International Pre-Master's in Business (IPMB)
The International Pre-Master's in Business (IPMB) prepares graduates and mid-career professionals for postgraduate study in business. It covers academic writing, quantitative reasoning, strategy fundamentals and research design, providing a bridge into the Level 7 Diploma in Business Management and, ultimately, MBA Top-up routes with UK universities.
Who this course is for
Working professionals, managers and graduates aiming at senior leadership roles who want a UK-regulated postgraduate route delivered locally, without relocating.
What you'll study
- Academic writing and critical reading for business
- Quantitative methods and data interpretation
- Foundations of strategy and marketing
- Organisational behaviour and leadership
- Postgraduate research design and ethics
Indicative module set. Exact unit list, order and options follow the NCC Education specification for this qualification.
Entry requirements
A UK Bachelor's degree (or recognised equivalent), plus 2+ years of relevant professional experience. English at CEFR B2+ (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent). Applicants without a Bachelor's may be considered on a case-by-case basis with strong professional evidence.
Duration & study mode
12–18 months. Blended on-campus and online sessions with dedicated dissertation supervision.
Assessment
Coursework-led assessment through applied assignments, portfolio work and case studies. Internally marked at Instituto Sapiência and externally verified by NCC Education (UK). Where relevant, the awarding university sets and marks the final-year project.
Career outcomes
Management and strategy roles — programme manager, business consultant, operations lead — with a clear progression route into MBA Top-up.
Progression
The full ladder ends at a UK Top-up Bachelor's degree (BSc / BEng) or, on the postgraduate route, at the MBA Top-up with a UK partner university.
Awarding body
Awarded by NCC Education. Instituto Sapiência is an NCC Education Accredited Satellite Centre.