of our students praise the learning support they receive from lecturers - Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2022
INTEgrated
pre-master's
Graduate Certificate
Accredited by University College Birmingham
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."
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:
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.
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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.
