The University of Newcastle College of International Education (CIE) is the official pathway provider within the University of Newcastle system in Australia. It offers preparatory programs that help international students transition into postgraduate degrees at the University. The Pre-Master’s Program in Information Technology is one such pathway designed to help students gain academic and English readiness before entering a full Master’s degree, while also earning credit toward that degree.

 

Why Study the Pre-Master’s Program – Information Technology?

• Smooth progression into postgraduate IT study with credit for master’s level subjects you complete.
• Flexible entry and English requirements — especially useful if your undergraduate degree or language skills are just below direct Master’s entry.
• Development of academic study skills and confidence needed for university-level postgraduate coursework.
• Direct entry into Trimester 2 of a Master’s, accelerating your study timeline.
• Career-focused subject exposure—industry-relevant IT topics that prepare you for professional roles post-graduation.

 

Subjects / Programme Structure

The program is structured into two trimesters, with subjects tailored to prepare you for postgraduate IT coursework:

Trimester 1 – Bridging Courses (Non-Credit)

These build academic and study foundations:

• Academic English A

• Critical Thinking for Postgraduate Studies

• Intercultural Studies

• Quantitative Skills for Postgraduate Studies

• Study and Research Skills

Trimester 2 – English + Credit Courses

You then take:

• Academic English B

• Three credit-bearing master’s level courses, chosen based on your intended Master’s program

Possible credit courses include (chosen depending on major):

• GSBS6001 Managing Under Uncertainty

• SENG6110 Object Oriented Programming

• INFT6304 Project Planning and Management

• INFO6050 Process Analysis and Problem Solving

• INFO6001 Database Management 1

• INFO6030 Systems Analysis & Design

• INFT6201 Big Data

• INFO6090 Business Intelligence for the Enterprise

 

Disciplines & Master’s Progression

Upon successful completion, you can progress into the second trimester of the following Master’s degrees at the University of Newcastle:

• Master of Cyber Security
• Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Master of Information Technology (Business Analytics)
• Master of Information Technology (Management Information Systems)
• Master of Information Technology (no specialisation)

 

Highlights & Benefits

• Credit gain: Earn 30 Master’s credit points before starting your full postgraduate coursework.
• Bridging support: Extra English and study skills prep reduce pressure when starting postgraduate subjects.
• Flexible pathway: Helps students who just miss direct entry requirements to still achieve advanced IT credentials.
• Industry relevance: Subjects like systems analysis, big data, and project planning align with real-world IT roles.

 

Career Outcomes

After completing a Master’s following this pathway, graduates often pursue careers such as:

• Business Analyst
• Database Developer
• Project Manager
• Systems Analyst
• Web Developer
• Software Developer

 

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study this on-campus program. Requirements typically include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Proof of sufficient funds for tuition + living costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Valid passport and academic documentation

 

Latest Updates & Notes

• Intakes are available in January, May and August each year.
• Successful completion gives direct entry into Trimester 2 of your chosen Master’s without needing additional English tests at progression.
• An accelerated 4-month version also exists for students with stronger academic and English backgrounds (not covered above but available).