University of Bath students

Pre-Masters in Business and Economics

Prepare for your postgraduate degree in business and economics

Is this programme for me?

This programme is ideal for students who do not yet meet the direct entry requirements for a postgraduate degree in business and economics at the University of Bath. It is also well suited for those who want to refresh their academic skills or better prepare for the study style required for a UK postgraduate degree. On this Business and Economics route, you’ll:

  • improve your academic English skills and essential UK university study skills such as critical reading, research discussions, and lecture note-taking
  • gain a comprehensive understanding of business strategy, market dynamics, and economic principles, preparing you to confidently tackle postgraduate study in business-related fields
  • learn practical statistical techniques and tools to analyse data, interpret results, and make informed, data-driven decisions
  • build the ability to design and conduct independent research, apply appropriate methodologies, and present findings effectively
  • develop professional skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and career planning

What will you study?

Over the two-semester programme, you’ll study a number of core and elective modules that relate to your chosen progression degree. The modules have been designed by expert academics at the International Study Centre in collaboration with the University of Bath, to ensure you have strong foundation and skills for a successful master’s degree upon progression to the University.

Modules

Core modules

The aim of this module is to train students in the language competency and practical academic skills they will need for postgraduate university courses. This includes developing students' accuracy and range of written and spoken English while teaching academic conventions and processes for writing, effective reading strategies, participation in research-based discussions and listening to and recording information from lectures. The AES course also aims to ensure that students can achieve a CEFR B2+ level in reading, listening, writing and speaking.

This module integrates key concepts of business management and economics, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the strategic, organisational, and economic factors shaping decision-making in organisations. Students will explore tools and frameworks for analysing business environments, delve into organisational theories and supply chain management, and apply economic principles to real-world scenarios. A strong focus on strategy, consumer behaviour, and market dynamics prepares students to navigate complex business challenges.

The Quantitative Methods module equips students with essential statistical tools and techniques for analysing and interpreting data in real-world and academic contexts. This module covers descriptive statistics, probability, sampling, statistical inference, regression analysis, and the application of statistical software. By emphasising practical applications, the module prepares students to make data-driven decisions and develop insights into complex problems.

The Research Project module equips students with the advanced skills and knowledge required to design, execute, and communicate a comprehensive research project. This module emphasises critical thinking, ethical research practices, and the integration of sustainability principles to produce impactful research. Students will gain practical experience in formulating research questions, conducting a literature review, applying appropriate research methodologies, and presenting findings effectively to diverse audiences.

Elective modules

The Advanced Mathematics module provides students with essential mathematical knowledge and skills to analyse and solve complex problems. Covering topics such as sets and numbers, functions, calculus, optimisation, integration, and matrix algebra, the module emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical applications. Through a blend of conceptual learning and real-world problem-solving, students will enhance their analytical capabilities and gain confidence in applying advanced mathematical techniques to professional and academic challenges.

The Personal and Professional Development module aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary for personal growth and professional success. The module emphasises self-awareness, career planning, effective communication, leadership, and teamwork while fostering cultural competence and resilience. Students will develop practical tools such as CVs, cover letters, and professional online profiles, alongside reflective writing techniques to enhance their career readiness and lifelong learning.

Why study Business and Economics at the University of Bath?

  • Study at a highly-ranked university with strong subject rankings and global recognition for business, finance, and economics.
  • The School of Management holds prestigious accreditations (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB), placing it among an elite group of business schools worldwide. The School’s building opened in 2022 with the latest technology giving you a flexible and modern learning environment. The design focuses on working together, with an open layout to enable effective teamwork.
  • Learn from experts in the field. Their passion, knowledge and industry expertise shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.
  • You’ll have access to some of the latest industry-standard statistical, mathematical and econometric software, including EViews, Stata, Matlab and Python. Studying a finance-related course gives you access to a range of financial databases and terminals such as Bloomberg, Refinitiv Workspace, Morningstar Direct, allowing you to access up-to-the-minute data on real-world trends to enhance your learning experience.
  • A number of courses culminate in a flexible final option, such as a traditional dissertation, a consultancy project, an individual research project, or an internship.

1st

1st for Marketing since 2017
2nd for Accounting and Finance
3rd for Business and Management Studies
9th for Economics

(The Complete University Guide 2026)

Top 100

in the world for Business and Management Studies, Marketing, and Sports-related subjects

(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)

Progress to your degree

Once you complete your Pre-Masters Programme in Business and Economics and achieve the required grades*, you can enter your chosen postgraduate degree at the University of Bath.

*Progression requirements are provisional and subject to approval

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
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What to do next

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application.