The University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) is the official pathway provider for international students targeting postgraduate degrees at the University of Newcastle. The Pre-Master’s Program (Business) is a specialised pathway that helps students gain the academic skills, English language proficiency, and foundational business knowledge needed for successful entry into a range of Master’s degrees at the University of Newcastle without additional English tests for progression.

 

Why Study the Pre-Master’s Program (Business)?

• Direct entry to Master’s Trimester 2: After completing the Pre-Master’s Program, you may enter the second trimester of your chosen Master’s degree with credit for up to 30 points.
• Bridging trimester support: The program provides academic language, research skills, and quantitative skills to ease your transition into postgraduate study.
• Flexible and supportive: The pathway has flexible entry and English requirements compared to direct Master’s entry.
• Accelerated progression: With the Pre-Master’s (8-month) or Accelerated (4-month) options, you can reduce the time it takes to complete a Master’s degree if an accelerated variant is suitable.
• Recognised business ranking: Newcastle’s business and

 

Subjects / Programme Structure

Trimester 1 — Bridging Semester (non-credit)

Designed to build academic, research and English language skills before starting master’s coursework:

• Academic English A

• Critical Thinking for Postgraduate Studies

• Intercultural Studies

• Quantitative Skills for Postgraduate Studies

• Study and Research Skills

 

Trimester 2 — Pre-Master’s (credit-bearing)

Includes Academic English B plus three master’s level courses chosen based on your intended master’s program. Options include (depending on your degree):

• 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 Offered

This Pre-Master’s pathway supports progression into a broad suite of University of Newcastle postgraduate business degrees, such as:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) (various streams)

• Master of Professional Accounting

• Master of International Business

• Master of Marketing and Digital Strategy

• Master of Human Resource Management

• Master of Applied Finance

• and related business/management postgraduate qualifications

 

Highlights & Benefits

• Flexible entry pathways support students who may not meet direct master’s requirements.
• Academic and English support enhances study readiness for postgraduate coursework.
• Credit for university subjects accelerates your master’s completion timeline.
• Multiple business disciplines available post-completion.
• Available in Newcastle City Campus (NUspace) — a vibrant student environment.

 

Career Outcomes

Completing a master’s degree after this pathway can prepare you for leadership and specialist careers in:

• Business Management
• Marketing & Digital Strategy
• Finance & Banking
• Human Resource Management
• Consulting & Strategic Planning
• International Business & Trade

 

Visa Requirements

International students must apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study this on-campus pathway. Typical visa requirements include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the program
• Proof of sufficient funds (tuition + living expenses)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Valid passport and supporting academic records

 

Latest Notes & Updates

• The Pre-Master’s Program has three annual intakes — January, May and August — giving flexibility for international planning.
• The accelerated option is suitable for candidates with stronger academic and English profiles, reducing pathway time from 8 to 4 months.
• Completion gives you 30 credit points toward many UoN master’s degrees, allowing entry into Trimester 2.