Lancaster University 3+1 Accelerated Master’s Program
To further promote the cultivation of internationally oriented talent and establish high-quality platforms for academic exchange and advanced study, the Institute of Language Sciences at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) has formally partnered with Lancaster University in the UK to launch the 3+1 Accelerated Master’s Program. Leveraging the outstanding educational resources and disciplinary strengths of both institutions, these programs offer our students a seamless transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study on an international stage, helping them broaden their academic horizons and enhance their global competitiveness in their chosen fields.
Founded in 1961, Lancaster University is a research-intensive university located in Lancashire in the northwest of England. It enjoys a strong academic reputation and is a member of the N8 Research Partnership, the European University Association, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Its linguistics programmes are ranked 3rd in the world and 1st in the UK in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, placing its research strength, academic reputation, and teaching quality at the very highest global level. As a core strength of the university, linguistics and related disciplines align closely with the academic focus of our institute. This international master’s partnership represents a significant achievement in the internationalisation of higher education for both institutions, fostering deeper collaboration in talent development and academic exchange.
Program ：3+1 Accelerated Master’s Program
This tailored program is designed to provide an efficient transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study, shortening the overall duration of study.
Study Route: Students complete the first three years (six semesters) of their designated undergraduate program at our institute and meet the required criteria before applying to the corresponding master’s programme at Lancaster University. After completing one year of master’s study in the UK and fulfilling the graduation requirements of both institutions, students will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree of Arts from Shanghai International Studies University and a Master’s degree from Lancaster University.
Program Alignment: Programs of our Bachelor of Arts are precisely aligned with Lancaster University’s MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL and MA in Language and Linguistics, ensuring alignment with the disciplinary focus of our institute and coherence in academic progression.
Dissertation Requirements: Students are required to complete both their undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations. Before commencing their master’s studies in the UK, students must submit a draft of their undergraduate dissertation, with online supervision support provided by our institute. The undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations may focus on the same research topic and area, provided that the overlap in content does not exceed one-third.
Application Requirements
Basic Eligibility
1. Academic Performance: For the 3+1 Program, applicants must have an average score of no less than 70% in the first three years of undergraduate study.
2. Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the official English language entry requirements for their chosen master’s programme at Lancaster University. For further details, please visit the Lancaster University website: www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/postgraduate-courses.
Application-Related Arrangements
1. Application Timeline: For the 3+1 Program, applications must be completed by the start of the fifth semester of the undergraduate programme.
2. Application Channel: Formal applications should be submitted through the Lancaster University postgraduate admissions portal. Application guidance is available at: www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying-for-postgraduate-study.
Fees and Funding
In support of this partnership, Lancaster University is offering a 10% tuition fee discount exclusively for students from our institute participating in these programs.
Contact Information
Lancaster University International Student Office: international.pathways@lancaster.ac.uk
Institute of Language Sciences (SISU): 2025209@shisu.edu.cn
