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Student Stories

Rica Maree

Pre-Master's 2021/22. Progressed to MSc Biotherapeutics and Business

Watch to hear about Rica Maree's Pre-Master's Journey in UCD.

Ssu-Han (Celia) Chen

Pre-Master's Diploma 2024/25. Progressed to MSc in Human Computer Interaction

Hi, I’m Celia from Taiwan. I completed the Pre-Master's Programme and I am now studying for a Master’s degree in Human Computer Interaction at University College Dublin.

I chose UCD for three main reasons:
• A welcoming and safe environment – I previously spent time in Dublin and was impressed by how friendly and open people are. I felt it was a supportive place for international students.
• Strong global reputation – UCD’s consistent world rankings gave me confidence in the quality of education and future opportunities.
• Vibrant campus life – The beautiful campus, diverse societies and excellent facilities make it easy to meet new people and feel part of a community.

Looking back, the Pre-Master's Programme was one of my best decisions. It helped me improve my academic English, adapt to a new learning style and gain essential skills such as structuring research, reviewing literature and writing academically with confidence.

My advice for future students is simple: do not be afraid of challenges. Take things step by step, ask questions when you need help and make the most of the support available. You will grow more than you expect.

I hope my experience encourages you, and I look forward to welcoming you to UCD.

Yiran Li

Global Engagement Master's Partnership Pathway 2023/24. Progressed to MSc Sport Management

I joined the 3+1+1 GEMPP programme in 2023 through the UCD-TJUS* collaboration. The programme's professional courses provided me with an excellent foundation and significantly helped me transition smoothly into my master’s studies.

This program has been instrumental in improving my communication skills, group collaboration, and academic writing. Moreover, it has given me valuable insights into the Irish sports industry, equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue career opportunities in this field.

At present, I am planning to find a job in Ireland. The program has not only deepened my academic understanding but also enhanced my ability to adapt to and thrive in the professional sports management sector in Ireland. 

*Tianjin University of Sport

Ming Tu

Pre-Master's Certificate 2023/24. Progressed to MSc Business Analytics

As a graduate of the Pre-Master’s Programme in 2024, I am deeply grateful for the transformative learning journey that has shaped my academic and personal growth. The programme provided me with far more than regular English learning. 

The Academic English modules enabled me to systematically improve my English proficiency at an academic level. I developed critical skills such as academic writing, professional communication, and effective presentation, all of which were needed in my postgraduate study. Furthermore, the master’s related modules allowed me to be familiar with the way of how the class goes, which made me feel more confident and proactive to engage in class and group discussion.

I just graduated from MSc Business Analytics, which required both academic and technical skills. Fortunately, the Pre-Master’s Programme provided me with a solid foundation in academic learning and a proactive mindset, enabling me to effectively manage technical challenges and excel in my master's studies. 

Student kneeling beside shepherd dog

Yanbo Cheng

GEMPP 2024/25. Progressed to MSc Sport Management

I joined the 3+1+1 Global Engagement Master’s Partnership Programme between Shanghai University of Sport (SUS) and UCD in 2024. The Pre-Master’s Programme has played an essential role in helping me transition smoothly into my master’s studies at UCD.

One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was developing a clear understanding of academic writing at the master’s level. Through the programme, I learned how to use Harvard referencing correctly and how to paraphrase academic literature effectively. These skills are quite different from what I was familiar with during my undergraduate studies in China. Without this preparation, I would have faced many challenges after entering my master’s programme. Thanks to the Pre-Master’s, I now feel confident and well-prepared in my academic writing and research.

In addition, the Pre-Master’s created a multicultural learning environment where I met classmates from different countries. Communicating and collaborating with international students both in and outside the classroom broadened my global perspective and significantly improved my spoken English. More importantly, it helped me build the confidence and courage to express my ideas in English and connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. These experiences have made it much easier for me to adapt socially and academically in my master’s programme.

Looking back, the Pre-Master’s Programme was not just a foundation for academic success, but also a valuable journey of personal growth. I truly appreciate the support from my teachers and classmates, and I strongly recommend this programme to students who are preparing to study at UCD.

Rica Maree Presbitero

Pre-Master's Diploma 2021/22. Progressed to MSc Biotherapeutics & Business

The International Pre-Master’s Programme has equipped me with academic tools and skills, especially in study preparation and discipline in doing tasks in my current master's course. I strongly recommend it for students who also want to redefine and hone their skills in academic reading and writing.

Xiaoyi Wang

Pre-Master's Certificate 2018/19. Progressed to MSc International Business

The Pre-Master's Programme has brought great benefits to my current postgraduate study. The course design as well as help from the teachers enable me to start my postgraduate study well and quickly. Of course, I also believe that what I learned in the Pre-Master's Programme will benefit me for a lifetime. If you are a student from a non-English speaking country and want to have a good academic career in Ireland, this Pre-Master's Programme has everything you need!

Zitong Xu

Global Engagement Master's Partnership Pathway 2020/21. Progressed to MSc Accounting & Financial Management

I am Zitong Xu. I am a member of the Joint programme of Beijing University of Chemical and Technology (BUCT)-University College Dublin (UCD). Therefore, I had an opportunity to have a half year studying journey in the Pre-Master's programme when I was a senior student in BUCT.

It is quite challenging for Chinese students to listen to the courses and express their opinions in English, since we have never had this kind of experience before. Pre-Master's provided me a good chance to jump out of my comfort zone. The reasons are two. First, it can improve our English level and reduce the language barrier. Second, small class sizes facilitate interaction between students and teachers. For me, I always asked questions and answered tutors’ questions. During this period, I found my way to talk with native speakers and spread my ideas with others.

I cherish this learning experience and I highly recommend Pre-Master's. You are not alone in this learning journey. Our tutors are kind and hardworking. They can support you if you have any questions about knowledge and language learning. What’s more, you may recognize a lot of friends, which may comfort, encourage and motivate you at any time, since you have the similar learning experience and are all fighting for your goals at the similar age.

Yunxiao Jiang

Global Engagement Pre-Master's Pathway 2019/20.

Since the first day I came to the UCD class and met you nice and responsible and friendly teachers, I feel far more relaxed than the first period of me being on campus. I came here alone and there’s no Chinese classmate of mine. Also I am a bit shy of making new friends as I might get too nervous to say some things out of my mouth without thinking, which I am sure that I once made a bit awkward scene at class. So I am quite grateful for the patience, encouragement and smile that you all gave me. They really helped me a lot when I felt myself being stupid at class or when I was suffering from depression alone at my room. These things make me feel the value of myself. If I can go back to those days, I will definitely go and be friends with you.

I will never forget those days of studying in UCD and even though there’re unpredictable things happening in the middle of the great days, I will still cherish those moments and knowledge that I learned from there.

Yuchen Li

Global Engagement Pre-Master's Pathway 2017/18. Progressed to ME Biosystems & Food Engineering.

Pre-Master's Programme is a great option for ‘freshmen’ who study abroad. It is helpful for them to adapt to a new culture and education style. I partook in this programme in 2017, and I benefited from these two semesters. All my tutors were friendly and patient, they provided kind help for my study. My English skills had a sharp improvement due to the practice in academic writing, speaking and reading. In addition, this programme also prepared me for postgraduate study. Some modules related to my master's programme were selected. Thus, I could obtain more information about relevant fields and be familiar with academic staff in my school. All in all, I strongly recommend you join in the Pre-Master's Programme. It must be the best option for you to start your study in UCD.

UCD Centre for English and Global Languages

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