This page contains information about:

• general entry requirements for most courses
• training for postgraduate courses (including master degrees, MBAs and research programmes)
• medical careers
• master of Business Administration - MBAs
• required knowledge of English

General entry requirements for most courses

Q
What are the entry requirements for most courses?

A
Portuguese students who hold or are close to completing a licentiate degree (licenciatura) can apply for taught courses or research programmes. Holders of a 'bacharelato' degree can apply for Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas, and, from there, for a Master degree. We advise holders of 'bacharelato' degrees to confirm with institutions if they can apply for a Master degree. Students who wish to change their study area can apply for 'Conversion Master' courses and they should always confirm with the institutions which are the best opportunities for their own specific circumstances.

We emphasise the fact that institutions are ultimately responsible for the decision on entry requirements, and to ascertain if students meet the entry requirements. If in doubt, candidates should contact the institution to know if their qualifications and professional experience are sufficient.

Training for postgraduate courses (including master degrees, MBAs and research)

Q
Are there preparatory courses for postgraduate study in the UK?

A
If you wish to apply for postgraduate courses, master or research degrees, you may consider to undertake preliminary study in your chosen study area, attend English classes and/or research skills classes. This additional preparation may be achieved through 'Postgraduate Foundation Studies programmes', 'Masters Qualifying Programmes', 'Pre-Masters' or 'Pre-MBA programmes', which are taught at higher education institutions or schools of English. You may obtain further information on English language courses at EducationUK/English searching for English for Academic Purposes – EAP. Find out more about British Council accredited courses in the UK. You may also contact the institutions delivering your chosen course and find out if they offer preparation courses.

Medical careers

Q
What is the structure of a medical career?

A
Read the chart Modernising Medical Careers. Training is divided into three phases:

1. Degree in medical sciences – 5 years
2. Foundation Programmes - http://www.mmc.nhs.uk/pages/foundation
   2.1) Foundation Year 1 (F1) – 1 year (includes enrolment in the General Medical Council – GMC)
   2.2) Foundation Year 2 (F2) – 1 year
3. Specialist/General:
   Specialist field (run-through training) – (includes Certificate of Completion of Training – CCT)
   or
   General Practice GP – 3 years

For information on how to access specialties in the field of medicine please consult the National Advice Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education webpage.

We recommend that you read 'Medicine', one of the the British Council Education information sheets.

We also recommend the following websites:

• 'General Medical Council – GMC':
  GMC Enrolment for EU and non-EU students
  Training
  Specialty medical schools and useful links
• 'Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB)'
• 'Modernising Medical Careers'
• 'Modernising Medical Careers' – FAQs

Master of Business Administration (MBAs)

Q
Do MBAs offered in the UK have a good reputation?

A
The UK's strong reputation in the world of business has boosted the excellence of MBAs available, making this qualification renowned worldwide. You should ask the institutions if the entry requirements for these programmes include prior professional experience.

There is a large offer of courses and learning modes: you can attend a general MBA or one focused on your particular professional field, such as a specialist MBA in international business, finance, sport, leisure or IT . The qualification can be studied in full or part-time, in modules or by distance learning. After the MBA, you may proceed to a DBA – Doctorate in Business Administrator (3 years).

Find out more by consulting the British Council Education information sheet 'MBA' and by visiting the websites of the Association of Business Schools, Association of MBAs and Hobsons' MBA.

Required knowledge of English

Q
Will I have to take an English exam?

A
Institutions may require from candidates a minimum grade on the English exam IELTS – International English Language Testing System, which can be taken every month at the British Council. You can find information on prices, dates and preparation courses on our IELTS webpage. The level of English required by the institutions of your choice should be indicated in their websites.

You should ask the institution whether the result of the exam should be sent at the time of the application or if you can take the exam later, which will give you more time to prepare.