UCD Pre- Masters Pathway (PMP) Programme is designed primarily for international students who meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen UCD graduate taught programme but do not yet meet the English language requirements for direct entry to that programme.
The principal function of the Pre-Masters Programme is to prepare students to undertake their chosen UCD Masters Programme by
Increasing their English language skills to the level necessary to undertake their UCD Masters programme, and
Allowing the students to become familiar with how their chosen subject area is delivered in UCD while also gaining experience of life as a UCD student before commencing their graduate studies.
The PMP Programme is generally available as a one or two semester programme.
The two semester programme begins in September with the 1 semester programme beginning in January. Both conclude in May after final examinations. Students starting in January are generally required to possess a higher level of English than those starting in September.
The PMP Programme is composed primarily of English language classes delivered by UCDs Applied Language Centre with students also taking a cultural module (in the 1st semester) and a study skills module (in the 2nd semester). Students will also attend some undergraduate level modules related to their chosen Masters programme to help with familiarisation of subject delivery in UCD as well as helping students improve their academic English.
Students on the Pre-Masters programme will usually attend one module related to their Masters programme in the first semester and two in the second semester. Some programmes may include more than this. Once accepted on to the Pre-Masters Pathway Programme students automatically receive a conditional offer for the associated Masters programme for the following academic year.
Students will progress to their masters in the September, following the conclusion of the Pre-Masters Pathway Programme, upon the successful completion of their Pre-Masters studies and subject to meeting any further entry requirements as prescribed by the relevant UCD School or College.