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).
|
| 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.
|
| Mode of study: |
Full-time |
| Duration: |
1 semester |
| Assessment method: |
Coursework |
| Student finance: |
Not available |
| Locations: |
London
Birmingham
|
| Start dates: |
January, May, September |
| Application deadline: |
Next application deadline
|
Course Overview
Do you wish to pursue postgraduate studies in business in the future?
Do you want to learn key academic skills to help you progress?
This short Pre-Masters programme will help you bridge the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study at Ulster University, leading to a distinct award, the Graduate Certificate in Business.
About this course
In 2021, total SME employment was 16.3 million, 61% of private sector jobs (Money.co.uk, 2022).
In this programme, you will explore the key elements of enterprise development including marketing, sales and finance, throughout the course of 1 semester and 3 modules.
- Explore learning styles required for academic purposes at the postgraduate level
- Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills to draw conclusions from data and make appropriate recommendations
- Use academic literature and a wide range of research and evaluation methods
- Gain an insight into a wide range of research methods to critically evaluate concepts, arguments and evidence in an objective manner
The Graduate Certificate also serves as a stand-alone, internationally recognised qualification which will be awarded upon achieving a pass of 50% in each module.
Teaching methods
| Lectures and seminars |
12-14 hours per week |
| Self-study |
30 hours per week |
| Assessment |
Coursework only |
Progression
When you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate with a minimum pass mark of 50% in each module, you will be in a position to progress onto one of our Master’s programmes at our branch campuses.
Progression onto the MBA is conditional on passing the Graduate Certificate and the possession of 2 years of relevant work experience.
| Problem-solving |
Decision-making |
Research |
| Marketing |
Finance |
Data analysis |
| Critical thinking |
Academic research |
Communication |
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 for Business
The Research for Business module will be of benefit to those international and home students whose research skills need to be enhanced and/or evidenced before progressing onto Masters level education.
- Develop valuable teamworking, visual/verbal presentation and reflective writing skills to research the key external factors that influence businesses and organisations
- Gain an understanding of researching a specific business or organisation using appropriate research models.
- Explore the factors used in the environmental scanning component of strategic management.
Academic Skills for Business
Academic skills differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support students’ transition in the use academic writing conventions, critical thinking and effective presentation skills.
- Develop the ability to communicate in an academic context
- Gain the skills in analysing and using source material in assignments
- Apply academic English to a higher level of study
Entrepreneurial Business
This is a dynamic module designed to provide you with an opportunity to develop your capabilities assessing the potential success of a small business described in a provided case study.
- Explore elements of enterprise development including marketing, sales, human resources, finance and operations
- Learn to assess the immediate environment and factors that may hinder or facilitate the potential success a new enterprise.
- Understand the consequences of decision making in all aspects of the early stages of an enterprise and demonstrate an understanding of such topics as human resource management, supply chain & logistics, marketing, sales, finance and operations.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2025/26. 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
Tuition fees for 2025/26
UK/Home students: £1,350 (not available as a standalone programme)
International students:
- London: £5,750
- Birmingham: £5,450
You will need to have access to a laptop/PC required and reliable high-speed internet connection for your virtual classes and group assignments.
What does my tuition pay for?
| Included in your tuition fees |
| Academic Support, including the Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) Team |
| Careers and Employability Service |
| Class hours (lectures, seminars and tutorials) |
| Facilities (computers, on-campus wi-fi, printers, vending machines) |
| Library resources, including a large online catalogue of books, journals and more |
| Online resources |
| Social spaces (quiet study spaces, multi-faith rooms and spaces to socialise) |
| Student Support (Welfare Team, Finance Team and more) |
Tuition fees do not cover the cost of subject books, stationery, printing and photocopying costs, accommodation, living expenses, travel, hobbies, sports or any other extracurricular activities.
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 £180 per year for the duration of your course.
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.
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.
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 SEPTEMBER 2025
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
*Please note: The London daytime programme is now closed to international students.
APPLY FOR JANUARY 2026
You will be directed to a QA Higher Education portal to set up an account and complete your application.
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.
