Cork University Business School

Introduction
Admissions
Visa Requirements
Locations
Programs

Introduction

Welcome to the Cork University Business School (CUBS) at University College Cork (UCC). At Cork University Business School we are not just a business school; we provide an approach to life in business and to the direct application of learning in the knowledge-based economy – we are a school that is ideal for study, research, and industry-led work integration.

University College Cork is ranked in the top 1.1% of universities in the world. It is Ireland’s leading institution for the delivery of research impact and the top Irish institution for highly cited researchers. We are the leading global university for sustainability and the Irish university with the highest level of industry collaboration.

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) supports UCC’s vibrant community of diverse and independent thought leaders in the delivery of broad-ranging transformative impacts across key areas of social, economic, cultural, and environmental importance. Through the lens of the UN Sustainability Development Goals, UCC researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs are driving real-world impacts that directly address current and emerging societal needs, including some of the most pressing global grand challenges of our time.

In 2021, UCC radically transformed its research and innovation approach, launching the UCC Futures Framework which focuses on ten interdisciplinary themes across the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. Here, talented researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs mine the frontiers of curiosity and inquiry at the very intersection of disciplines. UCC Futures provides the framework that encourages novel strategic partnerships and supports those partners to think differently. This holistic approach integrates disciplines across learning and teaching, research, knowledge exchange, and commercialization. It results in the generation of robust, implementable, and translational solutions of impact and value, the need for which has never been greater.

The OVPRI is further committed to supporting the delivery of equitable and sustainable research within the context of engaged and open practice across the entire research and innovation ecosystem. Our aim is for UCC to be the leading Irish University for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship based on a reputation for discovery, critical thinking, research integrity, and sustainability – a place where our students are taught by global research leaders within a research-informed curriculum. UCC’s entrepreneurial campus provides students, graduates, and staff with the ecosystem, support, and expertise to create successful new ventures that develop products and services of benefit to society.

In 2024, we launch our Research Charter which will define the core principles, culture, and values that support our researchers in creating, and in securing, the future through excellence in research. UCC’s Research Charter will enable and amplify curiosity, creativity, diversity, and excellence. It will value research and researchers - from individuals to groups of all sizes - across the disciplines, continuing to define the frontiers of knowledge that will secure an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future for us all.

UCC researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs are already making a difference. The OVPRI team is here to inspire, engage, and enable our research and innovation community to create the future. We marry knowledge with a creative and supportive environment to enhance, expand, and translate the unlimited curiosity, vision, and passion of the research and innovation community at UCC.

Student Life

Campus life is an exciting, ever-changing mix of activities, opportunities, and possibilities. With more than 8 societies within the Cork University Business School, and over 61 clubs across the university, you will develop close ties with people in your own program, across the business school departments as well as students and individuals from other parts of the university.

Accommodation

UCC provides high-quality student campus accommodation. By living together and sharing experiences with others from different parts of Ireland and the world, our students learn and develop in ways that complement the formal learning that takes place within the chosen course of study.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary activity initiated by an institution that requires a rigorous self-evaluation and an independent, objective appraisal of the overall educational quality by peers. Accreditation emphasizes quality assurance and a commitment to continuous quality improvement and helps determine if an institution meets or exceeds minimum standards of quality. UCC has over 100 programs that are reviewed for academic accreditation by external bodies. This accreditation results in full or part accreditation including:

Professional body accreditation

Statutory body accreditation

Programme fully recognized for exemptions in subsequent professional examinations

Programme recognized for partial exemptions in subsequent professional examinations

Recognised for entry to subsequent professional examinations

These programs require a combination of some of the following types of reviews: desk review, self-evaluation, site visit, criteria review, and review by International/peer experts.

Professional and Statutory body accreditation is another indication of the quality of UCC program offerings.

Admissions

Recognised Tests

Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in the English Language, through their school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard (there may be higher levels for matriculation and/or particular programs in individual institutions) in a recognized English language test, as specified below (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only):

Duolingo English Test (DET)

For 2021 a minimum score of 110 is required with at least 100 in each subscore. This test of English will be reviewed during 2021 and a decision was taken as to whether it should continue to be acceptable.

Please note: Applicants scoring DET 110 or 115 will be required to sit a UCC Language Centre Skills Check before receiving an offer.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Internet-based test: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Written test: A minimum score of 600 administered by Princeton University, with Test of Written English at 475+.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic

An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.00 in each band.

University of Cambridge:

176+ on the Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English i.e.Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
First Certificate, Grade A (CEFR Level C1)
English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP):
With grade C1 or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)

UK Examining Boards/Bodies

GCE O Level English Language at Grade C or above
GCSE English Language at Grade C or above
GCSE English Literature at Grade C or above
CSE Grade 1 Pass in English

The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES)

With English at grade C or above (incorporating the Oxford Examining Body’s English as a Foreign Language (Higher Paper)

EU Countries’ Matriculation Examination

Matriculation Examinations from European Countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved. Where the examination has been taken more than 2 years previously candidates may be required to take a proficiency test. Where an English proficiency test that is scored on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is presented as part of a school-leaving qualification, the grade must be C1/C2.

Pearson English language test (PTE Academic):

Minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)

Trinity ISE

Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category

QQI FET ESL

Merit in the module “English as a Second Language” or “Communications” (level 5)

Or an equivalent level of English in a recognized examination

Proficiency tests are used to meet entry requirements but do not count towards points scores. For all proficiency tests the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your course (i.e. for entry in September 2021, only results attained since 1 February 2019 will be accepted).

Note: Where an applicant shows evidence of hearing impairment that meets the requirements for access, the English language requirements can be met without the hearing and speaking components.

Minimum Requirements

The minimum English language entry requirements for admission to a postgraduate program at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.

There are a small number of programs with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Program with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.

Cambridge Examinations
Duolingo English Test (DET)
IELCA International English Language Competency Assessment
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
LanguageCert International (ESOL)
LinguaSkill General
Occupational English Test
Oxford Test of English
Pearson English Language Tests (PTE)
PSI Skills for English: SELT
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT). (Note UCC does not accept the Home Edition)
UCC English Language Centre

Visa Requirements

Additional Requirements for Unaccompanied Students under 18 years of age

All applicants must normally have reached 17 years of age by the 15th of January of the year following entry to UCC.

According to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, INIS, unaccompanied students who are under 18 years of age must supply the following additional documentation;

Birth Certificate- to be submitted with the application.
Consent of parent/legal guardian- both parents/legal guardians must consent (in a notarised document) to the child coming to Ireland for study purposes and to the appointed legal guardian of the unaccompanied child student during the child's stay in Ireland.
Copies of the biometric page of the parents/legal guardians' passports or national identity cards showing their signature.
Accommodation and vetting certificate of where the unaccompanied student will stay. Where the student is under 18 years old, clearance from the Garda Síochána must be obtained with respect to where the student is living

It should be noted that these immigration requirements may be subject to change, and incoming students should consult the INIS website for up-to-date information.

Third Level Graduate Visa- 1G Visa

What is it?

Since 2007 students graduating from third-level institutions in Ireland may apply for the Third Level Scheme. The student may be issued with permission to remain in Ireland for up to 24 months working or searching for work. No work permit is required when availing of the Third Level Graduate Scheme often referred to as the Graduate visa.

When can I apply?

You are only eligible to apply for the 1G visa once you have received the final and official results for your course. A statement of final results can be obtained from the Office of Exams and Records. There is no need for a transcript.

The exception to this rule is if you are a PhD student, have submitted your thesis and are working on final corrections. In this instance, you are eligible to apply for the 1G visa.

How do I apply?

You must email immigration and request an appointment. Be aware that current wait times for appointments are up to 9 weeks. We can not expedite the appointment for you.

While you await your appointment you can not work full-time unless it is outside of term time and your IRP card is still valid. We also advise against travelling outside the country and attempting to re-enter unless you have a valid IRP card or a valid multiple-entry visa.

These are the documents that you need to have with you.

Where can I find more information?

Full details are available on the Irish immigration website.

Multiple Entry/Re-Entry Visa

No longer required, as of 13th May 2019.

Important Notice for all Indian Passport holders -Update 28 May 2019

Transit Visa

If you are travelling through other countries before arriving in Ireland please check if a transit visa is required.

Schengen/Euro Visa

The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 countries that have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens within this area as a single country. Ireland is not a member. Schengen Visa is the document issued by the appropriate authorities to the interested party for visiting/travelling to and within the Schengen Area.

UK Visa

Unlike Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland is not part of the UK and separate visa and immigration requirements apply if you wish to travel to the UK and NI.

Exam Visa

A short-stay exam visa allows you to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days to sit an exam that is necessary for your current employment or course of study, subject to the conditions below. All short-stay visas are also called ‘C’ visas.