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International Pre-Master's Pathway Programme

Our International Pre-Master’s Programmes offer students the best way to prepare for their world class UCD Master’s degree. These programmes provide the opportunity to attend Master's specific preparatory courses with each student attending academic modules relevant to their chosen UCD Master’s as well as modules on thesis preparation, Irish culture and creative thinking.

Students will also receive English language tuition on campus from UCD’s Applied Language Centre (ALC) staff. Our specially designed academic English programme will allow students to gain the English language proficiency and study techniques needed to successfully undertake their graduate studies in UCD.

Our International Pre-Master’s Programme provide students with the time and skills needed to prepare fully for their UCD Master’s. The Programmes’ combination of academic, language, cultural and study skills modules, help students to achieve their full potential from the first day of their Master’s degree free from any familiarisation anxiety that some students may experience when studying abroad for the first time. Students can also access the University’s many support services during their International Pre-Master’s Programme, such as career and library facilities to maximise their time at UCD.

Our programmes also offer the flexibility of joining in September (Diploma) or January (Certificate) depending on the student’s English language proficiency. Students will progress to their UCD Master’s programme upon successful completion of their International Pre-Master’s Programme

Please see progression requirements section below for specific information on progression requirements.

Programme Information

International Pre-Master's Diploma - 60 ECTS credits -

The Diploma programmes is a two-trimester programme beginning in September

Students will attend 4 English Language tuition modules (35 credits) to ensure they have the required proficiency to undertake their chosen UCD Master’s programme.
Students can also choose an additional 25 credits from a broad range of optional modules.
These optional modules provide students with the opportunity to further develop their subject knowledge through academic modules specifically related to their chosen Master’s programme, while also giving students the tools to make the most of their Master’s studies through our cultural, creative thinking and thesis planning modules.

International Pre-Master's Certificate - 30 ECTS credits -

The International Pre-Master’s Certificate is a one trimester programme beginning in January.

Students attend 2 English Language tuition modules (15 credits) to ensure they have the required proficiency to undertake their chosen UCD Master’s programme.
Students can also choose an additional 15 credits from a broad range of optional modules.
These optional modules provide students with the opportunity to further develop their subject knowledge through academic modules specifically related to their chosen Master’s programme, while also giving students the tools to make the most of their Master’s studies through our Cultural, Creative Thinking and Thesis Planning modules.

English Language Modules

Term
LANG10590
Academic Listening & Speaking I      		 Autumn
LANG10600
 Academic Reading & Writing I		 Autumn
LANG10610
Academic Listening & Speaking II		 Spring
LANG10620
Academic Reading & Writing I		 Spring

Elective Modules

Term
IA20010
Creative Thinking & Innovation		 Autumn/Spring
IRST30200
Academic Listening & Speaking I 		 Autumn/Spring
HUM40020
Thesis Planning, Writing & Presenting		 Spring

UCD Master's Pathways

Note: Only full time UCD Master’s Degree programmes are available through our Pre-Master’s Pathway Programme.

Arts and Humanities

Business

Engineering & Architecture

Health & Agricultural Sciences

Law

Science

Social Sciences

Academic requirements

The academic entry requirements for each International Pre-Master's Pathway Programme is the same as those applying to the associated Master's. The normal requirement for entry to a taught Master’s Degree programme is a second class honours degree in a relevant subject. However intending applicants should check the individual requirements listed on the School website, since some degrees may require a higher standard for entry.

English language requirements

September entry: IELTS 5.5 overall with no component less than 5.0

January entry: IELTS 6.0 overall with no component less than 5.5

Please note that some International Pre-Master's Pathway Programmes in Business may require higher English language scores.

English Language Test Comparison
IELTS TOEFL iBT Pearson Duolingo
English Test
5.5 (with no band less than 5.0) 66 with a minimum of 17 in Writing
and 15 in every other section		 47 with no component below 43

100 with
no component below 90
6.0 (with no band less than 5.5)

80 with a minimum of 19 in Writing
and 18 in every other section

 55 with no component below 51 100 with
no component below 90*

 *DET requirement of 100 with nothing below 90 is for entry in January 2023 only. The Duolingo requirement will be raised for entry in January 2024 in line with UCD admissions requirements.

Academic Requirements

In order to successfully complete their International Pre-Master's Pathway Programme and progress to their graduate studies, students are required to achieve a passing grade (D-) in their academic modules. 

English Language Requirements

In order to successfully complete their International Pre-Master's Pathway Programme and progress to their graduate studies, students are required to achieve specific grades in their English language modules. This requirement is determined by your masters English language requirement. IELTS (Overall/No component less than)

Autumn Trimester:

Internatioanl Pre-Master's Pathway Programme students are required to achieve a passing grade (D-) in their first trimester English language modules.

Spring Trimester

IELTS 6.5/6.0

Minimum progression requirement: C+ overall grade and no component below C-.

IELTS 7.0/6.0 (Smurfit)

Minimum progression requirement: B- overall grade and no component below C-  

IELTS 7.0/6.5

Minimum progression requirement: B- overall grade with no component below C.  

IELTS 7.5/7.0

Minimum progression requirement: B overall with no component below C+

Please contact premasters@ucd.ie for further information.

Schools/Colleges also have discretion to admit students to their masters programme should they fail to obtain the progression requirements outlined above.

Two Trimester International Pre-Master's Pathway Programme starting in September - €12,600

One Trimester International Pre-Master's Pathway Programme starting in January - €8,400

Apply Now
Programme Brochure
Zeyu Chen image
It is a vibrant and open environment here in UCD and this programme supported me to connect with many other facilities and resources in this environment.
Zeyu Chen, Pre-Master Diploma 19/20, Progressed to Master of Regional and Urban Planning
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UCD Applied Language Centre

Daedalus Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7900 | E: languages@ucd.ie