University of Limerick

Overview

Advanced Healthcare Practice – Pre-Master’s Programme is a specialized pathway designed for international students seeking to enhance their academic English, research skills, and overall readiness for postgraduate studies in Ireland. This programme is delivered at UniHaven College in Maynooth, in collaboration with OnCampus Ireland, and facilitates progression to Master’s degrees at partner universities for students who meet any additional entry criteria.

• Programme type: Pre-Master’s (pathway to Master’s)
• Duration: 9 months
• Delivery location: UniHaven College, Maynooth (Ireland)
• Provider: OnCampus Ireland (with progression to partner universities)
• Focus areas: Academic English, research methodologies, digital literacy, and essential study skills for postgraduate success
• Assessment: Combination of formative and summative assessments across modules
• Progression: Guaranteed progression to a suitable Master’s programme at a partner university (subject to additional requirements)
• Language of instruction: English
• English requirement (minimum): IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent), with no single element below 5.0

Guaranteed progression is conditional on successful completion of the programme and any additional requirements specific to partner degrees.

What you'll study

The Pre-Master’s Programme is structured over a nine-month academic year, integrating academic skills development with healthcare-oriented research training. You will engage in various assessments throughout the following modules:

• Undergraduate Research Dissertation – a guided research project focused on topic selection, academic writing, and presentation skills.
• Academic English Language Development – enhancing writing, reading, speaking, and language accuracy pertinent to postgraduate-level study.
• Research and Digital Literacy Skills – learning to find, evaluate, and utilize academic sources, along with an introduction to digital tools for research.
• Personal Development for Employability – developing goals, professional communication skills, and employability planning.
• Working in Teams – engaging in collaborative activities to refine communication skills applicable in both academic and professional contexts.
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods – gaining practical understanding of core research concepts and methodologies used in healthcare and related fields.

Assessment approach: Each module includes a structured assessment schedule featuring formative and summative tasks designed to progressively build skills and prepare you for the expectations of postgraduate study.

Curriculum note: For the latest module list and any elective content, please refer to the programme website.

Entry requirements

Applicants must possess a completed bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) at Irish NFQ Level 7 from an accredited institution in a relevant field. Generally, progression is contingent upon achieving at least a minimum second-class honours standard. Other qualifications may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

As partner universities may have additional specific subject requirements, applicants may need to demonstrate the relevance of their previous studies at the time of application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Advanced Healthcare Practice – Pre-Master’s Programme will be well-equipped to pursue further studies in Master’s programmes, opening doors to a variety of career opportunities in healthcare and related sectors. The skills acquired during this programme will enhance employability and prepare students for roles that require advanced research and professional communication capabilities.