Pre-Masters & Pre-PhD Pathway ILEP number: 0341/0009 

For visa-dependent students

This course will allow students whose first language is not English, the opportunity to develop English Language proficiency, whilst taking modules from those offered across the University in their chosen discipline

Who is this programme for?

This programme 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 master’s degree or PhD programme but who require additional support in English language skills and/or have not yet met the UCC requirements in the English Language. 

Entry requirements

•  All applicants must first have a conditional offer letter from UCC for their chosen Masters/PhD programme.

Applicants for the Pre-Masters & Pre-PhD Pathway should first meet the academic requirements for their chosen postgraduate programme and have a conditional offer letter from UCC for this programme.  Please see UCC’s offerings of taught postgraduate programmes which include specific academic entry requirements for the chosen postgraduate programme.

 Programme summary and content

Version 1

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 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, pronunciation development and preparation for the IELTS examination.

Version 2

Is a full-time programme of 30 credits.  Topics covered in the Pathway Programme include learner independence, learning preferences, critical thinking, the meaning of culture, culture shock, different academic culture, avoiding plagiarism, quoting and paraphrasing, techniques for oral presentations, research sources and methods, research ethics and using technology in postgraduate study.

How to apply

Applicants for the EAP pre-Masters & pre-PhD Pathway should first meet the academic requirements for their chosen postgraduate programme and have a conditional offer letter from UCC for this programme.  Please see UCC’s offerings of taught postgraduate programmes at http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/taughtcourses/ which include specific academic entry requirements for the chosen postgraduate programme.

All applicants must first have a conditional offer letter from UCC for their chosen Masters/PhD programme.

Please click Pathway App Form 2020-21 to download the form.

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

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.