The UCD Centre for English and Global Languages’ Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes Programme offers students a pathway to university entry, without the need to retake IELTS. The course is suitable for students from a variety of academic backgrounds, from students looking to gain entry to undergraduate programmes, to PhD candidates who already have a wide base of academic knowledge. Applications are welcome from students who require an intensive period of English language preparation to meet university entry requirements, or who have already met the conditions of entry but wish to improve their proficiency.

The primary focus of the Pre-Sessional EAP Programme is to teach students to use the four skills (speaking, listening reading and writing) in an academic context. Students will hone their speaking skills for use in seminar discussions and formal oral presentations; listening skills will be taught to aid students in concentrating on academic lectures and effective note-taking strategies; reading skills to provide students with strategies for reading a variety of academic materials in a fast and effective way; writing skills will be taught to allow students to write academic essays and theses in a clear, concise and structured way.

As part of the Pre-Sessional EAP Programme, students will complete a number of extended writing projects. They will be given guidance on how to search for appropriate academic materials and sources, and will learn how to successfully integrate these sources into their written work, including how to correctly reference sources and compile a bibliography. Outside of English language skills and academic strategies, students will also be provided with an introduction to aspects of Irish culture and university life.

Students who take the Pre-Sessional EAP Programme will find that the skills and language strategies developed on this course will benefit them throughout the duration of their university programme, and will allow them to better cope with their academic workload. As well as developing their note-taking, reading, writing and oral presentation skills, students will also learn effective communication skills for everyday life, both within and outside of a university context, and will broaden their knowledge of everyday Irish life and culture.

Entry requirements can be found here: https://www.ucd.ie/cegl/programmes/pathways/pathways-presessional/coursedetails/

The Pre-Sessional Programme is an approved way to meet the university's English language requirement. Students must meet specific progression requirements to meet the English language requirement of their course. Progression requirements depend on the English requirement of the degree you are progressing to. More information can be found here: https://www.ucd.ie/cegl/programmes/pathways/pathways-presessional/coursedetails/

In order to apply for the Pre-Sessional EAP Programme, you will need to submit a completed online application form. You should also include, as part of your application, a copy of your most recent IELTS test report form and a copy of your letter(s) of conditional or unconditional offer from UCD.

Applications can be submitted online at the following web address: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/graduateapplicants/applying/

Students should complete the online application form, and ensure that they attach all other elements of the application (letter of conditional offer, a copy of your IELTS Test Report Form).

Course fees can be found here: https://www.ucd.ie/cegl/programmes/pathways/pathways-presessional/coursedetails/

Full Pre-Sessional EAP Programme fees must be paid before the start date of the programme. Fees can be paid following the methods outlined here: https://www.ucd.ie/students/fees/howtopay/.

Should you have any questions, please contact presessional@ucd.ie

Students on the Pre-Sessional Programme are tested on entry, in order to assess their current level of English. Throughout the programme, students are assessed in a number of different ways, including building up a portfolio of tasks over the duration of the course, which are reviewed at the end of the programme. Students must also complete a written research project on a relevant academic topic, and give an oral presentation based on this. At the end of the course, there will be a final reading, writing and listening examination.

Students must complete all aspects of assessment, meet their required progression requirements and maintain a minimum attendance rate of 90% in order to successfully complete the Pre-Sessional programme.

A final transcript of results will be sent directly to each student in the week after your course concludes.

To apply for a visa, you should contact the Irish Embassy or consulate in your country. For more details, check here:

https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/studentimmigration/

If you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country, and you intend to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months, you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) after you arrive in Ireland. You do not need to do this until after you complete the Pre-Sessional course and receive your full offer to your degree in UCD. 

UCD Global has more information on immigration registration here:

https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/studentimmigration/

Yes, it is possible to book accommodation through the UCD Centre for English and Global Languages (CEGL). There are a limited number of on-campus accommodation rooms available to Pre-Sessional students. On-campus residences are available during the Summer term, and apartments are shared with other students of the CEGL. Our self catering apartments are each equipped with six study bedrooms, and a common area with kitchen and sitting room. Each student has his/her own individual study en-suite bedroom. These apartments are Wi-Fi enabled.

Please note that all accommodation is subject to availability, and any special requirements should be detailed at time of application. If your application is successful, our accommodation section will be in contact with you to discuss these options, and any accommodation requirements you may have.

Accommodation fees cover the cost of accommodation for the duration of the programme only. Should you require additional accommodation on either end of your stay, please contact presessional@ucd.ie

Should you arrive in Ireland earlier than the Sunday before your course begins, it is possible to book extra nights accommodation. You must give as much notice of this as possible, as availability of accommodation before the standard arrival date cannot be guaranteed.

There is a charge for each additional night of accommodation booked. Please contact the CEGL for further information: presessional@ucd.ie