Preparation for University

Course objectives

Preparation for University is aimed at students who have reached the academic entry requirements for their chosen course but need to improve their English in order to meet the language entry requirements for their chosen pathway at UL.

These courses are open to all students with an offer to study in Ireland at a third-level institution.

They offer students a pathway onto their chosen degree studies and enable them to become familiar with being a student at an institution in an English-speaking country.

These courses are suitable for students who have received a conditional offer from the University of Limerick, and other third-level institutions.

Students intending to progress to study at other institutions should be aware of the minimum English language requirements for the programme of their choice.

Course content

The courses will consist of modules on:

• Integrated English-language skills;
• Academic reading;
• Academic writing;
• Academic listening;
• Academic speaking;
• Academic vocabulary and grammar.

The first two days will focus on an orientation to the course with guidance on using the UL platform. There will also be an opportunity to get to know the staff and other students on the course. During the course, students will work on improving their language competence together with developing their language skills. They will also obtain an understanding of Irish higher-education academic conventions and expectations.

Course outcomes

It is expected that by the end of the course students will have:

• developed their communication skills;
   
• reached the English language requirements to enter a degree programme at the University of Limerick;
   
• developed the language and study skills needed for university course work, whether for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree;
   
• gained a greater knowledge of how to learn independently;  
   
• more awareness of university life.

Students who pass the Preparation for University programmes will have met the English language requirements for entry onto their chosen course of study at University of Limerick.

For those students it will not be necessary to take an external English language test at the end of their course.

Before starting the course, students should check that their academic qualifications will allow them to enter their chosen pathway at the University of Limerick.