The University of Newcastle College of International Education (often abbreviated CIE) is the official international pathway provider linked with the University of Newcastle in Australia. CIE offers Pathway and Pre-Master’s programs that help students prepare academically and linguistically for postgraduate degrees at the University of Newcastle. The accelerated Pre-Master’s pathway is designed for students with above-minimum academic or English proficiency and fast-tracks them into master’s level study.

 

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

• Accelerated entry into postgraduate study: You study only one trimester (about 4 months) before progressing into the second trimester of your chosen master’s degree, saving time compared to the standard 8-month pathway.
• Credit for Master’s subjects: You complete three master’s level courses plus Academic English, and receive 30 credit points toward your master’s program — so you enter your degree with credit.
• Flexible and supportive: The program is tailored to build academic rigour and English language skills in a “Master’s environment”.
• Direct progression without a separate English test: After completion, you move into your degree without needing an extra IELTS/PTE test at the time of progression.

 

Subjects / Programme Structure

Core Components

• Academic English B – prepares you for postgraduate academic communication.
• Three credit-bearing master’s courses from a set that aligns with your chosen master’s program.

 

Typical Credit-Bearing Courses Offered

Students choose three of the following (dependent on the master’s degree they intend to pursue):

• 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 & Progression Options

After successfully completing the accelerated Pre-Master’s Program, you enter your master’s degree in the second trimester of the following programs:

• Master of Cyber Security (0100135)
• Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (116512A)
• Master of Information Technology (Business Analytics) (083517F)
• Master of Information Technology (Management Information Systems) (083517F)
• Master of Information Technology (no specialisation) (083517F)

 

Highlights & Benefits

• Fast progression: Finish preparatory study in ~4 months and begin master’s level coursework immediately.
• Credit earned: You gain 30 credit points, which shortens overall time to degree completion.
• Focused IT preparation: Tailored IT postgraduate subjects help you enter your master’s with confidence.
• Supportive environment: Extra academic English and study support help with transition into postgraduate learning.

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates completing one of the linked master’s degrees after this pathway can pursue careers such as:

• Business Analyst
• Database Developer
• Project Manager (IT)
• Systems Analyst
• Web Developer
• Software Developer
• Data Analyst
• Cyber Security Specialist

 

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study on campus. Typical visa requirements include:

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

 

Latest Updates & Notes

• This accelerated Pre-Master’s pathway has three intakes per year — January, May, and August — giving flexibility for international planning.
• On completion, you enter directly into the second trimester of a University of Newcastle Master’s degree without needing an additional English test at progression.