Pre-Sessional

Your Pathway to University

Improve your English language skills whilst developing social and inter-cultural skills.Master academic protocols in written and verbal communication, including the indispensable academic skills of referencing correctly, drawing up bibliographies and presenting new research.

By the end of this course, you will have gained the knowledge, skills and confidence to commence your DCU studies.

  • Duration

    5 or 10 weeks

  • Workload

    20 hours per week

  • Intake

    8th June or 13th July 2026

  • Location

    Dublin, Ireland (in-person)

  • Fees

    €3,300 + €110 Registration Fee (10 weeks) /
    €1,700 + €110 Registration Fee (5 weeks)

Summer Programme 2026

This programme will prepare and equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in undergraduate or postgraduate study.
  • A supportive learning environment in which you will systematically analyse and master the features (grammar, structures and register) of Academic English.
  • The chance to study alongside other international students and build a study network, either within your own discipline or branching out into other fields.
  • The confidence, critical skills and analytical tools needed to study on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
  • An understanding of academic conventions and codes of conduct, covering such topics as originality in research produced, citation and other methods of attribution.
  • Those who want to master the specific linguistic requirements associated with academia.
  • Anyone who is about to enter third-level education and who need to master the invaluable conventions, structures and register of Academic English.
  •    Orientation and introduction to DCU 
  •    Course materials
  •    Welcome Pack
  •    Guided self-study time
  •    Course certificate

Study at a top ranked university in Ireland for international students

DCU ranks among the world's top young universities (QS and THE rankings) and has one of the best graduate employability records of all Irish universities.

Entry Requirements

10 weeks 5 weeks
General Entry
  • IELTS 6.0 with no skill less than 5.5
  • PTE Academic: Overall 46 with no skill less than 36.
  • IELTS 6.5 with up to 2 skills less than 6.0 but no skill less than 5.5
  • PTE Academic 56 with up to 2 skills less than 46 but no skill less than
    36.
Business School / School of Communications (PG)
  • IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in Speaking and Writing and 5.5 in Listening and reading.
  • PTE Academic 46 in speaking and writing and 36 in listening and reading.
  • IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in Speaking and Writing and 5.5 in Listening and reading.
  • PTE Academic overall 56 with a 46 in speaking and writing and a 36 in listening and reading.
DC615 : MA in Translation Studies
  • IELTS Overall Score of 6.5  with a minimum score of 6.0 in 2 components
  • PTE Academic overall score 56 with a minimum of 46 in 2 components.
  • IELTS Overall Score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in all components
  • PTE Academic overall score of 56 with a minimum of 46 in all components.
Qualification Duolingo
Pre-Sessional
10 weeks: DET 110 with no skill less than 100
5 weeks: DET 115 with no skill less than 105
Are you still unsure about our academic & English language entry requirements?
We will be glad to assist you.

Student Life & Activities

At DCU, we know that students participating in extracurricular activities experience a more fulfilling university life.

We encourage you to join events, clubs and societies to get involved in the vibrant student life.

Are you still unsure about your application?

Contact an advisor, we will be glad to help you out.

Accommodation Options

Make the most of your experience while staying in Ireland. See our range of accommodation options for international students and begin your experience of studying in Dublin at these ideal locations.

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