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How a Pre-Masters Program can help you excel in your masters degree

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Studying your master’s degree in Australia is a wonderful opportunity to continue your education in a cosmopolitan city and extend yourself both academically and personally. 

But what if you’ve applied and haven’t qualified for a master’s degree at UNSW Sydney?

If you have successfully completed a relevant undergraduate degree, you can apply for a place in the UNSW College Pre-Masters Program. Our program will ensure that you receive the additional support to meet the entry requirements to access postgraduate studies in Art & DesignMedia, Engineering or Information Technology at UNSW Sydney.

Whichever area you need to work on to reach your goal, from academic writing and critical thinking to English Language proficiency and project management, our Pre-Masters Program will get you from where you are to where you want to be.   

How our Pre-Master’s Program can help you:

  • Access to world-class UNSW facilities

  • Up to 12 units of credit toward your master’s degree

  • Immersive high-quality teaching and learning environment

  • Develop advanced academic study and research skills 

  • Networking opportunities

 

Access to world-class UNSW facilities

UNSW Sydney is internationally renowned for its outstanding Computer Science programs and Engineering programs, as well as it's cutting-edge research. It’s also home to the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, where some of Australia’s most forward-thinking creatives and academics teach, mentor, and collaborate. As a student within the UNSW College Pre-Masters Program, you’ll have access to UNSW facilities, giving you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with everything on offer to undergraduate and postgraduate students before entering your master’s degree. 

UNSW Sydney is:

  • Ranked 2nd in Australia and 20th in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2026)

  • Australia’s #1 university for employment and career outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2025) 

  • Highest median graduate salaries of Group of Eight universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey medium-term, 2023)  

  • 24 subjects in the top 50 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025)

 

 

Up to 12 credit units toward your master’s

By successfully completing a Pre-Masters Program through UNSW College, you may be eligible to put the equivalent of one or two subjects worth of units of credit towards your master’s degree. In some cases, this will enable you to complete your studies in a shorter period of time.

Immersive, high-quality learning environment

At UNSW College, we are committed to a student-centred approach to learning. Our small class sizes, led by experienced faculty, ensure that each student receives personalised attention and timely feedback to support their academic success. Through a diverse range of teaching methods, including group work, live lectures, presentations, and research-based activities, students engage in a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

UNSW developed and approved curriculum

Our Pre-Masters Programs are carefully designed in alignment with the curriculum of UNSW Sydney’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Academic input from key faculties, such as Art & Design, Media, Engineering, and Information Technology, shapes the content delivered in our Pre-Master’s Programs.

Develop advanced study and research skills

Pursuing a master’s degree requires a high level of independent study, research, and critical analysis. Through a Pre-Masters Program, you’ll be introduced to essential modules such as research methodologies, critical thinking, and project and time management. These foundational skills are vital for writing dissertations, conducting in-depth research, and solving complex problems. By developing these competencies during your Pre-Masters studies, you’ll enter your master’s program with greater confidence and readiness.

At UNSW College, you’ll also benefit from access to student clubs and academic support groups designed to help you strengthen your study skills. Dedicated academic support staff within Student Services are always available to guide and assist you throughout your learning journey.

Networking opportunities

In the Pre-Masters Program, you’ll start building your network before your master’s even begins. You’ll connect with peers, mentors, and industry professionals who can offer support, share advice, and open doors to collaboration along the way. At UNSW College, these relationships can carry through to your time at UNSW Sydney. With students from around the world, you’ll be part of a diverse and dynamic community that can broaden your perspective both academically and personally.

Discover our Pre-Master's Programs

We offer Pre-Masters Programs in Art & Design, Media, Engineering and Information Technology at UNSW College. The additional academic support you will receive in these programs will enable you to meet the entry requirements upon successful completion, you will progress to postgraduate study at UNSW Sydney.

The Pre-Masters Program has two intakes each year, is full time for 15 weeks on campus, and includes three core subjects and one elective subject. Assessment methods include quizzes, exams, assignments, portfolios, presentations, seminars, case studies, reports, and journals.

Learn about Pre-Masters (Art & Design)

Learn about Pre-Masters (Engineering)

Learn about Pre-Masters (Information Technology)

Learn about Pre-Masters (Media)

Apply today 

Discover how to apply to start your exciting journey studying at UNSW College.

 

UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.

Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
From 13 January 2025, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

Pre-Masters Program & Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers the Pre-Masters Program and Academic English programs under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2025 UNSW Global Pty Limited.

UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.

Foundation Studies, Academic English and Pre-Masters Program
UNSW College delivers its Foundation Studies, Academic English, and Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education). 

Diplomas
UNSW College delivers its UNSW College Diplomas under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education). UNSW College delivers UNSW Diplomas on behalf of UNSW Sydney under CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).

See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2025 UNSW Global Pty Limited.