Extended Master's

The Extended Master's gives you the opportunity to become familiar with masters study through a preparation phase in the summer before your main course begins.

Offering a short course to international students to settle in, get to know the British education system, and develop a grip over the English language is an effective strategy that gives international students their best university experience.
Syed Hamza, MBA International

You have done a degree already. But do you need to adapt your existing skills and English language to the demands of Higher Education in the UK?

We know that many international students will face significant challenges as they enter life at a UK university. Here are some of the things which students have found difficult, even though they already have a first degree and a knowledge of their subject.

understanding the expectations of lecturers about the work they should be before a class
understanding very different kinds of assignments
understanding how to use reading and other material within assignments
understanding the referencing systems used in different subjects
understanding different kinds of writing: e.g. systematic literature review, reflection on professional practice, formal research proposal.

Our summer Extended Masters courses will give you a ‘soft landing’ before a demanding year in your chosen masters degree.

Through the Extended Master's preparation course, you will:

learn and practise the kinds of academic skills and tasks needed for your Master's degree.
develop the specialist language required in your subject area.
have greater opportunities to find out about your masters study, as well as the University services and facilities which can help you.
improve your comprehension and use of English language for living in the UK and full-time study.
get used to living in the new environment over a longer, less intense period, as well as enjoy opportunities to explore Canterbury and the surrounding area.

The approach taken is skills and task-based, training you for Master's-level work in English and progressing through to more advanced and independent modes of study. You will also develop further important IT skills and become familiar with the university learning resources (such as our Virtual Learning Environment and Library facilities), and be introduced to the University more generally.

We view each student as an individual with specific learning needs and aims, and this is reflected in the course design. To this end, there will be workshops and regular individual tutorials so we can respond to your concerns and advise you on your progress.

How you’ll learn

What will I study?

Although this is much more than an English language course, it will still include work on relevant grammar and vocabulary, as well as speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. So, for example, you will develop your skills for:

researching and writing extended assignments
reading large amounts of text in a short time
developing critical and reflective understanding
participating effectively in seminars and giving presentations.

You will learn through c.15 hours per week of interactive classes, with individual tutorials and additional induction sessions. The course will also require work outside of class as independent study will be an essential part of your masters degree.

How will I be assessed?

The course is not formally assessed, but you will still complete a variety of tasks on which you will receive feedback as part of your academic and language development. As well as the practical experience this gives you, the course will help identify your areas of difficulty needing further work, and give you guidance on the resources and help available throughout your masters degree.