Academic English with IELTS "Gateway to University Programme" is listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes: ILEP No. 0341/0010

This course helps you develop the academic skills and knowledge you need for study and life in an English-speaking university and it also prepares you to take the IELTS exam.  You will grow in confidence using English in both academic and general situations in UCC and Cork.  You will receive regular advice and guidance to help you reach your personal targets in education.

Who is this course for?

This course helps you develop your English for academic study, prepare for IELTS and supports you to progress to your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate programme at an English-speaking university.  

Academic modules focus on the academic skills and literacies to allow you to study further in English-medium Higher Education (known as Third Level in Ireland).  These modules also help you prepare for the IELTS exam. Skills covered will include, for example, referencing/paraphrasing, critical thinking/textual analysis and academic word list/nominalisation.

The programme follows UCC’s connected curriculum principles to foster real-world usage of the English language in contexts relevant to students’ interests and aims.  Students take part in project work, listen to university lectures and undertake some research as part of their programme.

A dedicated ‘Gateway to University’ tutor will help you manage your development and will guide you through the university application process.

At the end of the course, should you wish to stay at UCC, you may wish to transfer to one of our pre-sessional approved English language routes to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.  Should you wish to take up a place at a different university, you will leave us with an IELTS qualification and a set of skills that will enable you to succeed.

Programme Summary

IT requirements to join our courses

All students are required to bring to class a fully-charged laptop (with audio and video) and headphones to ​ensure full participation and access to course materials ​and a more valuable student experience.  A reliable internet connection is required (this is provided by UCC for on-campus students). You should download Microsoft Teams to your laptop before starting your course. UCC recommends the use of Chrome browser for best interaction with all its applications.  Please note that a laptop is a device which is suitable for study purposes and students who use another device such as a tablet will not be able to access some functions. A smartphone is not ​considered to be a suitable device for study purposes.

If you have any further queries on this course please email infolang@ucc.ie.

Start dates and prices

Sample timetable