Pathway Programmes for International Students in Galway, Ireland
Pathway Programmes
If you're planning to study for a degree or master's in Ireland but need to strengthen your English, your academic skills, or both before you start, a pathway programme is the route in.
At Galway Business School we run two full-time pathways, a University Foundation Programme for undergraduate entry, and a Pre-Masters Programme for postgraduate entry, delivered jointly with our English language school, Galway Cultural Institute, on the same campus in Salthill.
Both programmes are designed for international students. You'll finish the year ready to progress to a bachelor's at Galway Business School, or to apply to other Irish higher education institutions.
University Foundation Programme
A one-year programme combining IELTS preparation with foundation-level study in Business, Science or Engineering. Progress to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree.
A one-year programme preparing graduates for entry to a taught master's degree. Focused on academic writing, research skills, business content and IELTS preparation.
Courses
Courses
University Foundation
University Foundation
Undergraduate Foundation Programme offers English language classes with subject specific knowledge in the streams of Business, Science or Engineering.
From €8,500
Read morePre-Masters
Pre-Masters
This programme is designed to offer the maximum support to students to achieve the skills to study at master's level.
From €8,500
Read moreWhat is a Pathway programmes?
A pathway programme is a one-year preparatory course for international students who don't yet meet the direct entry requirements for an Irish degree or master's. It bridges three gaps at once: English proficiency, academic skills such as essay writing, referencing and critical reading, and subject knowledge in your chosen field.
Unlike a degree, a pathway programme doesn't end with a qualification you take into employment. It ends with you ready to start your degree. Think of it as the year that makes the next three or four years possible.
Our pathway programmes are non-award preparatory provision. They don't sit on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and don't lead to a QQI award. You leave with a Galway Business School certificate of completion and the preparation you need to progress onto a degree or master's and it's that degree or master's that carries the NFQ-aligned qualification.
Why study your Pathway at Galway Business School?
One campus, two schools
Galway Business School is a QQI-validated higher education provider. Galway Cultural Institute, our English language school, is ACELS-recognised and a member of IALC and EAQUALS. Running both under one roof means your English tuition and your academic tuition are coordinated by staff who know each other's work, which matters when you're building toward an IELTS result and a degree application at the same time.
Small classes, proper attention
Our pathway cohorts are deliberately small. You'll know your lecturers by name, and they'll know where you're struggling before it becomes a problem.
A real progression route
On successful completion, you're eligible to progress directly to an undergraduate or master's programme at Galway Business School. You may also apply to other Irish institutions using your pathway results.
Galway is a good place to be a student
Salthill is on the edge of the city, ten minutes from the promenade and a short walk from our host family accommodation network and our student residence. It's one of the most visited places in Ireland and a genuinely welcoming one.