Postgraduate entry requirements

To join us at University of Aberdeen International Study Centre, you need to meet the minimum academic and English language entrance requirements.

For courses starting in October 2021, you can choose how you study so you can either join us on campus or start your studies virtually from home and come to campus at a later date. Find out more here.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are now able to accept a wider range of English tests for entry in October 2021.

  • If you are applying for the Pre-Masters

    You can start your studies in September 2021 with either a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), or an accepted alternative equivalent assessment, provided you meet all the programme entry requirements.

    The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.

    This applies if you:

    • come to campus, or
    • start your studies virtually and join us on campus at a later date.

    UKVI-approved SELTS include:

    • IELTS Academic for UKVI
    • Trinity Integrated Skills in English
    • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
    • Language Cert SELT

    Alternative tests accepted include:

    • Pearson PTE Academic
    • IELTS Indicator
    • IELTS Academic
    • LanguageCert International ESOL
    • TOEFL iBT
    • Cambridge ESOL
    • Duolingo
    • Linguaskill

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.

Admissions

Your pathway to your Masters degree at Aberdeen begins at the International Study Centre. You’ll need to meet the minimum academic and English language entry requirements listed below before joining us.

After you’ve completed your course and achieved the required grades, you can progress to your postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen.

Pre-Masters Programme entry requirements

  • Business and Law

    To apply for this Business and Law pathway, you'll need to meet the following entry requirements depending on your chosen subject route:

    Academic:

    To study a Business degree at Aberdeen, you will need a good, recognised degree or advanced diploma in any discipline. Certain programmes, such as the MBA, require two years post-degree relevant work experience.

    For a Law degree, you will need a good undergraduate degree or advanced degree in Law or a related discipline.

    English language:

    Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 6.0 in writing and no skill below 5.5)

  • Science and Engineering

    To apply for this Science and Engineering pathway, you'll need to meet the following entry requirements depending on your chosen subject route:

    Academic:

    You will need a good, recognised degree or advanced diploma in Engineering or Science. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may also be considered if they can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, in addition to a good degree.

    English language:

    Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 6.0 in writing and no skill below 5.5)

  • Country specific entry requirements
    Your country Academic qualification(s) you need to have
    Bangladesh Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate degree with overall of 50% (Hons) and 55% (Regular Pass)
    China Full time studies Bachelor's degree (Max 1 year internship accepted): 60%+ overall
    Full time studies Undergraduate Graduation Certificate/Junior College Diploma (Max 1 year internship accepted): 70% overall
    Ghana Undergraduate degree or HND in a related subject area (Grades A+ to B/3.0-4.0)
    Hong Kong First degree (honours/ordinary) OR HND, Honours Diploma, Associate Degree, Professional Diploma all in a related subject area with GPA 2.5 +
    India Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate degree with overall of 45% (Hons) and 50% (Regular Pass)
    Indonesia Recognised first degree or D4 Diploma with grades A4-B3
    Iran Recognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale
    Japan Recognised first degree with 60% or above or 3 year associated degree with 70% or above
    Jordan Recognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale
    Kazakhstan Successful completion of Bakalavar, Specialist Diploma/Kazakh Diploma (4-5 years) with grades 3/4/5. Recognised first degree.
    Korea Bachelor’s degree with grade average 70%+. Grade C or of 2.0 on the 4.5 scale or 2.0 on the 4.3 scale
    Libya Higher Diploma in a related subject
    Macau Recognised first degree (honours/ordinary) GPA 2.0
    Malaysia  Recognised first degree or Advanced Diploma in a related subject area (A, B & C/2.0+)
    Nigeria Recognised first degree or HND (in related subject). Distinction and Upper credit only
    Pakistan Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate degree with overall of 50% (Hons) and 55% (Regular Pass), 4 Year Undergraduate (Any) 50%, ACCA 9 papers, HND Level 6
    Qatar Recognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale
    Russia Bakalavar, Specialist Diploma (4/5 years) with a minimum GPA of 4.0
    Saudi Arabia Recognised first degree GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale
    Singapore Pass from a recognised first degree or Advanced Diploma or Singapore Diploma
    Taiwan Recognised first degree/Bachelor degree at GPA 2.0
    Thailand Bachelor degree with 2.0 on the 4.0 scale or Higher Diploma of Technical or Vocational Education or Associate Degree
    Turkey Lisans Diplomasi or Muhendis Diplomasi at GPA 2.1 or above
    UAE Recognised first degree
    Ukraine Recognised first degree/Bakavalar/Ukrainian Diploma with a minimum GPA of 7.0
    USA Successful completion of degree GPA 2.0 on a 4 point scale
    Vietnam Recognised First Degree with GPA 6.0 . Recognised Associate Degree or Higher Diploma with high grades (7.0+)

Pre-Sessional English

If you do not meet the English language entry requirements for your chosen Pre-Masters Programme, you can enrol on a Pre-Sessional English course prior to starting your programme.

  • 10 week programme

    English language: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 (minimum 5.0 in all sub-skills)

  • 5-week programme

    English language: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)

What happens next?

Once you’ve chosen your Pre-Masters subject route and seen what academic and English language grades you need, you can apply to join us. We offer support throughout the entire application process, as well as scholarships for a range of progression degrees.

International students studying in a cafe in Aberdeen

Postgraduate pathway fees

The next step in your application journey is to find out more about the fees for your chosen pathway programme and prepare to join us at the International Study Centre.