University Preparation Courses in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC):
Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) offers university preparation undergraduate and graduate foundation courses as a pathway to top universities in Ireland and the UK. We are conveniently located on the South Circular Road in Dublin, just a 15 minute walk from the city centre. In total, there are currently 5,000 students on campus, studying on a full & part-time basis. Since 1999, we have placed more than 800 international students in our partner universities in Ireland and the UK. DIFC has been appointed by the university consortium NCUK (The Northern Consortium) as their exclusive delivery centre in Ireland for NCUK foundation courses.

University Preparation Undergraduate & Graduate Foundation Courses (University Pathways):

DIFC offers the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) and NCUK Graduate Diploma (originally called the Pre-Masters Programme or PMP). The IFY programme includes an English for Academic Purposes module (EAP) which is accepted by universities and removes the need for a separate IELTS examination. All our courses are taught by qualified teachers approved by NCUK.

NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY): 
This is a foundation course preparing international students for university entrance at undergraduate level. Our partner universities recognise that the NCUK IFY course meets their entry requirements for international students. NCUK guarantees students who successfully complete the foundation programme a place on a degree course in their chosen subject of study.

International Foundation Year (IFY) Course Structure:  The International Foundation Year (IFY) is a modular programme. It consists of core elements (studied by all) and specific subject modules, which may be grouped to form 'routes', preparing students for degrees in different subject areas.

The core elements include English for Academic Purposes, key study skills such as Information & Communication Technologies (ICT), and the development of independent learning. The duration and type of English language teaching will depend on the language used during your secondary school education.

Subject modules currently offered at DIFC include:  Mathematics for Business, Mathematics for Science, Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Business Studies, Economics and International Relations.

NCUK Graduate Diploma:
The NCUK Graduate Diploma, which was previously called the Pre-Masters Programme (PMP), is a foundation course preparing students for university entrance at postgraduate level.

Our partner universities in Ireland and the UK recognise that the programme provides "added value" to Masters course applicants. NCUK guarantees students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma a place on a postgraduate degree course in chosen wide range of subject areas.

NCUK Course Structure:  The NCUK Graduate Diploma is a modular course consisting of a core element and a subject theme. The core element includes modules in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), Learning Skills including Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) and Research Methodology including project planning. Students following the longer duration programmes also undertake an individual research project and complete a substantial dissertation.

'Management' is currently offered as the subject theme at DIFC. This is, however, used as a vehicle for practising the academic study skills and is revenant for students wishing to study a wide variety of subjects at postgraduate level.

IFY - Science / Health Studies (Medical Route): 
This DIFC programme was approved by the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) for entry to their Medical Degree program (6 year course) in 2005 and approval was updated in 2010. DIFC's link with RCSI gives students a unique opportunity to study for a medical degree program. The RCSI has played a major role in medical education and training in Ireland for over 200 years. Founded in 1784 to train surgeons, RCSI provides extensive education and training in the healthcare professions at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Academic English Language Courses: 
These are general English courses designed to prepare you for our NCUK foundation courses. Classes are offered throughout the year at all levels from beginners to more experienced English language students.

Academic English Language Exam Preparation Course (IELTS & ETAPP):  IELTS is the recognised English test accepted for entry to higher Level Institutions in Ireland and UK. ETAPP is the recognised English test from ACELS (Irish Department of Education) for entry to Higher Level Institutions in Ireland. The course will be run over 6 months and 3 months.

Pre-Foundation English Courses:  Our pre-foundation English courses are designed to prepare you for our NCUK foundation courses. When you apply to DIFC, you will be tested for English language ability. If you do not have sufficient English to begin the foundation course you have chosen, you will first be offered Pre-Foundation English courses.

Classes are run throughout the year at the following levels:
* PFE 1 - Elementary
* PFE 2 - Pre-Intermediate
* PFE 3 - Intermediate
* PFE 4 - Upper Intermediate

Classes include:
* General English development including reading, writing, listening, speaking & grammar
* Exam preparation classes
* Cultural classes
* PFE 3 & 4 include preparation for Maths, Science & Business in the lead-up to the IFY start dates

University Placement:
Students taking the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) or NCUK Graduate Diploma courses at DIFC are automatically part of the DIFC-NCUK placement system for university entrance.

* Note:  When you apply to study in Ireland with DIFC, you will be tested for English language ability and an individual study plan will be drawn up for you. Those students without sufficient English to begin the foundation course they have chosen will first be offered Pre-Foundation English classes.

The Benefits of NCUK Courses:
* Students receive a guaranteed place in NCUK Partner Universities in Ireland or UK at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
* Wide range of courses available in Business, Law, Computers, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Hospitality, Humanities etc.
* EU students can save approximately up to 30% off DIFC course fees.
* NCUK IFY exams are benchmarked to A levels and the English for Academic Purposes module (EAP) is recognised by all university partners as an IELTS equivalent.
* NCUK IFY exams are equivalent to A levels but students have a better chance of a place at University.
* 10,000 students have completed these courses and transferred to university.
* NCUK Graduate Diploma prepares degree or diploma holders to achieve their full potential on a postgraduate course.