Pre-Masters Programme in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
A pathway leading to postgraduate degrees in areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and information security
The Pre-Masters Programme in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at the International Study Centre prepares you for a range of technology-related degrees at Royal Holloway.
Key facts
Course length: Two terms
Entry points: March and September
Age: 20+
What you will study
The Pre-Masters Programme in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering is structured to provide students with a modern introduction to the major technologies involved in computing and electronic engineering, in preparation to study a postgraduate degree.
Additionally, this programme will focus on enhancing your linguistic skills with a module dedicated to academic English language tuition. This will ensure your writing and speaking skills are at an appropriate level to study a postgraduate degree in English.
Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.
You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.
Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.
The overall aim of the module is to strengthen and consolidate your skills and knowledge of mathematics to ensure you have a robust foundation of calculus and algebra essential for Science and Engineering. A solid understanding of the underlying principles of calculus, differential equations and linear algebra will enable you to explore the mathematics behind a variety of applications and appreciate the benefits of computational tools in solving problems.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: apply descriptive statistics and a range of mathematical tools and techniques to study real-life variables and processes; formulate and solve problems involving vectors, matrices and linear algebra using computational tools; use mathematical methods in a variety of applied contexts; solve differential equations and integral transforms to analyse the behaviour of real-life systems; use the power of abstraction as a way of modelling and solving real-life problems and evaluate problems by breaking them down into component parts, identifying issues and devising solutions.
The module will offer a platform to practise planning, organisational and project management skills. You will develop the skills to be able to work independently and as well as part of a team in order to identify, design, plan and complete a group project in the area relevant to their studies at the university. You will apply effective organisational skills and strategies to meet agreed objectives. In order to achieve these objectives, effective time management, organisational skills and consideration of ethics within the research interest, in the subject area, will be developed and applied.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: develop programming knowledge and logical thinking in a computing environment to solve science, engineering or a technological problem; describe a project life cycle and devise planning and control activities to effectively manage the time needed to successfully complete a project; apply advanced programming techniques to a science or engineering problem; demonstrate the ability to carry out data acquisition and analyse accurate scientific or engineering data; research, critically evaluate, organise and use information with due ethical consideration and identify resources required for each stage of project and paraphrase, and synthesise ideas from academic sources with accurate referencing.
The overall aim of the module is to provide extensive experience with procedural and object-oriented programming features. Python is one of the most widely used programming languages worldwide for developing Web and internet Development, Scientific and Numeric, Software Development, Desktop GUIs and Business Applications. This module will support you in learning design principles, best practices and coding conventions for writing high-level Object-Oriented programming. You will also gain hands-on experience in developing standalone, real-world applications and effectively use professional IDE’s to write, debug and test your solutions.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: apply efficient computer algorithms to design and develop flexible applications and implement object-oriented programming strategies; debug and validate working solutions for various applications using object–oriented programming and create concise and user-friendly documentation to improve readability of your code.
Combined visa
Save time and money, and experience a seamless transition to postgraduate success, by studying our Pre-Masters course and the remainder of your degree with one visa.
Doing this means you will benefit from:
- Just one visa required for the whole length of your study
- Alternatives to IELTS for UKVI can be used to join the Pre-Masters programme*
- No need for an additional IELTS test before joining your postgraduate degree
- No visa requirement to return home between the courses
- Work up to 20 hours per week
- Ideal for students who have exceeded their two years of pre-degree study in the UK.
*IELTS or equivalent required, alternatives accepted include TOEFL iBT, Pearson, IGCSE, IB, HKDSE, India HSC (recognised board), Malaysia SPM, WAEC.
Progression degrees
After completing your Pre-Masters Programme and meeting the required grades, you can progress to your chosen postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway. This will involve meeting the required grades, which can be subject to change. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your teachers once you are approaching the end of your programme.
You can study one of the following postgraduate degrees:
| Degree Programme Name | Award | Overall Grade | English Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Results | |||
Please note, progression to selected degrees such as MSc Machine Learning, MSc Artificial Intelligence and MSc Data Science & Analytics requires previous studies in a related degree or subject. Please contact us for more information.
Admissions
Applying to Royal Holloway International Study Centre is easy and straightforward. Check entry requirements, tuition fees and see what you have to do before you arrive, from getting your student visa to arranging accommodation.
International Study Centre
The International Study Centre helps you prepare for undergraduate and postgraduate study at Royal Holloway, University of London. It is a dedicated learning space for international students, sharing the University's campus and facilities.
English Language Preparation
Our online English Language preparation courses will help you develop your English language skills to the level required to begin your chosen pathway programme.