NCUK Graduate Diploma
The NCUK Graduate Diploma, which was previously called the Pre-Masters Programme (PMP), is a foundation course preparing you for university entrance at postgraduate level.
Our partner universities in Ireland and the UK recognise that the programme provides "added value" to Masters course applicants. NCUK guarantees students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma a place on a postgraduate degree course in chosen wide range of subject areas.
NCUK Course Structure
The NCUK Graduate Diploma is a modular course consisting of a core element and a subject theme. The core element includes modules in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), Learning Skills including Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) and Research Methodology including project planning. Students following the longer duration programmes also undertake an individual research project and complete a substantial dissertation.
'Management' is currently offered as the subject theme at DIFC. This is, however, used as a vehicle for practising the academic study skills and is revenant for students wishing to study a wide variety of subjects at postgraduate level.
Example of NCUK Graduate Diploma for route A (10 month course starting Sept)
| Term | Module | Directed Study Time (hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| One (10 wks) |
English for Academic Purposes [Unit 1] (10 hrs p/wk) | 100 |
| Orientation to Western Study + ICT (2 hrs p/wk) | 20 | |
| Subject Module (1) (6 hrs p/wk) | 60 | |
| Two (12 weeks) |
English for Academic Purposes [Unit 2] (10 hrs p/wk) | 120 |
| Research Methods, Data Analysis and Project Planning [7 hrs p/wk] | 84 | |
| Subject Module [Unit 2] (3 hrs p/wk) | 36 | |
| Three (12 weeks) |
English for Academic Purposes [Unit 3] (10 hrs p/wk) | 120 |
| Research Project (7 hrs p/wk) | 84 | |
| Subject Module [Unit 3] (3 hrs p/wk) | 36 | |
| Total | 680 |
NCUK Course Entry Requirements
You must have completed a degree course (for placement in Ireland or the UK) or three year diploma (for placemen tin the UK only) with English level equivalent to 5.0 IELTS for Route A and English level equivalent to 5.5 IELTS for Route B.
Start date
October and January each year.
Our College
Read about the English courses on offer to students wishing to study in Dublin.
Sample Offer Letters
View sample offer letters recieved by DIFC students from Irish and UK Partner Universities.
Past Students
Discover where DIFC past students are studying and working and what they say about us.


