Course overview
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.
The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2020/21. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons
Response to Covid-19
Our focus is on providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for our students. We have taken every measure, in line with Government guidance, to ensure continued access to learning.
As part of our response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we plan to deliver this course combining face-to-face, on-campus learning, with online learning activities, continuing to follow Government guidance and social distancing measures as required. As restrictions ease, face-to-face opportunities will be increased as appropriate and it is safe for us to do so. Our plans are based on public health advice and robust risk assessments and will be regularly reviewed and updated in that context.
Please get in touch using the contact form above for the most up to date information regarding start dates.
Campus locations
What you'll learn
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
Study method
- In-class
- Blended
- Online
Locations
- England
- Birmingham
- London

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Duration study load
- 1 semester
- Full time
Entry requirements
- 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:
- IELTS 6.0 with no component less than 5.5, or equivalent
Assessment
Assessment for the Graduate Certificate (Pre-Masters) will be through coursework.
Delivery
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.
Subjects
The module will be of benefit to those international and home students whose research skills need to be enhanced and/or evidenced before progressing on to Masters level education. It will provide the relevant underpinning knowledge and understanding of research-related topics in business. Drawing on enhanced knowledge and understanding, students will also identify the range of research methods available before defining specific research aims and objectives.
While addressing philosophical issues and conceptual aspects underlying management research, it also focuses on quantitative as well as on qualitative research methods and techniques involved in practical application. In order to facilitate student learning and development, there are both theoretical and practical elements of this module.
It is expected that students will carry out an in-depth literature review to demonstrate academic crafting and writing skills, as well as advanced knowledge within the chosen discipline and appropriate research scope.
Academic skills differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. The skills required for academic study in English present challenges for students of business and management.
This module is designed to support students’ transition in the use of academic writing conventions, critical thinking and effective presentation skills. It uses students’ existing knowledge and experience of English to explore techniques for reading academic texts in a range of areas of business and management.
This is a dynamic module which provides students with an opportunity to develop their capabilities in recognising, assessing and planning a new enterprise with a focus on the consequences of decision making in all aspects of enterprise development including marketing, sales, human resources, finance and operations.
About Ulster University London and Birmingham branch campuses
In light of Covid-19, start dates may vary and these courses may initially be delivered online until a point where normal campus teaching can be resumed. For more information on intakes and delivery, please contact us.
Ulster University has strong links with industry and professional bodies to ensure that the University’s courses meet market needs and that graduates are fully equipped for successful, rewarding careers.
In addition to its 4 campuses in Northern Ireland, the University has a further 2 branch campuses in London and Birmingham. These branch campuses are run in partnership with QA Higher Education offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in professional and modern study facilities.
The courses at the branch campuses are validated by Ulster University and taught by QA Higher Education staff.