The International Medical Commencement Programme (IMCP), jointly delivered by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Institute of Technology Tralee, has been successfully accredited by the National University of Ireland as a Certificate in Biomedical Sciences, Special Purpose Award.

The IMCP is an integrated, streamlined and innovative approach to the provision of health sciences education for international students. It is designed to enhance the technical language and communication skills of those international students whose first language is not English. In addition, the programme has been specifically tailored to provide students with the appropriate knowledge in science as well as attitudes, including cultural awareness and skills for entry into the RCSI undergraduate programmes in medicine, pharmacy and physiotherapy.

Dr Marmion, Vice Dean and Director of the Foundation Year and International Medical Commencement Programmes, stated: "The IMCP is a truly successful collaboration between the RCSI and IT Tralee at a time when the HEA is calling for more collaborative initiatives across the third level sector. NUI accreditation validates the quality of the programme and widens the potential to attract students from new recruitment markets'.

Approximately 65 students will receive their Certificates in Biomedical Science this year and make the successful transition from the IMCP to the RCSI in October 2012 to study medicine, pharmacy or physiotherapy.