Graduate Certificate (Pre-Masters)

Level of study:

Pre-Masters

Tuition fees 2019/20:

UK/EU – £1,350 (not available as a standalone)

International – £4,000 (London) £3,750 (Birmingham)

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 and Birmingham

Start dates:

January, May, September

Application deadline:

UK/EU: 15 May 2020

UK based International students: 11 May 2020

International: 1 May 2020

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 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, totaling around 12 hours. 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 an 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 the Graduate Certificate (Pre-Masters) will be through coursework.

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 Masters 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.

Research Methods for Postgraduate Studies – 20 credits

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 – 20 credits

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 – 20 credits

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.

The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2019/20. 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.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold at least:

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).

Check your country-specific entry requirements.

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.

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 2019/20

International students

London: £4,000
Birmingham: £3,750

UK/EU students

£1,350 (not available as a standalone programme)

Tuition fees for 2020/21

International students:

London & Birmingham: £3,750

UK/EU students:

£1,350 (not available as standalone programme)

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.

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/EU and International students can apply directly to study the Graduate Certificate (Pre-Masters) via our online application form below.

London applications

Apply for May 2020
Apply for September 2020

Birmingham applications