Distance Learning Pre-Master’s Programme (DL PMP) in Humanities, Social Sciences and Law
at University of Dundee
In this online course, you will receive specialist support from experienced tutors and engage in an academically challenging environment. You will develop your language skills, enhance your university study techniques, and complete subject-specific modules tailored specifically to your intended degree choices within humanities, social sciences, or law.
Course Overview
The Online Distance Learning Pre-Master’s Programme (DL PMP) in Humanities, Social Sciences and Law at the University of Dundee is the ideal pathway for students who aspire to pursue a postgraduate degree in these fields but don’t yet meet the entry requirements.
This programme equips you with advanced academic and language skills essential for success in your postgraduate studies. Depending on your academic qualifications and English language proficiency, you can choose from two study formats:
The one-term option provides a fast-track, intensive online course studied over three months, preparing you effectively for your chosen degree in humanities, social sciences or law.
The two-term option is an extended online course studied over six months, offering additional academic English support alongside subject-specific modules to ensure thorough preparation.
Upon successful completion of the online Pre-Master’s Programme, you will travel to the UK to join the University of Dundee and continue your chosen master’s degree in humanities, social sciences or law in person.
Begin your journey towards a UK postgraduate degree today with the Online Distance Learning Pre-Master’s Programme at the University of Dundee.
International College Dundee
International College Dundee (ICD) is a dedicated college for international students to start their studies. We offer integrated and standalone pathway programmes which develop your academic and English language skills.
Our international college is part of the university campus so you will have access to all the same university spaces, facilities and community so you will feel like you are part of the university from the day you start.
- Located on the main university campus
- Small classes offering a high-quality academic experience
- Supportive college staff who will help you settle into life as a student at the University of Dundee
- University student status from day one with access to sports, societies, campus facilities and the university student services.
Course modules
The aims of the module are to build on the existing English language ability of international students to prepare them for study at master’s level at the University of Dundee, in particular, to raise students’ measurable performance from a minimum of 5.5 IELTS to 6.0 IELTS or higher and to continue to increase linguistic competence and boost confidence in the use of English in the context of postgraduate studies. The approach of the module is to ensure that linguistic ability facilitates eventual successful engagement in academic courses at SCQF level 11, to introduce students to the advanced skills of critical thinking, evaluation and creative engagement with study materials and to focus students on their need to develop as independent learners. (10 Credits)
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the structure, demands and expectations of postgraduate study in the UK. There is an emphasis on the development of academic skills of relevance to study at postgraduate level and students are introduced to learning strategies that will be of particular benefit with particular emphasis on the VLE and the role of IT and of the Internet and specialist sites and journals that may be accessed digitally. The module aims to assist students to develop as critical users of the Internet and evaluate material accessed in their research. Students will be helped to become more reflective and self-evaluative and to develop group working and team building skills. (10 Credits)
The aim of the module is to continue to develop the existing English language ability of international students to prepare them for study at master’s level at the University of Dundee, in particular, raise students’ measurable performance to that of their progressing School (either IELts 6.0 or 6.5 overall) or higher and to further increase linguistic competence and boost confidence to a higher level in the use of English in the context of postgraduate studies. The module’s approach aims to ensure that linguistic ability ensures successful engagement in academic courses at master’s level. Students develop further their deployment of the advanced skills of critical thinking, evaluation and creative engagement with study materials in helping them pose and solve problems. Students are introduced to further strategies and techniques that will enable them to function better as self-directed and autonomous learners. (10 Credits)
Meet Ano, a student and hockey player from Zimbabwe
When I started looking at universities, I wasn’t just thinking about the course. I wanted more than just lectures and libraries. Back home, I played hockey every week. I loved the energy and the team spirit. So my parents and I searched for a place that valued sport and study.
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is a leading institution in Scotland, known for its world-class teaching, innovative research and strong sense of community. Located on Scotland’s beautiful east coast, the University combines academic excellence with a friendly, inclusive environment in one of the United Kingdom’s most affordable cities.
You will benefit from hands-on learning, expert teaching and opportunities that prepare you for a successful global career. Dundee is a place where creativity, ambition and innovation come together, empowering you to make a real difference in the world.
Why choose the University of Dundee
Scottish University of the Year 2025
For its outstanding performance and long standing and impactful policies that put students first – Daily Mail University Guide 2025.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
Top in the UK for Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering and 2nd for Medicine and for Dentistry. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
In the UK for Education
In the subject rankings, 3rd in the UK for Education and 7th for Medicine, Finance, and Computer Science. The Daily Mail University Guide 2026.
Entry Requirements for
12th Grade Graduation Certificate with 50% in each subject
International Student Fees
You can find the applicable international student course fee for your chosen pathway study route listed below.
| Study Route | Tuition Fees (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| International Stage One (3 terms) | Business* / Social Studies – January, April, September – £18,995 Nursing / Life and Biomedical Sciences / Engineering / Computing – January, September – £19,895 |
| International Stage Two | All available subjects – January, September – £20,195 |
| International Foundation | Engineering – January, September – £19,895 Computing – January, September – £19,895 Life Biomedical Sciences – January, September – £19,895 Business – January, September – £18,995 Nursing – January, September – £19,895 |
| Pre-Masters (1 term) | Design / Health Education and Social Sciences** / Nursing – April, June – £11,195 Business / Computing / Energy & Sustainability / Engineering / Law – April, June, September – £11,195 |
| Pre-Masters (2 terms) | Business / Energy & Sustainability / Health Education and Social Sciences ** – January, April, June – £15,195 |
| International Stage One (2 terms) | Business / Computing / Life and Biomedical Sciences / Nursing – January, April – £13,195 |
| The Distance Learning Pre-Master’s Programme is available exclusively to students in China. For detailed information on fees and eligibility, please contact us here. | |
| Fees are not inclusive of scholarships. All applications are subject to a non-refundable admin Fee of £220. Stated fees are for the pathway only. Stated fees do not include the annual tuition fee applicable for degree course continued at the university after completion of your pathway. For more information on progression degree fees please visit the university website directly. | |
| *After successfully completing International Stage One (3 terms) in Business (April 2026 intake), you will progress to IS2 in January 2027 and continue to your chosen degree at the University of Dundee in September 2027, entering Year 3. | |
Scholarships at University of Dundee
Up to £6,000 scholarship for 3-term pathways
Up to £4,500 scholarship for 2-term pathways
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Up to £5,500 scholarship for 1-term pathway
Up to £5,000 scholarship for 2-term pathway
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Up to £5,000* for ICD student who completed pathway programme and progressing with Excellence outcome (Automatically assigned on progression if student has met an A grade average during their study in the college)
*Assigned on progression – if a students already has another scholarship confirmed (e.g. Vice Chancellors or GCS) they cannot combine these – they will be awarded the highest value scholarship only
Check the wide range of scholarships on the University of Dundee website
