Introduction
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
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Teaching methods
You will be taught using a wide variety of teaching methods across the modules including lectures and seminars, totalling 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 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.
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).
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 2020/21
International students:
London: £4,000
Birmingham: £3,750
UK/EU students:
£1,350 (not available as a 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 master's programmes.
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.
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.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