Gateway to University Programme (22 hour per week)

This course helps you develop the academic skills and knowledge you need for study and life in an English-speaking university and it also prepares you to take the IELTS exam. You will grow in confidence using English in both academic and general situations in UCC and Cork. You will receive regular advice and guidance to help you reach your personal targets in education.
This course helps you develop your English for academic study, prepare for IELTS and supports you to progress to your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate programme at an English-speaking university.

Academic modules focus on the academic skills and literacies to allow you to study further in English-medium Higher Education (known as Third Level in Ireland). These modules also help you prepare for the IELTS exam. Skills covered will include, for example, referencingparaphrasing, critical thinkingtextual analysis and academic word listnominalisation.

The programme follows UCC’s connected curriculum principles to foster real-world usage of the English language in contexts relevant to students’ interests and aims. Students take part in project work, listen to university lectures and undertake some research as part of their programme.

A dedicated ‘Gateway to University’ tutor will help you manage your development and will guide you through the university application process.

At the end of the course, should you wish to stay at UCC, you may wish to transfer to one of our pre-sessional approved English language routes to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. Should you wish to take up a place at a different university, you will leave us with an IELTS qualification and a set of skills that will enable you to succeed.