Pre-Masters in Science & Engineering
Whether you’re excited about engineering or crazy about computer science, this pathway helps you to develop your research and analysis skills, focusing on the areas that you’re most passionate about, preparing you for success in your future career.
Experience world-class teaching and research
Studying science at the University of Aberdeen and get involved with an innovative learning culture. University staff have won national awards for their work, ensuring you learn from figures at the forefront of industry. The city of Aberdeen itself is known as the Energy Capital of Europe, with the University offering degrees grounded in world-class research.
- Course length: 12 weeks (1 term)
- Start date:
- May (to start your degree in September)
- September (to start your degree in January)
- Term dates: Check the term dates
- Fees: Check your programme fees
- Scholarships: Learn more about available scholarships
- Age: 20+
- Check our academic and English language entry requirements.
What will I study?
Our accelerated, twelve-week Pre-Masters Programme offers you specially designed modules around your chosen subject route to help you prepare for postgraduate study at the University of Aberdeen. Taught in the same style as the University, you will also study core and route modules designed to improve your English and mathematical skills.
Modules
This module covers:
- calculus
- laplace transform
- solution of ODEs
- fourier transform
- numerical differentiation and solution of ordinary differential equations
- Runge-Kutta methods
- vector calculus
- integration
- partial differential equations
This module covers:
- introduction to computational mathematics
- solving systems of linear equations
- interpolation
- locating roots of equations
- least squares problems
- numerical integration
- numerical differentiation and solution of ordinary differential equations
This module covers:
- logic and proof
- sets and functions
- the real numbers
- sequences
- limits and continuity
- differentiation
- integration
- infinite series
This module covers:
- health and safety in the lab
- experimental procedure tutorial
- statistics and data handling workshop
- literature review tutorial
- laboratory (theoretical/practical)
- producing research reports and posters
This module covers:
- basic mathematical procedures
- introduction to MATLAB software
- non-linear axes on graphs
- introduction to computational mathematics
- basic probability
- basic logic
- design of experiments
- matrix solution of equations
- eigenvalues and eigenvectors
- optimisation of functions of several variables
This module covers:
- introduction to scientific method
- formulating a question
- qualitative and quantitative research
- descriptive research
- research variables
- sampling
- typical experimental designs
- presentation of findings
This module covers:
- introduction to scientific method
- formulating a question
- qualitative and quantitative research
- introduction to GIS
- descriptive research covariance
- research variables
- establishing cause and effect
- sampling
- typical experimental designs
- presentation of findings
This module covers:
- selecting a case study/specific area of research
- the importance of collecting data
- use of appropriate models and concepts
- critical analysis
Combined visa
Save time and money, and experience a seamless transition to postgraduate success by studying our Pre-Masters Programme and your university degree with one visa.
Doing this means you will benefit from the following:
- Alternatives to Academic IELTS for UKVI can be used to join the Pre-Masters Programme.
- You can work for up to 20 hours per week while in the UK, so you can enhance your CV and graduate prospects during your studies.
- You do not need an additional IELTS test before joining your postgraduate degree.
- There is no need to return home to apply for a new visa between your Pre-Masters Programme and chosen postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen.
- You will have the opportunity to travel and explore the UK between courses.
The combined visa is suitable for students who have previously studied academic subjects in the UK.
Top 100 in the world
for Petroleum Engineering
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Need to improve your IELTS?
We offer an additional Online English language programme which is designed to raise your IELTS to the required level for the Pre-Masters programme.
English language preparationProgress to your degree
Once you have completed your Pre-Masters Programme in Science & Engineering, you will be able to progress to the one-year taught Masters degree of your choice (some exceptions may apply, see the accordion below). Some Masters degrees are available for a September or January start, and some for September start only.
| Degree Programme Name | Award | Overall Grade | English Grade | Grade Module |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Results | ||||
The following degrees are available for the May Pre-Masters intake for progression in September to the University only:
- Artificial Intelligence MSc
- Bioarchaeological Science MSc
- Biomedical Science BSc
- Biomolecular Archaeology MSc
- Chemistry for Sustainable Energy MSc
- Cybersecurity MSc
- Data Science MSc
- Decommissioning MSc
- Energy Transition Systems and Technologies MSc
- Geophysics MSc
- Industrial Robotics MSc
- Integrated Petroleum Geoscience MSc
- Petroleum Data Management MSc
- Rural Surveying & Rural Property Management MSc
Students must complete a form at application and gain approval from ATAS for the following programmes:
- Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc
- Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc
- Chemistry for Sustainable Energy MSc
- Energy Transition Systems and Technologies MSc
- Oil & Gas Engineering MSc
- Petroleum Engineering MSc
- Renewable Energy Engineering MSc
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc
- Subsurface Energy Engineering MSc
- Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering MSc
Available for September International Study Centre intake - degree 15 months duration (January University start) or May International Study Centre intake - degree 12 months duration (September University start):
- Information Technology MSc
- Information Technology and Cyber Security MSc
In the International Study Centre (ISC), I was a student representative, so it helped me communicate more easily with students. I think the ISC improved my communication skills and when I went into the University I didn’t feel uneasy to emerge into this environment."
David from China
Pre-Masters Programme
Artificial Intelligence MSc
