Pre-Masters/Preparatory Pathway

UCC is pleased to announce its new Pre-Masters/Preparatory Pathway which will allow students whose first language is not English the opportunity to develop English Language proficiency, whilst at the same time taking modules from those offered across the University in their chosen discipline. It will also allow students to adapt to a new educational and cultural environment and to integrate into life at University College Cork (UCC).

The course is intended for students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at UCC.  It is aimed at those who meet the academic requirements of their chosen Masters degree programme but who require additional support in English language skills, and/or have not yet met the UCC requirements in English Language.  Applications from our partner institutions are particularly welcome. 

Entry Requirements:

Please see our offerings of taught postgraduate programmes at: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/taughtcourses/ which include specific academic entry requirements for your chosen Masters programme.

Students with an IELTS of 5.5, and no less than 5.0 in any section (or equivalent recognised English test for entry to UCC programmes), and who meet the academic requirements (that is, have a conditional offer) for their chosen Masters programme, may be offered a place on the Pre-Masters/Foundation Pathway. 

Dates:

September to May/June

Cost:

€10,000

Content:

The course is taken on a full-time basis over one academic year and comprises 60 credits.  It combines English Language modules with academic modules from the University’s Level 8 undergraduate degree programmes, chosen in consultation with the relevant head of the academic unit and the Head of the Graduate School in the relevant College.  The English Language modules will cover academic writing, reading, listening and speaking skills; grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation development; and preparation for IELTS examination. 

Students will take core modules to the value of 45 credits as follows:

English for Academic Purposes 1 (15 credits)

English for Academic Purposes 2 (15 credits)

English Academic Writing Skills (10 credits)

Information Literacy Skills (5 credits) 

and 15 credits to be chosen from modules available to Level 8 Undergraduate Degree Programme students.

IELTS

In addition, all students will sit an external International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination upon completion of the course.  This examination is a test that measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work in environments where English is used as a language of communication. Results for the IELTS examination must be notified to the International Office in UCC by 30^th June in order for the student to be admitted to their chosen Masters programme. 

How to Apply: