INTEgrated

pre-master's

Graduate Certificate

Accredited by University College Birmingham

Duration

3 months

Entry

September

Fees

View Fees

Business School
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This course is designed to provide a route to master’s level study. You will improve your English language skills and your career prospects by developing a higher level of academic knowledge, which allows progression onto a master’s programme. 

You will develop employability skills to help you stand out in professional environments and will be given the opportunity to network with a range of employers. You will develop skills to build confidence in dealing with a range of complex and unpredictable situations. You will learn through a combination of real-world simulations and workshops, supported by cutting-edge teaching facilities. 

Why should I choose this course?

 

  • PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITY – This course provides you with a progression route onto master's level study at University College Birmingham
  • DEVELOP KEY SKILLS – Develop academic, English and employability skills to succeed at master's level and beyond in your future career
  • ENRICHMENT– Visit local businesses and network with a range of employers to enhance your academic study 
  • EXPERT TUITION - Our teaching team has a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to help you succeed on this course
  • AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region, according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024)

Business School

The Business School at University College Birmingham offers a whole suite of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, all taught in our award-winning facilities. Our lecturers come from industry themselves, and because of our smaller size, we are able to give you a more personalised experience, complete with graduate advantage, employability and enrichment sessions throughout the curriculum. 

With plenty of placement and networking opportunities, our Business School courses are accredited by leading industry associations including the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Business Graduates Association and the Digital Marketing Institute, and sit within our Department of Business and Enterprise, Department of Hospitality and Tourism and Department of Creative Industries.

"One of the most important benefits of studying the pre-master's graduate certificate is that you will develop your English and academic study skills and be immersed into a higher education experience that will prepare you for master's level study. You’ll have the opportunity to develop networks and meet employers, all helping to prepare you for your future study and building a successful career."

Nicky Millard Deputy Dean Business School

Course breakdown

  • Postgraduate

Core Modules

English for Academic Practice

This module focuses on the key academic skills necessary to participate in master's level study at university. It will explore both receptive (reading and listening) and productive (speaking and writing) skills, using a variety of written and spoken texts. You will also be directed towards additional online support which will assist with language development and research skills. 

Managing Change

Change is inevitable in an increasingly competitive global environment. This compels organisations across several sectors to proactively design strategies to deal with the resulting turbulence. This module develops an understanding of the role of leadership in conceptualising, designing and instituting effective change within organisations. The module content comprises two complementary components: the first involves the understanding and learning of the main strategic management concepts and theories, while the second implies its application in organisations. The practical orientation of the module enables you to experience the steps, activities and the required actions to effect the strategic change process. 

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Integrated Pre-master's

Successful applicants will have completed a prior qualification equivalent in level to an advanced (Ordinary Degree) undergraduate award, or 3rd class honours award at a recognised institution.  

Students should have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5, with no element below 5.5 or equivalent. 

A full list of equivalents is available here: https://www.ucb.ac.uk/international-students/english-language-entry-requirements/english-language-requirements-table/  

Country specific information: https://www.ucb.ac.uk/international-students/country-specific-information/   

Additional

If you have any questions, please complete our enquiry form:

Enquiry Form

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction.

Teaching 

Example of a typical teaching week (up to 12 contact hours): 

Small group lectures – 8 hours
Workshops and seminars – 4 hours

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.

Assessment 

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:

Coursework – 50%
Practical assessment – 50%

 

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.

Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course

Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.

As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.

Percentage
96%

of our students praise the learning support they receive from lecturers - Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2022

Progression opportunities

This programme is designed to enable you to progress onto a master's programme at University College Birmingham. On completing this course, you could progress onto courses in the fields of business, marketing, hospitality and tourism, including: 

 

You will be able to select the master’s programme you would like to progress onto when you submit your application for the pre-master’s course. You will receive one CAS that covers both the pre-master’s and the master’s courses. 

Paul Massiah

Head of Department, Business and Enterprise

Undertaking this higher education pre-master’s course offers numerous benefits for students aspiring to pursue master’s degrees.

Firstly, our course provides a vital bridge for international students to enhance their academic skills, language proficiency and cultural adaptation before pursuing a full master’s programme. This preparatory course is tailored to familiarise students with the academic expectations and research methodologies to succeed in their master’s study.

Our pre-master's course also provides an opportunity for students to explore their chosen field, refining their academic interests and career goals before commencing onto their chosen master’s programme. This journey can be crucial in ensuring students make informed decisions about their future academic and professional aspirations.

It can also help students build a strong academic foundation, boosting their confidence and readiness for the challenges of postgraduate master’s study.

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