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 master’s 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 able 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.