What is a Pre-Masters?

Our Pre-Masters is a non-award pathway program developed for students like you, who want to commence postgraduate studies at UNSW but don't meet the entry requirements.

Our program is developed in conjunction with UNSW approved curriculum, which means you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to progress to a UNSW Sydney master's program.

Your journey with a Pre-Masters program

Completion of undergraduate degree progresses to 15 week Pre-Masters program. You may enter the 2nd term of your chosen master’s degree if you receive 12 units of credit.  If you receive 6 units of credit, you will enter the 1st term of your master’s degree at UNSW. Completion of undergraduate degree progresses to 15 week Pre-Masters program. You may enter the 2nd term of your chosen master’s degree if you receive 12 units of credit.  If you receive 6 units of credit, you will enter the 1st term of your master’s degree at UNSW.
Intakes

May, August

Duration

Full time, 15 weeks / 1 Term (12 teaching weeks)

Weekly class time

21-23 face-to-face teaching hours per week

Progression

Master of Information Technology (8543) Master of Engineering Science (8338)

Delivery mode

Face-to-face (includes blended and hybrid)

CRICOS Code

113490D

Program Materials

Delivered via Learning Management System Moodle

Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL)

Based on English level and specialisation, you may be eligible for up to 12 units of credit towards chosen master's degree.

Who is this program for?

Our Pre-Masters program is designed to assist you by providing additional academic or English language support to meet the entry requirements needed to progress to a postgraduate degree at UNSW Sydney. It offers an opportunity for you to enhance your skills in preparation for postgraduate studies.

At UNSW College, you will receive:

  • an intellectually engaging and personally fulfilling experience;
  • an immersive, high-quality teaching and learning environment;
  • guaranteed entry to master's coursework studies, upon successful completion;
  • up to 12 Units of Credit (one or two courses) towards your master's program at UNSW Sydney;
  • a student-centred approach to learning;
  • a fostered sense of belonging to the UNSW Community of Learners from first contact to graduation.

Why study a master's at UNSW Sydney?

Renowned globally for its prestigious engineering programs and cutting-edge research, UNSW Sydney stands as a beacon of innovation and academic excellence. By pursuing a master's degree at UNSW Sydney, you open doors to world-class education and unrivalled career prospects.

  • #1 in Australia
    For Engineering

    Times Higher Education (THE). QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022*

  • #1 in Australia
    For the School of Computer Science and Engineering’s research

    CS Rankings in Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Embedded & Real-Time Systems and Operating Systems

  • #36 Globally
    For Engineering

    QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022

  • 5 Star Rating
    School of Computer Science and Engineering

    Australian Research Council

Career opportunities

  • Systems Analyst  
  • Information Systems Manager  
  • IT Security Manager  
  • IT Security Consultant
  • IT Project Manager
  • Software Architect
  • IT
  • IS
  • Data scientist
  • Network engineer
  • Software engineer
  • UI/UX designer
  • Systems administration

Your future at UNSW

Once you successfully complete our Pre-Masters program (and meet the entry requirements), you will be guaranteed entry into the Master of Information Technology or Master of Engineering Science at UNSW Sydney. UNSW is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, ranked in the top 20 worldwide. Boasting a career-focused education, vibrant community and flexibility in study options, UNSW will help you discover the best version of yourself.

On successful completion of the Pre-Masters (Information Technology), you may be eligible to receive up to 12 units of credit as Recognition of Prior Learning towards:  

  • Master of Engineering Science (8338)
  • Master of Information Technology (8543)   

Note: If you enter the Pre-Masters program with an IELTS greater than or equal to 6.0 and below 6.5 (or equivalent), you may undertake one master’s-equivalent course (Engineering Project Management) and may be eligible for 6 units of credit (1 course) towards your chosen master’s program.

If you enter the Pre-Masters program with an IELTS greater than or equal to 6.5 (or equivalent) you may undertake two master’s-equivalent courses (Engineering Project Management and either Economic Decision Analysis in Engineering OR Principles of Programming) depending on the selected master's degree and are therefore may be eligible for 12 units (2 courses) towards your chosen master’s program.

  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

Program structure

The Pre-Masters program comprises three (3) core courses and one (1) prescribed elective taken over one term of full-time study.

  • The following is a guide to the selection of courses for the Term of study.
  • Enrolment conditions must be satisfied before selecting any course within the program.
  • A core course is one that must be satisfactorily completed to meet the requirements of the program.
  • Course Code Course Title Units of Credit Face-to-Face hr/week Enrolment Conditions
    PMAR9001 Academic Research and Information Skills 2
    1
    None
    PMIE9002 Innovation and Entrepreneurship 4 4 None

    Academic Research and Information Skills

    This course is designed to help you develop the skills necessary to conduct effective research on academic literature and improve your overall literacy skills. Through a combination of workshops readings, assignments, and discussions, you will learn how to identify research questions, develop innovative research questions, find and evaluate sources, synthesize information, and communicate their findings effectively through writing and presentation

    Innovation and Entrepreneurship

    This course will introduce you to the fundamental principles and philosophy of innovation and entrepreneurship. It will focus on teaching innovative skills, project management, and entrepreneurial concepts to allow you to put your imagination and skills to the test by identifying real word problems and generating innovative solutions to address these. 

  • Course Code Course Title Units of Credit Face-to-Face hr/week Enrolment Conditions
    EGPM9003 Engineering Project Management   6 8 None

    Engineering Project Management

    This course adopts a comprehensive approach to project management, delving into both the technical and managerial aspects. By enrolling in this course, you will acquire a toolkit to enhance your capacity to plan, execute, and supervise tasks that aim to achieve specific organisational objectives in intricate and demanding work environments.

  • Choose ONE of the following based on English level and destination master's degree

    Course Code Course Title Units of Credit Face-to-Face hr/week Enrolment Conditions
    PMAE9004  Academic English for Higher Studies    6 10 IELTS ≥ 6 and < 6.5 must enrol
    EGED9005 Economic Decision Analysis in Engineering 6 8 IELTS ≥ 6.5 and entering UNSW Master of Engineering
    COMP9006 Principles of Programming 6 8 IELTS ≥ 6.5 and entering UNSW Master of Information Technology or UNSW Master of Engineering Science 

    Academic English for Higher Studies

    Academic English for Higher Studies is a unit of study within the Pre-Masters course intended to support students who do not yet meet UNSW’s English Language requirements. The course is designed to provide a staged, language-supported experiential process through the delivery of a structured research project on a discipline-relevant topic.

    Economic Decision Analysis in Engineering

    This course provides engineers and managers with the knowledge of principles, basic concepts and methodology of economic decision analysis. It aims to equip you with the expertise in utilising appropriate methods and techniques for making informed economic decisions in the engineering world.

    Principles of Programming

    This course equips you with both theoretical and practical knowledge of generic programming techniques and Python programming, which can be applied effectively in various specialized courses that require students to have a strong grasp of programming skills and a well-mastered understanding of the Python language.

    The course delves deeply into the features of the language, with a strong focus on problem-solving across a wide range of application domains, some of which involve mathematical concepts. The course is designed to be self-contained and does not require any prior knowledge of programming or Python programming, provided that students have the expected mathematical background.

How is the program assessed?

There are a variety of assessment methods including - Quizzes, Exams, Assignments, Portfolios, Presentations, Seminars, Case Studies, Reports and Journals.

Entry requirements

Our Pre-Masters (Information Technology) program is designed specifically for students like you, who want to study a Master of Information Technology or Master of Engineering Science at UNSW Sydney - before you start the Pre-Masters, you must meet the required English language proficiency and specific academic entry requirements.

For more information on entry requirements, view the Pre-Masters entry requirements. Requirements provided should be considered as a guide only and are subject to change.  

View entry requirements

Academic calendars

The academic calendar consists of important dates throughout your study period such as orientation, census dates, study weeks, exam weeks and breaks for your program or course of study.

Pre-Masters fees

2024 tuition fees (international)

A$22,000

2024 tuition fees (domestic)

A$10,000

For additional information on our fees and other non-tuition fees, please see the Fees page.

  • Fees are reviewed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed, so it’s important to remember that indicative tuition fees shown above are not guaranteed. Any update to fees is effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are for tuition only – other fees and charges are not included.

Scholarships 

Scholarships may be available for 2024. To inquire about the specific scholarships that suit eligibility, please email us and we will send you the details of scholarships available. 

Ready to apply?

At UNSW College, every application we receive is carefully considered. When you are ready to join us, click the button below – or visit how to apply for a step-by-step guide.

CRICOS Program Code

113490D

Why study with UNSW College?

  • Your path to a global top 20 university

    Successfully complete a Pre-Masters and secure guaranteed entry to UNSW Sydney.

  • Support as you learn

    Our dedicated support teams are here to help you manage life and achieve success at university.

  • Directly connected to UNSW

    The program is accredited by UNSW Sydney and provides full access to UNSW’s world-class libraries, clubs and societies.

2022 UNSW Global Photoshoot - Nuodi Lui - Liam
I chose UNSW College as it is a pathway to study at UNSW Sydney and has a great academic environment. While at UNSW College I have improved my independent study skills. I have made great friends and my teachers have a friendly attitude.

Liam Liu

UNSW College Student

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

Diploma & Foundation Studies
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 and Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

Pre-Masters
From 6 May 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of the Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).

Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers Academic English under CRICOS Provider code 01020K. See unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information.

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