The Pre-Master’s Program Business at the University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) is a postgraduate pathway for international students who need additional academic preparation before entering a University of Newcastle master’s degree. Successful completion gives students 30 credit points toward the chosen postgraduate degree and allows them to progress directly into the second trimester of that master’s program.

Key benefits include:

• Direct pathway into a range of University of Newcastle master’s degrees.
• 30 credit points toward the chosen master’s degree.
• Academic English and postgraduate study preparation.
• Development of critical thinking, research, quantitative and communication skills.
• Students begin master’s-level subjects during the second trimester of the pathway.
• Students can progress into the second trimester of their chosen master’s degree after successful completion, without needing to provide additional English-test results to the University when transitioning.
• The two-trimester structure adds approximately four months to the overall master's study period compared with starting the master’s directly, according to CIE.
• Flexible entry and English-language requirements compared with direct master’s admission.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard program consists of two trimesters.

Trimester 1: Five core bridging courses, all non-credit-bearing:

• Academic English A
• Critical Thinking for Postgraduate Studies
• Intercultural Studies
• Quantitative Skills for Postgraduate Studies
• Study and Research Skills.

This trimester focuses on academic English, postgraduate study skills, research, critical thinking, quantitative skills and intercultural learning.

Trimester 2:

• Academic English B
• Three credit-bearing courses selected according to the student's chosen master's degree.

The possible directed credit-bearing courses currently listed by CIE include:

• GMBA6003 Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship
• GMBA6004 Leading & Managing People
• GMBA6005 Twenty First Century Marketing Management
• GMBA6006 Global Financial Management
• GSBS6001 Managing Under Uncertainty
• GSBS6002 Foundations of Business Analysis
• GSBS6003 Globalisation
• GSBS6004 Organisational Behaviour and Design
• GSBS6005 Marketing Management and Planning
• GSBS6006 Employment Relations in Globalised Economies
• GSBS6009 Cross-Cultural Management
• GSBS6012 Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• GSBS6014 Digital Marketing
• GSBS6040 Human Resource Management
• GSBS6200 Financial and Management Accounting
• PACC6000 Financial Accounting 1
• PACC6001 Management Accounting
• PACC6003 Corporate Finance
• PACC6007 Economics
• PACC6008 Business Decision Making.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Pre-Master’s Program Business itself does not have separate formal specialisations. Instead, the selected three credit-bearing subjects are matched to the student's intended master’s pathway.

Current progression options include:

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration (Global)
• Master of Business Administration / Master of Fintech
• Master of Business Administration / Master of Human Resource Management
• Master of Business Administration / Master of International Business
• Master of Business Administration / Master of Marketing and Digital Strategy
• Master of Fintech
• Master of Fintech (Advanced)
• Master of Health Management and Policy
• Master of Health Management and Policy (Global)
• Master of Health Management and Policy / Master of Business Administration
• Master of Human Resource Management
• Master of International Business
• Master of Marketing and Digital Strategy
• Master of Professional Accounting
• Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced)
• Master of Professional Accounting / Master of Business Administration.

Programme Highlights

• Program: Pre-Master’s Program Business
• CRICOS code: 104612G
• Duration: 8 months
• Structure: 2 trimesters
• 9 courses in the current fee schedule
• 30 credit points toward the selected master's degree
• Intakes: January, May and August
• Campus: Newcastle City Campus (NUspace)
• Current program fee: AUD 39,780
• Direct progression to the second trimester of the selected master’s degree after successful completion.

Career Outcomes

The Pre-Master’s Program itself is a pathway rather than the final professional qualification, so career outcomes depend on the master's degree subsequently completed.

Potential career directions therefore vary according to the selected postgraduate pathway. For example:

• MBA pathways can lead toward business consulting, entrepreneurship, financial advisory, marketing management, operations management and senior business leadership.
• International Business pathways can lead toward business development, international trade, consulting and multinational-company roles.
• Human Resource Management pathways can lead toward HR advisory and management positions.
• Marketing and Digital Strategy pathways can lead toward marketing strategy, brand management, digital marketing and marketing communications.
• Professional Accounting pathways can lead toward accounting, auditing, financial analysis and related professional roles.
• Fintech pathways can lead toward finance, financial technology, investment and technology-enabled financial services.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current CIE program page lists:

• Program fee: AUD 39,780
• CRICOS: 104612G
• Duration: 2 trimesters / 8 months
• Intakes: January, May and August
• Location: Newcastle City Campus (NUspace)
• 30 credit points toward the chosen postgraduate degree.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, applicants must:

• Apply online in or outside Australia.
• Be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
• Provide a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Hold adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless exempt.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Hold a valid passport.
• Meet any applicable financial-capacity and English-language evidence requirements.
• Sign the Australian Values Statement if aged 18 or over.