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Two Semester Pre-Master's Programme

Transition from your advanced diploma or associate degree study into a master’s programme at UC.

Key Information

Duration

2 semesters

Intake Dates

February, October

Location

Christchurch

Fees

NZ$34,000

*This tuition fee estimate is indicative, and your final fees total is dependent on your course selection. A Statement of Fees with your final fees total will be provided at the time of your course enrolment on campus.

Overview

The Two Semester Pre-Master’s Programme is a comprehensive pre-university pathway into master’s study for international students who hold an advanced diploma or an associate degree, but not a full bachelor’s degree.

Upon completion of the pre-master’s programme, with a minimum GPA requirement, you will be guaranteed entry to a range of master’s degrees across Business, Engineering, Science, Health, Education, and Arts disciplines.

The pathway comprises one semester of coursework that prepares you generally for postgraduate study at UC (including courses developing your cultural and bicultural awareness, communication, critical thinking, and data analysis) and a second semester in advanced undergraduate courses in your chosen fields of interest.

The first semester in Pre-master’s two semester programme is delivered exclusively by UC International College (UCIC). The second semester courses are taught by UC. The courses a student is required to complete in the second semester will be specified by the relevant UC faculty.

Entry requirements

To enter the Two Semester Pre-Master’s Programme you must hold an advanced diploma or associate degree.
You will also need to meet our English language entry requirements with the equivalent of IELTS 6.0, with no band below 5.5.

See our English for Academic Purposes programmes if you need support meeting this requirement.

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 The following Chinese qualifications are acceptable for entry into Two-semester Pre-Master’s:

  1. 3-year diploma (post high school) via regular full-time study from Junior College/ University – (高中毕业后) 3年全日制大专
  2. 3-year diploma (post high school) via adult higher education (part-time or full-time) from Junior College / University – (高中毕业后) 3年非全日制成人大专
  3. 5-year diploma via regular full-time study (consistent system) from Junior College / University – 5年一贯制大专
  4. Certificate of Completion of undergraduate study (post high school) with no evidence that a bachelor’s degree was awarded – (高中毕业后本科毕业证/结业证 (无学位证)

NOTE: If CHSI (学信网)verification is provided with the application, the high school completion certificate will not be requested.

Courses

ARTS131 Tūāoma Support Programme

This programme is much more than a support course. It is intended that the staff involved in this programme will walk alongside you, as you journey with us from the time you arrive at UC International College until you transition into your Master’s Programme at the University of Canterbury.

We have included the New Zealand Flag on this course guide because the Southern Cross – a wonderful cluster of stars you will see in the night sky is symbolic of Aotearoa/New Zealand. In this programme each star will act as a metaphor, for not only the way the programme has been designed, but also in a practical way to assist you as you navigate your way through your study journey.

The Southern Cross is made up of 4 stars named by the Ancient Greeks as follows:

  1. Alpha Crucis meaning about you – your growth and self-leadership
  2. Beta Crucis meaning home -safe and nurtured
  3. Delta Crucis meaning change – embracing cultural competence
  4. Gamma Crucis meaning wisdom – developing your understanding

This programme will run for 12 weeks and will be structured under each of these 4 areas but topics each week may cross over as required to meet your most pressing needs at the time.

ARTS232 Constructing Cultural Awareness in Aotearoa | New Zealand

 

This course explores the complexities of cultural identity, global cultural awareness, and intercultural competence, with a special focus on the bicultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Students will critically examine the influence of cultural identity on individual and societal development, engage with global perspectives on cultural diversity, and develop strategies for effective intercultural communication. The course emphasizes the historical and contemporary significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, providing an in-depth understanding of Māori cultural practices and their role in New Zealand society. Through reflective practice and critical analysis, students will gain proficiency in developing effective intercultural communication strategies.
 

ARTS332: Data for Research Purposes

 

Data for Research Purposes is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to formulate and test research question that can be answered through analysis. The course focuses on building practical capability in understanding data structures, summarising and interpreting information, and clearly communicating findings. This course also teaches students how data can be collected and used to make inferences and test hypothesis as part of research activities. By the end, students will be able to take a simple research idea and work through the steps to investigate it using real-world data.
ARTS333 Academic Literacies and Critical Thinking

 

This course develops advanced skills in analysing complex academic texts and constructing persuasive arguments in written and oral form supported by well researched and referenced material. Students will engage in independent critical thinking, apply analytical frameworks, and participate in scholarly debate, taking into consideration ethics. The course emphasises effective communication, both in writing and orally, ensuring students can adapt their arguments to various academic contexts. Emphasis is placed on developing strong independent learning skills, effective time management, and digital competence for academic purposes. Overall, it prepares students to engage deeply with academic material and develop critical insights for further academic study.

Programme Outcomes

Completion of the Two Semester Pre-Master’s Programme guarantees entry into any of the master’s programme listed below with respect to meeting GPA or English requirements for entry.

*Please check that the end date of your Pre-Master’s Programme aligns with the start date of your preferred master’s degree. Most master’s degrees have a February and/or July start date.

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