees will have a final major project or dissertation component. The Master’s (Stage 2) is delivered by ARU.
Modules will be assessed via exams, assignments, essays, or seminar performance (group or individual presentations). Assessment may also include projects that can be completed either as part of a group or individually. For most masters’ degrees, preparing and submitting a major project or dissertation will form a large part of the assessment and final grade.