Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse and Skills - IMP

Program Overview

The Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse and Skills - International Master’s Pathway (IMP) provides pre-masters students with the academic skills, English language proficiency, and cultural awareness needed to succeed in their chosen master's program at UCC. Through core modules in language proficiency and undergraduate coursework specific to their chosen field, students gain a solid foundation in research methods, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse and Skills - International Master’s Pathway (IMP) is designed for pre-masters students who need to meet the academic qualifications and/or English language requirements for their chosen master's program. The program is structured to help students achieve a Level 8 Major Award: the Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse and Skills. The program aims to:

• Provide students with the necessary academic skills and language proficiency to succeed in their chosen master's program.
• Prepare students for the specific cultures and contexts of the academic community at UCC.
• Help students build on their existing skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Allow students to become familiar with their department and the university before starting their master's program.

Outline:

The 60-credit Higher Diploma consists of:

• Language Centre core modules (40 credits):
• LC5001 Independent Research Project I (15 credits)
• LC5002 Research Methods: Interdisciplinary Project (10 credits)
• LC5003 Critical Disciplinary Approaches (5 credits)
• LC5004 Independent Research Project II (10 credits)
• Undergraduate Modules (20 credits):
• These modules are chosen from the student's selected Master's Track and vary depending on the chosen program.

Assessment:

Language Centre Core Modules:

• Continuous assessment with no final examinations.
• Assessment tasks may include:
• 5000-word independent research project
• Presentations (individual and group)
• Reflective learning journals
• Linguistic and critical analysis of lectures
• Annotated bibliography
• Leading and participating in seminars
• Interdisciplinary mini-research group project

Undergraduate Core Modules:

• Assessment types vary depending on the chosen master's program and modules.

Teaching:

• Envisaged contact time is a maximum of 20 hours per week.
• Individual tutorials are offered for up to 20 minutes every two weeks.
• All IMP students will produce an independent research project, an interdisciplinary mini-research group project, and participate in weekly academic reading and discussion circles.
• The program offers a high degree of individualization, guidance, and support.
• Students can participate in a variety of academic activities across the university.
• The program is designed to immerse students in UCC's life and culture.
• Students will be welcomed into the participating program community and encouraged to become integrated into the academic community and culture.
• Upon successful completion of the program, students will gain the Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse & Skills, even if they do not progress to a master's degree.

• Non-EU Fees: €12,500