The IMCP is an undergraduate pathway programme preparing sponsored international students for Health Science education in Ireland.
This integrated, streamlined and innovative programme will prepare you for study in the fields of Medicine, Nursing, Podiatric Medicine, Occupational Therapy or Speech & Language Therapy
Since 2009, over 1,600 International Medical Commencement Programme alumni are now continuing their studies in their chosen University or have completed their degrees and are now practicing in their chosen medical field.
The IMCP is devised by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and Munster Technological University (MTU). Castel Education deliver the IMCP on campus at MTU, Kerry. The IMCP is accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) and leads to the award of the Certificate in Biomedical Sciences (Special Purpose Award; NFQ Level 6 equating to 30 ECTS).
About the IMCP
MTU provide the teaching infrastructure – the MTU campus, library services, virtual learning environment, administration of exams and elements of academic teaching and Castel Education provide the English language teaching (ACELS & EAQUALS accredited) and a range of non-academic support services for the students including, pre-arrival assistance, airport pick-up, accommodation services, health and wellbeing, out of hours emergency contact, meet & greet and orientation into Irish life & culture through a range of extracurricular activities.
RCSI oversees the programme through regular executive and operational meetings, leads the programme validation processes and RCSI lecturers also deliver scientific academic content.
Unlike most pre-university foundation programmes, the IMCP is described as a Pathway Programme as each seat on the IMCP is linked to a seat in a respective university course. This provides guaranteed progression to all students who successfully meet the progression requirements of the programme.
The IMCP lasts two semesters (September-December & January-May). Students will study up to 25 hours per week.
Students will study a range of subjects to prepare them for their careers in the Medical and Allied Healthcare sector. This will include subjects relating to their chosen healthcare profession. Detailed course information is provided an Academic Course Handbook which is available online to students who register for the programme.
More information on the modules can also be found below.
Exams are held at the end of each semester with one Continuous Assessment in each module during semester I & II. Continuous Assessments in Scientific Modules are worth 30% and the end of semester exam is worth 70%.
Students are obliged to take IELTS at the end of Semester I & II until they meet their exit requirement.
Marks and Standards are approved by RCSI Academic Council/Medicine and Health Sciences Board annually.
RCSI nominates external examiners for English language modules and Science modules.
On completion of the IMCP students can progress to one of the following degrees:
- Medicine
- 6-year degree at RCSI
- 6-year degree at the University of Galway
- Nursing
- 4-year degree at the University of Galway or MTU, Tralee
- Podiatric Medicine
- 4-year degree at the University of Galway
- Occupational Therapy
- 4-year degree at the University of Galway
- Speech and Language Therapy
- 4-year degree at the University of Galway
Students are guaranteed progression on successful completion of the IMCP.
Exit Requirements for Progression to Destination University is a minimum 50% Pass Grade of all IMCP Modules and an IELTS of 6.5 overall with no component less than 6.5 for UOG Medicine and an IELTS of 6.5 overall with no component less than 6.0 all other destination programmes.
Applications from sponsored students are processed by the relevant ministries in their home countries.
In order to be considered for a place on the International Medical Commencement Programme as a sponsored student you need to ensure:
- You have been offered a scholarship by the Ministry of Higher Education in your home country.
- The scholarship entitles you to study Medicine at RCSI or Medicine/Podiatric Medicine/Occupational Therapy/Speech & Language Therapy/Nursing at University of Galway or Nursing at MTU. If you are eligible for one of the above scholarships, the ministry will forward your papers directly to Castel Education for review.
IMCP Modules
*Electives
**All students will be assigned to English for Academic Purposes 1 or 2 based on language proficiency.
| Semester | Module Code | Module Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PSIO61004 | Human Physiology 1 |
| 1 | BIOL61006 | Introduction to Human Biology 1 |
| 1 | CHEM61008 | Introduction to General Chemistry 1 |
| 1 | HLTH61016 | Health and Wellbeing* |
| 1 | COMM61050 | Intercultural Communication* |
| 1 | EDUC61026 | Learning at University* |
| 1 | PHYS61001 | Introduction to General Physics 1 |
| 1 | N/A | IELTS/ English for Medical Studies |
| 2 | PSIO61005 | Human Physiology 2 |
| 2 | BIOL61007 | Introduction to Human Biology 2 |
| 2 | CHEM61009 | Introduction to General Chemistry 2 |
| 2 | ENGL61007 | English for Academic Purposes 1** |
| 2 | ENGL61008 | English for Academic Purposes 2** |
| 2 | PHYS61002 | Introduction to General Physics 2 |
| 2 | N/A | IELTS/ English for Medical Studies |