International Medical Commencement Programme (IMCP)

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).

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.