Course Overview
| Level of study: | Pre-Masters |
| Tuition Fees | Fees and Finances |
| Entry requirements: | A third or a pass in a bachelors degree in any discipline; or a pass in a non-honours degree with any classification in any discipline; or 3 year Diploma (DAZhuan) or equivalent (China only).
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| English language requirements: | IELTS 6.0 with no component less than 5.5, or equivalent.
Other English language tests are accepted, click here to find out more.
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| Mode of study: | Full-time |
| Duration: | 1 semester |
| Assessment method: | Coursework |
| Student finance: | Not available |
| Locations: |
London
Birmingham
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| Start dates: |
January, May, September |
| Application deadline: | Next application deadline
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About this course
This Pre-Masters programme has been designed as a bridging mechanism for students who wish to progress from undergraduate to postgraduate study at Ulster and will lead to a distinct award, the Graduate Certificate in Business.
The programme lasts for 1 semester and consists of 3 modules. The programme covers study skills as well as elements of a pathway course.
You will have the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and insight in the following areas:
- The learning styles required for academic purposes at the postgraduate level
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills to draw reasoned conclusions from data and make appropriate recommendations
- The ability to use academic literature and a wide range of research and evaluation methods
- Use a wide range of research methods to critically evaluate concepts, arguments and evidence in an objective manner
Teaching methods
- You will be taught using a wide variety of teaching methods across the modules including lectures and seminars, totalling around 12- 14 hours per week.
- In addition to your time in class, you will also be expected to engage in approximately 30 hours of self-study time per week.
- You will get excellent preparation for masters level study from highly experienced lecturing staff.
- You will have access to Blackboard, our online learning environment, where you can access module resources and reading lists that will assist your preparation for classes and self-study.
Assessment
Assessment for this programme will be through coursework only.
Response to Covid-19: Our focus is on providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for our students. More information about our response to Covid-19 and FAQs are available here.
Progression
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate with a minimum average of 50% across all modules, will be in a position to progress on to one of our Master’s programmes in London or Birmingham.
Progression on to the MBA is conditional on passing the Graduate Certificate with an overall pass mark of at least 50% at the first attempt and normally the possession of 2 years relevant work experience.
The Graduate Certificate also serves as a stand-alone, internationally recognised qualification which will be awarded upon achieving a pass of 40% in each module.
Please note: International students progressing on to the MBA, MSc Marketing or MSc International Business will need to apply for a second visa if the Graduate Certificate is studied as a standalone programme. Alternatively, you can study the Extended MSc Marketing or Extended MSc International Business.
Modules
All modules are core and 20 credits.
Research Methods for Postgraduate Studies
The module will be of benefit to those international and home students whose research skills need to be enhanced and/or evidenced before progressing on to Masters level education. It will provide the relevant underpinning knowledge and understanding of research-related topics in business. Drawing on enhanced knowledge and understanding, students will also identify the range of research methods available before defining specific research aims and objectives.
While addressing philosophical issues and conceptual aspects underlying management research, it also focuses on quantitative as well as on qualitative research methods and techniques involved in practical application. In order to facilitate student learning and development, there are both theoretical and practical elements to this module. It is expected that students will carry out an in-depth literature review to demonstrate academic crafting and writing skills, as well as advanced knowledge within the chosen discipline and appropriate research scope.
Academic Essentials
Academic skills differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. The skills required for academic study in English present challenges for students of business and management. This module is designed to support students’ transition in the use academic writing conventions, critical thinking and effective presentation skills. It uses students’ existing knowledge and experience of English to explore techniques for reading academic texts in a range of areas of business and management.
Enterprise Development
This is a dynamic module which provides students with an opportunity to develop their capabilities in recognising, assessing and planning a new enterprise with a focus on the consequences of decision-making in all aspects of enterprise development including marketing, sales, human resources, finance and operations.
Please note: this programme is undergoing a review in Spring 2023 and modular content is likely to change. Please refer to this course page for the most up-to-date information.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2022/23. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.
Academic requirements
- A third or a pass in a Bachelors degree in any discipline; or
- A pass in a non-honours degree with any classification in any discipline; or
- 3-year Diploma (DAZhuan) or equivalent (China only).
If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, please contact us and one of our team will contact you to discuss your options.
For country-specific entry requirements, please visit the entry requirements page.
English language requirements
Applicants must satisfy our general entry requirements as well as meeting specific requirements.
- You will need to provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade 4 – previously grade C – or equivalent).
The general entry requirements are any of the following:
- IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or equivalent
- HKDSE English Language – Grade 4 overall with no less than 3 in any of the 4 sub-skills
- Indian Standard XII English – Minimum of 70% (in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or Indian Certificate in Secondary Education (ICSE) only)
- WAEC – C6
If you do not have the required IELTS, you may be eligible to study on our Pre-Sessional programmes.
- If you have IELTS 5.5, with a maximum score of 5.0, you may be eligible to study on our Pre-Sessional Standard programme.
- If you have IELTS 5.0, with a maximum score of 4.5, you may be eligible to study on our Pre-Sessional Plus programme.
Tuition fees for 2022/23
UK/Home students: £1,350 (not available as a standalone programme)
International students:
- London: £4,500
- Birmingham: £4,250
Tuition fees for 2023/24
UK/Home students: £1,350 (not available as a standalone programme)
International students:
- London: £5,000
- Birmingham: £4,700
Upon successful completion of your Graduate Certificate, self-funding students may be eligible for a scholarship or discount when you progress on to one of our masters programmes. Find out more about our scholarships and discounts.
Please note that the fees outlined are for your tuition only and do not include the cost of any course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, accommodation etc. As an Ulster University London and Birmingham branch campus student you will also have access to our on-campus libraries and a range of e-learning resources.
The modules you will study may require you to purchase additional course textbooks and you should be prepared to buy some additional texts, we recommend allowing an additional £135 for the duration of your course.
Information for international students
Ulster University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.
What does my tuition pay for?
- Your teaching in class – this includes seminars, lectures and tutorials
- Access to facilities including computers, Wi-Fi, printers, lockers, multi-faith rooms, quiet study space and social areas. To learn more about available facilities please visit our London or Birmingham branch campus pages
- Our library service – both on-campus and an extensive online catalogue of resources
- Careers and Employability Service which provides help with CVs, applications and interview preparation through workshops, drop-ins and 1-2-1 appointments
- The ACE Team (Academic Community of Excellence) who are here to support you with your studies and assignments
- Students Activities Association (SAA) – who organise events on campus, discounted sightseeing trips and help students create and run societies
How to find out more
To find out more about this course, we recommend that you complete our enquiry form and one of our team will contact you to discuss your options.
How to apply
UK and International students can apply directly to study the Graduate Certificate (Pre-Masters) via our online application form below.
APPLY FOR MAY 2023
APPLY FOR SEPTEMBER 2023
Information for disabled applicants
At Ulster, we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.
If you’re not sure or have any questions about studying with us, please contact us and one of our team will be able to help.
